Top Tesla News of the Week [Video]

April 28, 2023

By Not a Tesla App Staff

Not a Tesla App - Top news of the week

Join us as we take a look back at this week's top Tesla stories. From improvements to emergency braking to low mode regenerative braking, we've got you covered. So sit back, relax, and get ready to dive into the week's most talked-about topics.

View our week in review video below or scroll through the top stories of the week.

Tesla's 'Automatic Emergency Braking' Now Works in Reverse and at Speeds Over 100 MPH

Tesla's Automatic Emergency Braking now works in reverse and at higher speeds

Tesla (Edited by NATA)

Tesla has made some subtle but significant changes to its owner's manual for the 2023.12 software update, revealing improvements to the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system. These changes include the ability for AEB to function while the vehicle is in reverse and an increased operational speed range. The latest improvements reflect Tesla's continued commitment to enhancing the safety and performance of its vehicles.

Thanks to a reader named Randall, who brought the changes to our attention. The latest 2023.12 software update includes these improvements outlined in the updated Tesla owner's manual. Previously, the manual described AEB as being designed to reduce the impact of frontal collisions. But, as of the 2023.12 owner's manual, which was released a couple days ago, … Read More

Tesla Upgrades Automatic Emergency Braking to React to Perpendicular Dangers

Tesla has made improvements to automatic emergency braking

Tesla

Tesla has introduced notable upgrades to its Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system in a recent FSD Beta update. Initially, FSD Beta 11.3, which only went out to Tesla employees, included a significant update to Tesla's automatic emergency braking.

However, when FSD Beta 11.3.1 was released to public testers, the release notes significantly differed from the employee version, leaving some uncertainty regarding the status of AEB enhancements. Read More

A Closer Look at Tesla's Trip Planner Feature in the Tesla App

Tesla adds a Trip Planner to the Tesla app in version 4.20.69

Not a Tesla App

Tesla has updated their app to version 4.20.69, introducing a much-anticipated trip-planning feature. With this addition, Tesla owners can plan a trip through the app and send it directly to their car. This guide will walk you through the new features, limitations, and other updates in this release.

To use the Trip Planner simply go to the location section of the Tesla app, tap on "navigate," and input your destination. The app will then find Superchargers along the route, give an ETA, show how much to charge at each charger, display the state of your car's battery, and plot the route on a map. Read More

Tesla to Revive Low Regen Mode in Upcoming Update

Tesla appears ready to reintroduce a 'low' regenerative braking option

Not a Tesla App

We reported last week that one of our users temporarily saw release notes for what appears to be an upcoming release in their Tesla app.

One of the features the user saw was an upcoming UI change to the Power Meter in the vehicle.

Another change the user saw was the reintroduction of low regen mode. The low regen mode makes it easier for drivers to adapt to the regenerative braking system (RBS) unique to electric and hybrid cars. However, it may result in reduced range and increased brake usage. Read More

Tesla to Make Changes to the Power Meter in Their Cars

Tesla has improved the power meter in the vehicle through several updates

Tesla

Thanks to one of our readers, it looks like we have a look at an upcoming change to Tesla's power meter. The power meter, an essential element of the UI, provides drivers with real-time information on power usage and regenerative braking.

Tesla accidently displayed this feature in their app before fixing it a few hours later.

Over the years, Tesla has made several changes to the power meter's design to improve driver experience. Early versions of the meter featured a thin green and black line. However, recent updates increased the line's thickness to enhance visibility. Now, the latest UI update appears to strike a balance between these designs. Read More

Tesla Reveals FSD Beta Accident Rate for First Time; Compares It to Autopilot and National Average

Tesla reveals FSD Beta and Autopilot accident rates

Tesla

Tesla's latest Impact Report, which focuses on the company's sustainability and safety initiatives, has provided updated data on the performance of its Full Self Driving (FSD) Beta and Autopilot systems. The new numbers illustrate the significant improvements in road safety when these advanced technologies are utilized.

According to the Impact Report, FSD Beta users now have 0.31 accidents per 1 million miles, showcasing the effectiveness of Tesla's ADAS technology. In addition, Teslas with Autopilot engaged demonstrate even better safety performance, with only 0.18 accidents per 1 million miles. These impressive statistics highlight the potential for autonomous systems to drastically reduce accident rates compared to the industry average of 1.53 accidents per 1 million miles. Read More

Tesla Shares Battery Life Span Data: Just 12% Degradation After 200,000 Miles

Tesla says Model S and Model X batteries degrade about 12% after 200,000 miles

Tesla

Tesla owners often are asked about the lifespan of their vehicle's battery and whether it will need to be replaced. However, based on over a decade of real-world data, Tesla confidently states that battery replacement is not a concern for most customers. On average, Tesla batteries degrade by a mere 12% after 200,000 miles (321,868 km) of usage, which outperforms many expectations.

The impressive durability of Tesla batteries has been demonstrated through the company's consistent investment in research and development. As a result, Tesla has consistently pushed the limits of battery technology, ensuring that their electric vehicles remain at the forefront of the industry regarding performance and sustainability. Read More

Tesla Achieves Impressive Sustainability Goals in 2022 Impact Report

Tesla started producing its Model 3 in 2017

Tesla

Tesla has released its 2022 impact report, more than 200 pages detailing the company's progress towards sustainability goals and environmental impact. The report showcases Tesla's impressive achievements in renewable energy, emissions reduction, and transparency.

According to the report, Tesla's global Supercharger network was powered by 100% renewable energy in 2022, achieved through on-site resources and annual renewable matching. This impressive feat demonstrates Tesla's commitment to reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainability. Read More

The Ultimate Guide to Tesla Shortcuts and Tips You May Not Know

You can tap the speedometer or speed limit sign to set your Autopilot speed

Not a Tesla App

Tesla vehicles are known for their cutting-edge technology, making the driving experience enjoyable and efficient. In this article, we will delve into Tesla tips and tricks that can further enhance your experience. While some of these tips may be specific to the Model 3 and Model Y, many are applicable across the Tesla lineup.

While on Autopilot, you can tap the speedometer to set the maximum Autopilot speed to your current speed. This is useful if you want to maintain your current speed without manually adjusting it. Read More

Tesla Offers Up Recommended Equalizer Settings for Your Vehicle

You now change Tesla's subwoofer level independently

Not a Tesla App

Tesla's official Instagram account in Hong Kong recently posted their recommended audio settings for their electric vehicles, causing some confusion. Many wonder why these settings differ from the preprogrammed settings and why they vary between the Model 3, Model 3 Performance, and Model Y.

Tesla Hong Kong's post was to promote the vehicle's immersive ten speakers system. It outlined specific audio settings for different car models, which appear to diverge from the factory settings. This raised questions among users about the rationale behind this discrepancy and whether these new settings are "official" recommendations. Read More

Tesla Surpasses 150 Million Miles Driven with FSD Beta

Tesla FSD Beta has driven over 150 million miles

Tesla

Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology continues to reach new heights, as the company announced during its latest earnings call that it has now crossed over 150 million miles driven using the FSD beta. CEO Elon Musk emphasized this number's exponential growth and data's importance in refining the technology. Read More

Tesla Updates Model S and Model X: Steering Choices and Price Adjustments

Tesla increases the price of the Model S and Model X in the U.S.

Oak

Tesla has made notable changes to its flagship Model S and Model X. The yoke is now a special order, and the prices have been adjusted again.

Tesla is well-known for pushing the boundaries of automotive design and technology. However, the company has demonstrated a willingness to listen to customer feedback and adapt to their preferences. The reintroduction of the traditional round steering wheel for the Model S and Model X is a prime example of this customer-centric approach. Read More

Tesla Woos New and Existing Customers with Extended Free Supercharging Offers

Tesla is offering six years of free Superchargers to some owners

Tesla

Tesla has announced an enticing offer to both new and existing Model S and Model X owners, providing them with extended periods of free Supercharging at its expansive Supercharger network. This move aims to boost sales of the two models and maintain Tesla's dominance in the competitive EV market. Read More

Tesla's Pricing Strategy - A Modern-day Take on Henry Ford's Assembly Line Legacy?

Ford introduced the assembly line in 1913

Ford (edited by NATA)

In 1913, Henry Ford introduced the assembly line in Highland Park, Michigan, revolutionizing the automotive industry and drastically reducing the price of the Model T. This groundbreaking innovation led to the collapse of hundreds of rival car companies, unable to compete with Ford's cost-effective production methods. Fast forward to 2023, and we witness a similar dynamic unfolding in the electric vehicle (EV) market, with Tesla leading the charge. Read More

Tesla Unveils New Cybertruck Production Images and Remains on Track for Q3

A peek at the Tesla Cybertruck being built

Tesla

During Tesla's Q1 2023 earnings call, CEO Elon Musk gave an update on the Cybertruck's progress, revealing new images of the pilot production line at the Fremont factory and the permanent production line at Giga Texas. With anticipation mounting for the highly-anticipated electric vehicle, Musk assured that production remains on track for later this year and hinted at a Q3 delivery event. Read More

Tesla Debuts New Model 3 Variant With a 394-Mile Range for Businesses

Tesla now offers a Model 3 with almost a 400 mile range in the UK

Tesla

Tesla has introduced a new Model 3 variant designed exclusively for the UK business sector. The latest addition to Tesla's lineup features a Long Range battery pack and a single rear motor. This new offering comes as Tesla aims to accelerate the electrification of Europe's business-to-business fleet. Read More

Leaked Letter Shows Tesla Is Facing Pressure From Group of Investors

Tesla is facing pressure from a group of investors

TED

Tesla is under pressure from a group of long-term investors holding over $1.5 billion in shares. These investors have voiced concerns over the company's governance and leadership and human rights issues within its operations and supply chain. They have called for changes in the composition of the Board of Directors, greater focus from CEO Elon Musk, and increased transparency in the company's practices. Read More

Tesla's Q1 2023 Earnings Show Lower Margins Amid Aggressive Price Cuts

Tesla released its Q1 2023 earnings report

Tesla

Tesla reported a lower-than-expected gross margin for the first quarter of 2023 as a series of aggressive price cuts aimed at spurring demand in a sagging economy and fending off rising competition took their toll. As a result, the company's total gross margin stood at 19.3%, compared to analysts' expectations of 22.4%, marking the lowest level since Q4 2020. Read More

Tesla's Social Media Domination Continues to Surge in 2023

Tesla's social media platforms have been growing at an impressive rate

Not a Tesla App

Tesla's innovative approach to the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors has been well-documented, but its exceptional success on social media platforms is another story worth telling. With a strong presence on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, Tesla has managed to create a powerful and influential online presence that captures the attention of millions worldwide. Read More

Tesla Increases Price of Model S; Starts Offering Free Lifetime Supercharging

December 14, 2024

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

For the first time in quite a while, Tesla has increased the price of one of its vehicle offerings. The Model S Long Range and the Model S Plaid have both received a hefty price increase. However, not all is bad - as Tesla also added a new benefit for buyers.

Price Increase

The price increase for the Model S is $5,000 - currently only in the United States. This price increase will likely impact other markets, including Canada, in the coming days.

The Model S Long Range now starts at $79,990, while the Model S Plaid now starts at $94,990. The Model S and Model X now have the same starting price. Interestingly, that’s also the same pricing point for the Cybertruck AWD and Cyberbeast Trimotor non-Foundation Series.

The vehicle configuration does not appear to have changed, so the new pricing is simply an increase rather than the addition or removal of features. Tesla previously cut the price of the Model S and Model X by 15% in 2023, so this could simply be an adjustment to ensure that the vehicle pricing stays in line with inflation and other factors.

Free Lifetime Supercharging

For those on the fence about ordering a Model S, Tesla has brought back Free Lifetime Supercharging when you order a new Model S on or after December 13, 2024. As always, Free Lifetime Supercharging is restricted to the buyer’s Tesla account and to that specific vehicle. It cannot be transferred to another vehicle or another owner after ownership transfer. It’s worth noting, that it also doesn’t exclude the owner from receiving Supercharger idle fees or congestion fees. There is currently no end date for this promotion.

There are currently no changes to the Model X, neither a price increase nor the addition of Lifetime Superchargering. However, when Tesla makes changes to one of their premium vehicles, it usually affects the other one as well. So be on the lookout for potential changes to the Model X offering in the coming days.

We’ve seen Tesla value Lifetime Supercharging at $5,000, so this falls in line with the price increase we’re seeing. It’s possible that Tesla will begin to bring back Lifetime Supercharging as a perk for buying into their more premium Model S and Model X cars, or this could be another temporary promotion to get buyers who are on the fence to go ahead and make their purchase while this promotion lasts.

Tesla’s Optimus Robot Learns to Walk Without Vision [VIDEO]

December 13, 2024

By Karan Singh

Optimus Falls - but catches itself!

Not a Tesla App

Tesla recently showed off a demo of Optimus, its humanoid robot, walking around in moderately challenging terrain—not on a flat surface but on dirt and slopes. These things can be difficult for a humanoid robot, especially during the training cycle.

Daily walks help clear your mind pic.twitter.com/dUsW58trS6
— Tesla Optimus (@Tesla_Optimus) December 9, 2024

A Look Behind the Curtain

Most interestingly, Milan Kovac, VP of Engineering for Optimus, clarified what it takes to get Optimus to this stage. Let’s break down what he said.

Optimus is Blind

Optimus is getting seriously good at walking now - it can keep its balance over uneven ground - even while walking blind. Tesla is currently using just the sensors, all powered by a neural net running on the embedded computer.

Essentially, Tesla is building Optimus from the ground up, relying on as much additional data as possible while it trains vision. This is similar to how they train FSD on vehicles, using LiDAR rigs to validate the vision system’s accuracy. While Optimus doesn’t have LiDAR, it relies on all those other sensors on board, many of which will likely become simplified as vision takes over as the primary sensor.

Today, Optimus is walking blind, but it’s able to react almost instantly to changes in the terrain underneath it, even if it falls or slips.

What’s Next?

Next up, Tesla AI will be adding vision to Optimus - helping complete the neural net. Remember, Optimus runs on the same overall AI stack as FSD - in fact, Optimus uses an FSD computer and an offshoot of the FSD stack for vision-based tasks.

Milan mentions they’re planning on adding vision to help the robot plan ahead and improve its walking gait. While the zombie shuffle is iconic and a little bit amusing, getting humanoid robots to walk like humans is actually difficult.

There’s plenty more, too - including better responsiveness to velocity and direction commands and learning to fall and stand back up. Falling while protecting yourself to minimize damage is something natural to humans - but not exactly natural to something like a robot. Training it to do so is essential in keeping the robot, the environment around it, and the people it is interacting with safe.

We’re excited to see what’s coming with Optimus next because it is already getting started in some fashion in Tesla’s factories.