The new Tesla Model 3, the Highland, was revealed with great fanfare. There is so much to take in that some minor details can be overlooked. As more videos and pictures emerge from fans and critics, we are learning just how meticulous Tesla was when renewing the popular sedan.
While the spotlight has shone brightly on the groundbreaking advancements and features, a subtle touch might have been missed, but it is worth taking note of the improved glove box.
Tesla modernized the glove box operation in the original Model 3, allowing users to open it with a voice command or lock it with a PIN code. Yet, the act of closing it retained its old-world charm, reminding us of its humble origins — until the Highland refresh. Out of Spec Reviews took their YouTube viewers to IAA in Munich. In one of their videos (below), the host is a little surprised when he closes the glovebox. Instead of a latch, a magnet sealed the glove box shut, offering a quiet, streamlined solution that not only reduces parts and increases reliability but reduces cost as well. You can view the glovebox in action below at the 23:20 mark:
Why the Magnetic Glove Box Matters
Tesla's decision to replace the conventional latch with magnets might seem trivial at first, but on closer inspection, it embodies the brand's ethos of constant evolution:
Durability Over Time: Unlike traditional latches that can wear out or break, magnets promise longevity, ensuring that users enjoy a consistently smooth experience.
Economical and Efficient: By opting for magnets over a mechanical latch, Tesla not only simplifies the design but potentially reduces production and maintenance costs — a testament to the company's dedication to value and innovation.
Fusing Old with the New: Closing a glove box with a gentle touch, thanks to the magnets, feels refreshing, especially in a car where you can command the same compartment to open with the power of your voice or touch. It's a blend of heritage and futuristic design.
A Brief Dive into Glove Box History
The glove box, or "glove compartment," as it was traditionally known, originates in the early days of motoring. The compartment was initially intended for drivers to store their driving gloves — hence the name. The very first glove boxes were just simple compartments, but as cars evolved, so did their accessories, leading to the inclusion of a latch for added security.
In a world of technological leaps, small, meticulous improvements often showcase a brand's dedication to progress and refinement. The magnetic glovebox is one of those small yet greatly appreciated moves that show the automaker is leaving no stone unturned or the glove box unopened in its endless improvements.
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Tesla has begun to reach out to customers in the United States and is offering demo drives of the Cybertruck on an invite-only basis. @brandonhd on X shared the first invite image, and it looks like it's going out quite quickly to multiple locations that have Cybertrucks on display.
Up until now, display vehicles have been for just that – looking, but no touching. Some Tesla delivery centers and showrooms have also allowed viewers to take a seat inside and open it up, but most are still locked away behind the velvet rope.
It’s exciting to see that Tesla has begun to demo them – and it can only be so long until demo drives open up to everyone.
Advisor-led Demo
This Demo Drive is led by a Tesla Advisor – while you’re driving, the advisor will be in the passenger seat, walking you through the experience. They’ll explain steer-by-wire, off-road controls, and will introduce new-to-Tesla buyers to all the features that are currently available.
The list of locations so far for demo drives appears to be fairly limited, but we will hopefully see demo drives roll out throughout the United States, and eventually Canada too. Here is the current list of city/state locations that have seen demo drive invites.
Actually Smart Summon, the successor to Tesla’s Smart Summon feature, has been confirmed to be coming as soon as next month as per Elon Musk. Colloquially known as “ASS”, Actually Smart Summon is supposed to improve on the regular Smart Summon capabilities, which have historically used ultrasonic sensors (USS) to navigate parking lots.
We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon, and we’re quite excited about what other features will be unlocked once it finally shows up at our doorstep.
Vision-based Improvements
ASS is supposed to bring Smart Summon to vehicles that don’t have USS – using Tesla Vision. Most recently, Tesla has brought Autopark to vehicles without USS, and Vision-based Autopark has been a huge success. It is faster, more reliable, and smoother than the older USS-based solution. It can also park and maneuver in tighter locations.
Today, Smart Summon is sometimes useful at best, usually a party trick, or downright dangerous at worst. It’s excellent and best used in straight lines, where you have a clear line of sight of the vehicle, and can stop it if doesn’t see an obstacle.
I used Smart Summon today, just before writing this article – my 2022 Model Y (with USS) – did manage to show up just fine – in a straight-line location from where I was parked, after exiting the parking spot fairly cleanly. However, I’ve previously used Smart Summon and have had the vehicle turn towards obstacles, such as cart returns or curbs. Overall, it’s a sometimes-useful feature that has a lot of drawbacks right now.
Smart Summon is also restricted to a certain distance – and it's pretty small. The max distance is shorter than most parking lots, being only about 215 ft (65m). If you’re lucky enough to park close, it's very useful to bring your car right to you.
Actually Smart Summon
ASS will bring FSD V12-like capabilities to Smart Summon – the vehicle will primarily use Vision to drive toward you (or the location you’ve indicated). ASS has been supposed to be coming since about September 2022 and has seen many delays – we’re almost at the 2-year point today.
We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon being able to bring the vehicle – safely – right to you. ASS is also one of the key steps towards bringing some other cool features that Elon Musk has previously mentioned – Park Seek and Banish Autopark.
We’re also hopeful that Actually Smart Summon will increase the maximum range a vehicle can be summoned, because the current range is fairly small. Alongside Park Seek and Banish Autopark, we’re closing in on a Robotaxi-based future.
Park Seek and Banish Autopark
When the FSD v12.4 showed up, Elon also mentioned that going forward, vehicles would automatically park themselves when arriving in a parking lot – Park Seek – and that if you got out of the car at the entrance to a business, you could get it to automatically park itself in the parking lot – Banish Autopark. These are two features that are needed for Robotaxi to work – which itself is delayed to October 10th of this year. We’re looking quite forward to them – as in combination with Actually Smart Summon, Tesla has reached the cusp of vehicle autonomy.
A vehicle that arrives, driverless, at the location you’re at, then drives somewhere, parks itself there, and waits for you – is the definition of a Robotaxi.
While we’re likely to have to wait for Banish Autopark and Park Seek just a bit longer, Actually Smart Summon being around the corner is exciting! Gone will be the days of having to run out to your car when you forgot your umbrella – your car will just come right to you instead.
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