Tesla recently launched their new AI training cluster with 10,000 GPUs
NVIDIA
In a recent TIME article adapted from his forthcoming book on Elon Musk, Walter Isaacson gives us a rare look into the innovative strides Tesla is making in the realm of artificial intelligence. Musk's ambitions have consistently set him apart, and Isaacson provides intriguing details, such as Musk's original intent to merge Tesla with OpenAI.
Though the idea didn't pan out, Musk's unyielding vision saw him championing rival AI teams to birth a series of groundbreaking projects. With Tesla vehicles sending back "160 billion frames per day of video" of humans in diverse real-world situations, the scale and scope of the data being harnessed are staggering.
"Tesla's real-world AI is underrated," Musk emphasized, highlighting the company's edge in the AI race. He posed a challenging notion: "Imagine if Tesla and OpenAI had to swap tasks... Who wins? We do."
FSD V12: More than Just Code
The Full Self-Driving v12 live stream from Musk's phone to X has generated more than 45 million views. This wasn't merely an upgrade but a glimpse into a future where technology starts to mimic human intelligence and seamlessly intertwines with it all, thanks to the power of neural nets.
This evolution marks a radical departure for those tracking Tesla's technological trajectory. Musk revealed that they had scrapped over 300,000 lines of hard-coded programming from the car's neural networks to take the helm. The FSD V12's efficacy was laid bare as it tackled construction zones, speed bumps, roundabouts, and traffic with much more ease than we've seen in public releases. Musk encapsulated this transition with his apt exclamation, "This is all nets, baby, nothing but net."
Real-World Challenges & AI Nuances
But it's not just about making the car drive. As Musk demonstrated, it's about making it drive like a human — with all the nuances that come with that. From not jerking abruptly to finding a lane to the smoothness in transitioning from one traffic condition to another, the FSD V12 is designed to observe, learn, and replicate the best of human driving behavior. However, it also underscores the challenges of programming AI for real-world scenarios. As Musk explained, the sparse data on drivers coming to complete stops at stop signs poses an obstacle. With less than 0.5% of drivers fully adhering to this rule, it's a stark reminder that AI is navigating a world where humans often flout regulations.
Looking Ahead: AI & Beyond
Isaacson's insights, combined with the V12 showcase, hint at a future where Tesla isn't just leading the electric vehicle market but is also on the frontlines of the AI revolution. Musk's commitment to AI is evident as he navigates the complexity of running multiple ventures, from SpaceX to Neuralink and the much-anticipated xAI. The next chapter promises even more advancements. Isaacson's book release is tomorrow, September 12th.
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Teslas are generally known as low-maintenance vehicles since there are no oil changes to perform, coolant flushes, and brake pads can last 200,000 miles or more thanks to regenerative braking.
However, there are still some parts that wear out and need to be replaced. One of these things is your windshield wipers.
This guide will walk you through identifying the right size for your vehicle, accessing Wiper Service Mode, and how to replace them.
When To Replace Blades
Wiper Blades in need of replacement.
Not a Tesla App
You’ll want to look for these common signs that your wiper blades are due for a change:
Streaking
Smearing
Skipping/Chattering
Squeaking
Visible Damage
As a general rule of thumb, Tesla recommends replacing your wiper blades once a year, although we’ve found they generally last much longer than this, even in snowy areas. However, your local climate, whether your vehicle is garaged, and how often you use them will play a key role. Keep in mind that the sun will harden and degrade the rubber of the blades, even if you don’t use them.
Windshield Wiper Sizes by Model
Finding the correct size of blades can sometimes be difficult. Blade sizes and adapter types can vary between third-party vendors and Tesla. Here’s a table displaying the correct wiper sizes based on the model.
Model
Driver Side Length
Passenger Side Length
Model 3 (all years)
26" (650mm)
19" (480mm)
Model Y (all years)
26" (650mm)
20" (500mm)
2021+ Model S
26" (650mm)
20" (500mm)
2021+ Model X
26" (650mm)
21" (533mm)
2012-2020 Model S
Varies - see below
Varies - see below
2015-2020 Model X
Varies - see below
Varies - see below
Cybertruck
48” (1220mm)
NA
The wiper blade sizes are straightforward for the Model 3 and Model Y. However, things get a little more complicated for the Model S and Model X due to Tesla using different wiper arms that require different wiper blades over the years.
If you have a legacy Model S or Model X (2012-2020 model years), then your vehicle may use the same blade sizes as the newer Model S and X or use longer 28” and 18” blade sizes. Your best bet is to turn on Wiper Service Mode (see below) and measure the length of the driver and passenger blades.
Which Wipers to Get
We recommend a pair of high-quality Bosch ICON wipers—the same wipers that are already on your Tesla. They offer great performance and make replacement really quick and simple. While third-party wipers may also work great, they often need an adapter, which can make installation confusing or complicated.
You can get most Bosch ICON wipers directly from Amazon for about $30 below.
Tesla uses Bosch-style wiper arm tabs. Most third-party wipers include adapters, but you’ll want to make sure they support the correct Bosch adapter—either #4 or #6—depending on your vehicle. Adapter requirements can vary by region and model year; for example, some 2021 Model Ys use a #4, while others use a #6.
Since there’s no definitive rule, we recommend checking the third-party manufacturer’s compatibility guide or opting for Tesla’s OEM Bosch wipers above, which are competitively priced.
Wiper Service Mode
To safely and easily replace your wipers, you’ll want to enable Wiper Service Mode. This lifts up the wiper away from the windshield and hood edge and also prevents them from automatically turning on if they sense water.
Once the vehicle is in Park, go to Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode. The wipers will then move to their service position. Just turn off Wiper Service Mode once you’re done examining or replacing the wipers.
Replacing the Wipers
With Wiper Service Mode active, replacing the wipers is straightforward as long as you’re using the Bosch wipers or know which third-party adapter to use. The Cybertruck has its own set of instructions further down.
Place a soft towel or cloth on the windshield beneath the wiper arms. This can help prevent scratching or an impact on the windshield if the arm springs back away from you.
Lift one wiper arm slightly away from the windshield (wiper arms do not lock upward)
Release the wiper blade by pressing firmly on the square locking tab at the top, where the blade meets the wiper arm.
Slide the old blade off the hook or pin, and note its orientation.
Install the new blade onto the wiper arm, ensuring it’s oriented the same way the old one was removed. Slide the blade onto the new arm until it clicks into place.
Give the blade a gentle tug to ensure it is locked into place.
Lower the wiper arm, and repeat steps 2-6 for the other side.
Exit Wiper Service Mode
Give your wipers a test run to make sure everything functions smoothly before driving.
Cybertruck
We recommend carefully reading the Cybertruck Owner’s Manual for a wiper replacement. The washer hose barb needs to be removed and reinstalled with the Cybertruck’s replacement wiper blade, but the rest of the procedure is much the same, except the arm does not lock upwards.
There are no third-party wiper replacements for the Cybertruck that exist at the time of writing, so you’ll need to purchase them from the Tesla store. Service locations will generally have them in stock and can do a replacement if requested. As far as we can see, Service will offer a goodwill wiper swap when you purchase one on-site.
Cybertruck's massive wiper blade - only Tesla offers it, for now.
Tesla’s plan to brand its autonomous network of taxicabs has found an interesting little snag. The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a “nonfinal office action” regarding Tesla’s application to trademark the term “Robotaxi” specifically in connection with autonomous electric vehicles.
This is an initial refusal by USPTO’s examining attorney and is very particular for autonomous electric automobiles. A separate trademark application by Tesla for the term “Robotaxi” as it relates to its upcoming autonomous ride-hailing service is still under examination and has not yet received a similar rebuttal.
Understanding the Refusal
A “nonfinal office action” means the USPTO has found potential issues with the trademark application, as stated, which prevents its immediate approval and subsequent granting to Tesla. Tesla now has a three-month period to file its counterarguments and address the USPTO's concerns.
If Tesla’s response satisfies the examiner, the trademark could be granted.
While the exact content of the office action isn’t detailed in the initial report, such refusals for terms like “Robotaxi” often occur if the USPTO considers the term “merely descriptive” or “generic” for the goods in question. In this particular context, “Robotaxi” could refer to any autonomous taxi vehicle.
Trademark law generally prevents the exclusive registration of terms that competitors would need to use to describe their own similar products. For a term to be trademarked, it typically needs to be distinctive and act as a brand identifier rather than just a descriptive name of the product’s class or type.
Separate Application for Ride-Hailing
Tesla still has a distinct, separate, and still pending application to register “Robotaxi” as a trademark for “transportation services, namely, autonomous ride-hailing services.” The criteria for trademarking a service can differ from those on trademarks for goods, and it’s possible Tesla may have more success securing the name for the service itself, which would allow them to brand the network as “Tesla Robotaxi.”
Why This Matters
Securing a trademark grants exclusive rights to use a brand name in conjunction with specific goods or services. This helps prevent customer confusion and to protect the brand identity.
If the refusal for the vehicle trademark becomes final, Tesla may be limited in its ability to exclusively name a good (specific vehicle) the “Tesla Robotaxi.” Other manufacturers could also potentially use “robotaxi” descriptively for their own autonomous taxi vehicles.
The ability to trademark “Robotaxi” for the ride-hailing service is arguably more critical for Tesla, as they’re working to establish a unique brand for their autonomous transportation network, which kicks off in Austin next month.
The USPTO’s office action won’t hinder Tesla’s ability to develop or deploy its own vehicles in June - instead, it’ll just impact how Tesla can brand the app and their vehicles, which could cause some last-minute delays if they have to rebrand.
Cybercab and Robovan/Robobus Trademarks
While Tesla is facing challenges with the broader Robotaxi term for vehicles, the company is also seeking to trademark “Cybercab,” “Robovan,” and “Robobus.” Securing a less descriptive name for the vehicle itself often has a higher chance of success with USPTO, as it is far more distinctive than a more general term like “robotaxi.”
Why Didn’t Tesla Do This Years Ago?
Tesla may have waited too long to file a trademark for the term “Robotaxi.” While the company has been discussing a self-driving fleet since 2016, the concept of autonomous taxis has gained a lot more traction in recent years — and competitors like Uber have also begun using the term.
We suspect there was some strategic timing behind these filings. Earlier versions of FSD — particularly those prior to V12 — may have lacked the progress needed to support Tesla’s robotaxi ambitions. Filing for a trademark that isn’t actively in use or about to be used can make it harder to defend or retain.
Moreover, while the idea of autonomous vehicles has been around for years, a clearer public understanding of Tesla’s specific plans has only emerged over the past 18 months. Filing too early can trigger speculation long before the company is ready to reveal details.
Ultimately, whether Tesla secures the rights to “Robotaxi” remains uncertain — but trademarks like “Cybercab” and “Robovan” seem much more likely to stick.
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