Tesla has added a true blind spot indicator to the new Model 3
Not a Tesla App
Tesla has finally introduced a blind spot indicator, more than 20 years after the technology was first introduced, but only in the new Model 3. This feature, commonplace in contemporary vehicles and initially integrated by Volvo back in 2001, raises questions on why the innovative company lagged in adopting such a fundamental safety feature, and yet the version it did release seems a little flawed.
Odd Placement and Missing a Vital Element
The implementation of the blind spot indicator has a peculiar placement - tucked away in the speaker grill of the driver’s door. While this step marks Tesla’s bid to align with a standard safety feature present in other vehicles, it inevitably conjures questions regarding the prudence behind the choice of location. Possibly, a revision in the hardware could have presented an opportunity to explore more ergonomic spots that facilitate easier and quicker reference for the drivers.
Moreover, early reviews and an examination of the European Model 3 owner's manual suggest that the blind spot indicator has only been installed on the driver’s side, which seems nonsensical considering the equal prominence of blind spots on the passenger side. It appears somewhat unbalanced and potentially neglects the safety concerns of changing lanes or turning in the opposite direction.
Blind Spot Indicator in Action
In the video below by Automobile Propre, you can see Tesla's blind spot indicator light up at the 9-minute, 15-second mark.
Tesla Cameras For Blind Spots
Historically, Tesla relied heavily on its Autopilot camera system, providing visualization features that necessitated drivers to glance at the vehicle’s center screen to gauge their blind spots, a system arguably not ideal due to its diversion of the driver's attention from the road. Despite their efforts to improve upon this through the new indicator, whether they've achieved a solution that matches the industry standard set by many other automakers years ago is questionable.
However, it’s undeniable that Tesla has attempted to create a comprehensive blind spot assist system, including features such as an automatic blind spot camera and a blind spot collision warning chime. These add-ons indicate that Tesla aims to offer a multi-faceted assistive system, primarily focusing on auditory and visual screen alerts rather than physical indicators, maintaining its penchant for tech-heavy solutions.
What is clear is that Tesla has responded to a long-standing request, although not with an earth-shattering innovation but with a feature that has been standard for many years in the automotive industry. While the effort is commendable, one cannot overlook that it comes with a shade of playing catch-up and carries with it a slew of questions concerning the execution of the feature in terms of its placement and partial implementation. Perhaps a birds-eye 360 view is next?
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One of Tesla’s greatest weaknesses, as it has quickly become one of the world’s most ubiquitous cars on the planet has always been service. Escalating issues to managers and sometimes even reaching a Tesla Service employee can be a total coin flip, depending on your Service Center.
Tesla is continuing its push to integrate AI across its customer support channels in an effort to improve customer service. According to Raj Jegannathan, Tesla’s VP for IT, AI Infrastructure, Apps, Infosecurity, and Vehicle Service Operations (that’s a lot), Tesla is launching a pilot program for a new AI designed to improve customer interactions with Service.
Tesla Service’s new AI Agent detects comms delays, monitors sentiment, & auto-escalates to leaders. Starts tomorrow at 10 pilot locations. In 2 weeks, type “Escalate” in ‘message center’ to reach managers. Guardrails in place to prevent abuse. We’ll keep improving!
At 10 pilot service locations, this new AI agent will begin working behind the scenes at Tesla Service, to help with customer communications. It will provide three key features:
Detect Communications Delays: The AI will actively monitor service interactions to identify potential delays in communication or progress. These are often a key pain point for customers who reach out to Tesla Service and don’t receive a response for several days, as Service has nothing new to add. The AI can now step in and let the customer know Tesla is still waiting on parts or something else.
Monitor Customer Sentiment: By monitoring the tone and content of the messages between the customer and Service agents, Tesla will be able to identify situations where a customer might be dissatisfied or facing difficulties.
Auto-Escalate: If either a communications delay or negative sentiment is detected, the AI can automatically escalate issues to human managers for review. This helps to address problems before customers need to seek escalation themselves or become upset about an issue.
Customer Escalation Requests
Alongside the new AI tool, Tesla is also introducing a more direct way for customers to get higher-level attention. According to Tesla, within the next two weeks, customers can simply type “Escalate” in order to have their issue routed directly to management.
Raj’s team is currently working on implementing guardrails to prevent abuse, but this will soon make its way to improving Tesla’s service offerings. We’re glad to see Tesla taking steps to identify and correct deficiencies in the process - it has always been a sore tooth for Tesla in the last few years.
Over at 7000 Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood, Los Angeles, Tesla’s stainless steel-clad retro diner is really coming together. Most recently, we saw the gigantic 45-foot LED screens for the outdoor theater come to life, but there’s been more going on inside than we originally knew about.
Now, thanks to photos shared with us by Thomas Adamian, who ventured over to the site, we have our very first look inside the nearly completed Tesla Diner.
While we knew the concept aimed for a retro-futuristic theme, blending a diner with Superchargers and a modern open-air theater, the initial stages of the interior are well beyond a mere nostalgia project.
Interior Explored
Inside, we’ve got a seamless blend of classic circular diner-style seating accompanied by distinctly modern lighting and fixtures. This definitely brings to life that modernist art-deco feel and feels right at home alongside Tesla’s Robovan, rather than a period set-piece.
The facility is still clearly under active construction in these images, with materials and equipment visible, but they provide the best and most detailed glimpse so far of what the indoor dining experience will look like.
Front Door / Diner Logo
The circular spaceship-like entrance
Thomas Adamian
The circular entrance looks like something out of this world - and while we’re hoping the doors slide inside the walls, like a pocket door, they likely open in or out like a standard door.
This is also one of our first looks at the Tesla Diner sign, which hangs inside the doorway. The logo itself also has an art-deco look and feel. On the door, there’s also a sign confirming that the diner will be open 24/7.
Windows & Artwork
Shutters, Stealth Fighters, and Cybertrucks
Thomas Adamian
Tesla really nailed the style with the windows and shutters, matching the diner’s vibe. In the background, you can also see the concept art for the Cybertruck. We hope Tesla includes artwork for other vehicles as well, as they help tell the Tesla story and give diners an inside look at the company.
Exterior Seating
The exterior seating
Thomas Adamian
There’s also an exterior seating space, which seems to be in the early phases of being laid out. None of those pallets have been disassembled yet, but they likely have outdoor furniture, letting customers sit outside and enjoy a meal.
The Tesla Diner in Hollywood is shaping up to be much more than just a restaurant with chargers. It’ll have in-app functionality with the Tesla app and offer room for 200 diners inside, along with the ability to use a drive-in theater with in-car service. Tesla’s original plans also include rooftop seating, so there’s likely more to come once the construction phase continues.
The idea for a Tesla Diner began in 2023, when it was announced at Tesla’s Investor Day. While the diner has yet to open, it already seems like it’ll be an iconic establishment for the area. Amid recent brand turbulence tied to politics, this project has the potential to refresh Tesla’s image—offering a fun, memorable place to charge.
If there’s one thing we’re hoping for, it’s that the food matches the creativity of the design. Ideally, what Tesla is building in Hollywood becomes a blueprint for similar diners across North America—and eventually, the world.
With its unique concept and prime location, the Diner is poised to become a true LA landmark and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.
![Exclusive: A Look Inside the Tesla Diner [PHOTOS]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/img/containers/article_images/2025/diner-seats.jpg/b0b4cb51b80d1f29298c9ca6b9ad2ae8/diner-seats.jpg)
