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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It has been a long wait for FSD for European customers, many of whom paid for the feature years ago on now legacy hardware. While the FSD transfer program has come and gone multiple times, there’s something to be said about having it available in North America, where it can be used, and in Europe or other countries, where it still just remains the same as Enhanced Autopilot (differences between Autopilot, EAP, and FSD).
FSD Transfer is a nice goodwill gesture from Tesla that in theory doesn’t cost them anything. Instead, it keeps customers, especially those who have been waiting for years, loyal and happy. It also incentivizes them to upgrade to a newer Tesla with HW4, where FSD will hopefully be achieved.
In a reply to a post on X, Elon agreed with the suggestion that offering FSD transfers in Europe would be a fair solution for those who have already purchased FSD but can’t use its capabilities.
FSD Transfer directly addresses a growing concern for many long-term European Tesla owners. Thousands of customers purchased the full package, often many years ago, with the expectation that FSD would eventually be capable and approved for use. However, the reality is that FSD, even as an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), continues to be pushed back in Europe.
Without the transfer program, it's a difficult choice: either throw away your original investment in FSD and pay for the package a second time (FSD price history), or subscribe to it in the future.
Offering FSD transfers is a good way for Tesla to meet them halfway. It's a difficult situation, and one that’s being hindered by processes beyond the control of both the customer and Tesla. However, a transfer helps both parties. Tesla sells another vehicle, and the customer gets to keep FSD.
When Will it Be Available?
Based on how FSD transfers have worked in the past following Elon’s announcements, this feature is likely to become available for a limited time period in the coming days or weeks. If it happens, we should expect an announcement from Tesla Europe on X and emails being sent out to Tesla customers.
Once the program is in place, all you need to do is complete your vehicle purchase and then inform your Tesla sales advisor that you’d like to transfer FSD. You don’t even have to sell or trade in your old Tesla; FSD will simply be removed from it as a feature.
Hopefully, Tesla enables FSD Transfers for everyone, regardless of region. It should be an ongoing offer until at least FSD is approved in the given country or region.
The introductory price for Tesla’s Robotaxi Network has finally been updated. In a post on X, Elon Musk confirmed that the new fare would be rolling out to complement the new Robotaxi geofence expansion.
This change marks the first adjustment to Tesla’s fares since the initial $4.20 launch price 23 days ago. While the price increase may seem significant in terms of percentages, when compared to other options in the ride-hailing area, it is still drastically cheaper.
But the price is now a princely $6.90, as foretold in the prophecy 😂
Robotaxi currently operates on a simple, flat-rate model. The new $6.90 fare gets you a ride to anywhere within the recently expanded geofence.
So far, this is the opposite approach compared to other services, such as Waymo or traditional ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft. All these services use dynamic pricing based on distance, time of day, and demand. A comparable trip on any one of these services could cost anywhere from $30 to $65, and potentially even higher during peak hours.
That doesn’t even include the tip fees for human drivers either - another win for Robotaxi (can you tip a Robotaxi?).
Even with the adjustment, the flat $6.90 fare remains less than half the price of a typical competing ride, making Robotaxi the most affordable point-to-point transportation option in Austin, aside from mass transit, for now.
A “Maturing” Service
The price change, moving from one meme-worthy number to another, is a sign that Robotaxi is finally graduating from its initial pilot phase. Following the first major expansion of the service area, this adjustment is a logical next step towards finding a more sustainable flat price.
While the new fare is a 65% increase over the old fare, the key takeaway is that it is still far cheaper than other options, and still just as meme-worthy. Tesla is aiming to have its early access riders complete as many rides as possible during these early months, and this pricing is still very reflective of that.
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