The new Model 3s are coming with an air compressor
greggertruck/X
Tesla's upgraded Model 3 is hitting the roads around the world. With no date set for North America deliveries, we have to rely on Tesla enthusiasts worldwide to tell us what they are finding with the car originally known as the Highland.
Highland Model 3's Air Compressor Accessory
One of the Model 3's new features is the inclusion of an air compressor accessory, setting it apart from other editions. This built-in air compressor is not just a handy tool for tire maintenance, ensuring optimal pressure and thereby improving vehicle efficiency, but it also serves various other purposes. Whether inflating camping gear during outdoor adventures or ensuring sporting equipment is game-ready, the Highland Model 3 positions itself as the ideal companion for those who demand more from their vehicle, both on and off the road.
Smart Shift
The concept of manual gear shifting is evolving, thanks to Tesla's Smart Shift technology. The new Model 3 simplifies the driving process by automatically determining whether to shift the car into reverse or drive. Upon starting, drivers will now be greeted with the "Press Brake to Drive" message on the screen. This eliminates another step from starting the vehicle. Thanks to Tesla's phone key and electric drivetrain, drivers don't need a car key, or a start button, and now they don't even need to shift the vehicle into drive. Just simply hold the brake, to have the vehicle check for a valid phone key and then gently press the accelerator.
Drowsiness Detection: A Lifesaver on the Road
The new Model 3 software has a drowsiness warning that appears on screen
Enhauto/X
Safety remains paramount at Tesla. As Green told us a few weeks ago, another safety feature is in the new Model 3 - a drowsiness warning system. Utilizing the cabin camera and advanced algorithms, the system monitors the driver's alertness levels. If it detects signs of fatigue or inattention, a chime goes off and an alert is sent to the driver, prompting them to take a break or be more attentive. This proactive approach to safety could be the difference between a close call and a mishap.
Firmware Updates: An Insider's Note
New Model 3 owners might notice the unique version number: 2023.31.600. This version might seem unusual initially, but Tesla aficionados will recognize this odd-numbered sequence. For new vehicles equipped with factory firmware, Tesla typically uses an odd number after the year in the version to differentiate it. These new Model 3s wil eventually receive the same software updates as other vehicles.
Update: This article has been updated to remove the reference to the ambient lighting cycling through different colors while the Rainbow Road easter egg is activate. Although this could be a feature Tesla implements in a future update, the original video (below) was done manually by having the passenger cycle through the various colors in settings.
Tesla's Rainbow Road easter egg may one day take advantage of the vehicle's ambient lighting
enhauto/X
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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.
TeslaFi logs your drives and charging sessions, letting you keep a log of your vehice's activity. We highly recommend checking them out if you use your car for business trips and would like to keep track of reimbursements, if you like to see how much you spend on charging or if you just love statistics. Visit their site and see everything they have to offer!
Tesla Android Project enables you to run Android apps in your Tesla. The platform is Open Source and you can deploy it on your own Raspberry Pi 4. Consider supporting the initiative by donating or purchasing the Compute Module 4 Bundle that delivers the best experience. Get $20 off by using the code: NotATeslaApp
The official Tesla app only notifies you if your car is broken into. By installing Sentry Pro on your phone, you will be notified for all Sentry Mode events. Stay connected and avoid potential surprises by receiving notifications. Stop constantly checking the cameras to ensure safety. Check only when necessary, save battery and get peace of mind. Get a 7 day free trial here!
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