Tesla Begins Construction of Its Epic Hollywood Diner and Drive-In Supercharger

Tesla has begun construction of its diner and drive-in Supercharger combo

@HowardModels

Tesla's innovative Supercharger site, which promises to fuse a diner and drive-in movie theater into the charging experience, is swiftly moving from vision to reality in Hollywood. Images posted by @HowardModels/X show vertical construction and groundwork signaling the initial phases of a unique Tesla ecosystem.

Innovative Amalgamation: Fusing Retro Flair with Futuristic Charging

Imagine pulling up to charge your Tesla, and instead of scrolling through your phone, you are whisked away into a cinematic experience reminiscent of 1950s Americana but powered by cutting-edge technology. This isn't just a trip down memory lane; it's a leap into a new paradigm where sustainability meets showbiz.

Located at the coveted 7001 W. Santa Monica Boulevard address, this site is not just another pin on the map of Tesla's extensive Supercharger network. It's set to become a cultural fixture offering a throwback diner experience and modern-day drive-in theater. The two-story restaurant will cater to 218 diners, with the added allure of a rooftop seating area where patrons can take in movies on towering LED screens, blending nostalgia with Tesla's high-tech brand.

What began as Elon Musk's ambitious idea in 2018 is now rapidly taking shape. The planned facilities, open 24/7, will offer Tesla drivers and the public a place to recharge in more ways than one. With 32 Supercharger stalls and constant short video broadcasts, Tesla is setting the stage for what could become the most memorable charging stop yet.

Entertainment Charging: A Destination in Itself

Tesla has begun construction of its diner and drive-in Supercharger combo

Tesla

This Supercharger station is designed to be more than a mere waypoint. It is a token of Tesla's mission to enhance the EV ownership experience by offering drivers a place to relax and engage in an era when time spent at charging stations is an expected part of the journey. The site not only promises efficiency but also a refreshing entertainment twist to the otherwise mundane waiting times.

As the construction of this pioneering project continues, it encapsulates the spirit of Tesla's commitment to innovation. This isn't just about expanding infrastructure; it's about reimagining the future of EV charging stations. With every steel beam erected and every concrete slab poured Tesla is crafting a landmark that marries leisure with the lure of sustainable technology.

The Hollywood Supercharger is poised to redefine the norms of electric vehicle charging, making it an exciting and enjoyable pit stop that might become a social and cultural hub for Tesla enthusiasts and movie-goers alike.

Early November progress pics to Tesla Diner site.
Vertical concrete structure, underground utilities being worked on. pic.twitter.com/XnOhmPSMEj

— Ed Howard (@HowardModels) November 5, 2023

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Tesla Is Now Offering Cybertruck Test Drives [List of Locations]

@brandonhd

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.

Once FSD V12.5 comes to the Cybertruck, we’re sure they’ll be demoing its capabilities FSD capabilities as well.

Locations

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.

• Manhasset, New York

• West Covina, California

• Los Angeles, California

• Houston, Texas

• Orlando, Florida

• Westmont, Illinois

• Tucson, Arizona

• Phoenix, Arizona

• Delaware

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Musk Confirms 'Actually Smart Summon' is Coming in a Revision of FSD V12.5

Not a Tesla App

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.

Just recently, Tesla returned the Model X’s self-presenting doors, using Tesla Vision. Vision has seen some fantastic improvements, and many people are waiting for ASS to bring forth these improvements to Smart Summon.

Smart Summon Today

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 10^th 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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