Tesla appears ready to enable the matrix headlights in the new Model 3
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According to a new document, it appears that Tesla is finally preparing to introduce support for adaptive headlights. However, it looks like support may be limited to the upgraded Model 3, at least initially.
Support for Matrix Headlights?
The documents from European certifications, dated November 8, 2023, indicate the upcoming addition of "Adaptive Main Beam" headlights for the new Model 3, which is expected through an over-the-air software update. This revelation, initially shared by @eivissacopter (via DriveTeslaCanada), suggests that older models like the original Model 3 and current Model Y may not receive this update despite some of them having matrix headlights.
Update: It’s not completely clear whether the new Model 3 contains full matrix headlights like some other models or if they simply have an adaptive beam.
European document reveals Tesla is adding matrix headlight support
eivissacopter
The decision to initially limit this feature to the upgraded Model 3 is interesting. There’s no reason to believe this feature won’t eventually be added to other Tesla models that include matrix headlights, but the documents specifically mention the new Model 3 and its adaptive headlights. It should be noted that Tesla likes to test new software with a small segment of owners initially, however, the new Model 3 does feature new headlights. So it’s not clear if this is a software strategy or if there are changes in the new Model 3’s headlights that allow Tesla to finally enable them in Europe.
What Are Matrix Headlights?
Matrix headlights, also known as adaptive headlights, are an advanced automotive lighting technology designed to improve nighttime driving safety and visibility. They consist of multiple LED elements or individual light sources that can be controlled independently. This fine control allows the system to adapt the light distribution pattern based on factors such as traffic conditions, road curvature, and the presence of other vehicles.
Matrix headlights let your car turn on and off individual LEDs
Lighting Manufacturer
The primary benefit of matrix headlights is their ability to selectively dim or deactivate specific LED elements to create "shadows" or dark areas in the beam pattern. This helps avoid dazzling oncoming drivers or those in front of the vehicle while maintaining optimal illumination of the road ahead. For example, when an oncoming vehicle is detected, the system will adjust the light pattern to prevent the high beams from shining directly into the other driver's eyes. The rest of the road, however, remains well-lit, ensuring clear visibility for the driver.
Varying Standards Globally
Globally, the rollout of these adaptive headlights will be subject to varying automotive regulations. Different countries have different standards for automotive lighting, and Tesla will need to navigate these as they introduce and expand the feature's availability. The European certification is crucial, as Europe often has more stringent automotive standards, potentially making it easier to introduce the feature in other markets afterward.
Customer Response
Adaptive headlights, a feature in luxury vehicles for some time, are now becoming more mainstream. This technology's primary benefit is safety. By dynamically adjusting the light beam according to steering input and its surroundings, these headlights significantly enhance night-time visibility and reduce the risk of accidents on curvy roads.
Customer response to this development will be critical. While some Tesla owners might be disappointed that their existing vehicles won't initially receive this feature, new buyers will likely find it a compelling addition. This dynamic could influence customer loyalty and brand perception, factors Tesla must manage carefully.
In Tesla software update 2024.32 and onwards, Tesla has made a big—and unexpected—change to how its vehicles handle power sockets. This change impacts every vehicle except the Cybertruck, where you can already adjust how power sockets are handled on a case-by-case basis.
Power Socket Change
This change to the power sockets means that in 2024.32, Tesla vehicles will have their 12v sockets and USB ports turned off while in Sentry Mode. Previously, while the car was awake or Sentry Mode was active, the 12v sockets in the rear of the vehicle and any of the USB ports would all remain powered.
Now, owners will no longer be able to operate devices that rely on these ports once the vehicle falls asleep. This change renders some accessories almost useless, such as vehicle fridges. Owners previously relied on Sentry Mode coming on when their vehicle was parked, which kept the fridge in the vehicle’s sub-trunk powered. This change will also prevent owners from using Sentry Mode to keep USB ports powered to charge laptops and other devices.
Until further changes are made, owners will have to use Camp Mode to keep 12v sockets and USB ports powered. However, Camp Mode leaves the vehicle unlocked, making it insecure and unsuitable for things like sub-trunk fridges.
Cybertruck Power Interface
Tesla may be planning to integrate the Outlets & Accessories menu from the Cybertruck into the rest of its vehicles. The outlets menu in the Cybertruck allows you to keep the cabin (and bed) outlets in the vehicle active, even when the vehicle isn’t in use. These outlets remain powered for up to 12 hours after the Cybertruck is exited.
The Power Menu in the Cybertruck
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Sentry Mode Improvements
Drew Baglino, Tesla’s now former SVP of powertrains and energy, said back in February of this year that Tesla was looking at reducing the amount of power that Sentry Mode used. He stated that Sentry Mode power consumption needs to be improved and that the team was working on an update to reduce power by about 40%. According to Baglino, the improvements were expected to come in the second quarter of this year, but it’s not clear if this change in update 2024.32 is part of those changes that will lower Sentry Mode’s power consumption.
Even if these are planned changes, we hope Tesla makes them optional, and lets owners choose when to keep outlets powered and when to conserve energy.
Tesla has issued an OTA recall for the Cybertruck – unsurprisingly, one that has already been fixed for customer vehicles. We’ll expand on the recall a little later, but more importantly, the recall filing revealed that Tesla has now built and sold 27,185 Foundation-Series Cybertrucks for customers.
OTA Recall
The OTA recall – which was issued in update 2024.32.5.2 and above, covered an issue that could delay the rearview camera being displayed on the dashboard.
This would occur if the Cybertruck was powered on, and then quickly shifted to reverse. The rearview camera would not come up on screen within the prescribed 2-second timeframe.
According to the NHTSA filing, Tesla has already fixed this via the OTA update, and the rearview camera will now display within that 2-second timeframe as required going forward. This was another easy OTA fix for Tesla.
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27k Cybertrucks
The filing also revealed that Tesla has produced and delivered approximately 27 thousand Foundation-Series Cybertrucks through September 14th. Tesla has been producing the Cybertruck for approximately 11 months now, with the 12-month anniversary coming up on November 13th.
Elon Musk previously mentioned that Tesla intends to produce approximately 375,000 trucks per year to compete with the ICE pickup market. Today, Tesla produces 1.7 million Model 3 and Model Y vehicles per year, and about 80,000 Model S and Model X vehicles a year.
Overall, that 27 thousand over a year is only the start of production, and as Tesla expands and improves its production lines, we can expect that number to continue growing at a rapid pace. With the Foundation Series ending and Tesla opening up invites for reservation holders to configure their non-FS Cybertruck, that number is only expected to increase. The non-FS Cybertruck is priced at $79,990, $20k less than the Foundation Series. The Cybertruck will also become eligible for the Canadian iZEV Heavy EV Rebate.
This puts the Cybertruck in an excellent spot in the future—and it has already outsold its EV competitors in the same market. We’re looking forward to seeing how fast Tesla meets the upcoming demand for non-Foundation Series Cybertrucks.