Tesla Is Ready To Enable Adaptive Headlights in the New Model 3 According to New Document

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.

There's also no mention of Tesla's Model S and Model X getting support even though they now have matrix headlights as well.

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.

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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

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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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