Why Tesla Is Updating Stopping Modes for Model 3 and Y to Feature Hold Mode Exclusively

By Kevin Armstrong
New 2024 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles will eliminate the creep and roll options
New 2024 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles will eliminate the creep and roll options
Not a Tesla App

Tesla is reportedly removing two of the three existing stopping modes - Creep and Roll - from the new Model 3 and Model Y. Existing Model 3 and Model Y owners won't see these modes removed via an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Additionally, Model S and Model X owners do not have the option to choose different stopping modes.

The latest change will see new Model 3 and Model Y cars manufactured after January 1, 2024, only featuring the Hold mode. As per internal communications obtained and reported by Drive Tesla Canada, this modification is specifically for vehicles destined for the U.S. market.

Tesla's Updated Range

Tesla updated the range estimates for the Model S, Model X, and Model Y, reflecting unspecified improvements that enhance battery utilization and adaptations to EPA testing methodologies, leading to higher consumption figures. These updates and removing Creep and Roll modes are part of Tesla's ongoing efforts to improve their electric vehicles' efficiency and user experience.

Since the EPA now requires manufacturers to average the different acceleration modes of a vehicle to determine the vehicle’s EPA estimate, Tesla has decided to eliminate the less efficient stopping modes in new models.

Electric vehicles, including Tesla's lineup, are known for their one-pedal driving capability. This feature allows drivers to primarily use the accelerator pedal to accelerate and slow down through regenerative braking. Tesla's stopping modes – Creep, Roll, and Hold – provide drivers with different behaviors as the car slows down.

The Dominance of Hold Mode: Why Tesla is Betting on It

Creep Mode mimics the automatic transmission of traditional vehicles, allowing the car to move slowly when in Drive or Reverse without pressing the accelerator. Roll Mode enables the car to freewheel near or at a complete stop, similar to a vehicle in Neutral. The Hold mode continues regenerative braking at lower speeds, allowing the vehicle to stop entirely without using the brake pedal. Not only does this save on brake wear, it also sends energy back into the battery.

Hold mode is reportedly the most popular and effective among the three, offering a superior driving experience compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. This mode is particularly beneficial for those new to Tesla's one-pedal driving. However, regenerative braking is the most significant change for new EV drivers and takes the most time to get used to. Newbies may start with Roll or Creep before trying Hold, but those training wheels are now gone.

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

By Karan Singh
@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

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

By Karan Singh
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 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.

Latest Tesla Update

Confirmed by Elon

Take a look at features that Elon Musk has said will be coming soon.

More Tesla News

Subscribe

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Sponsors

Find out how to become a sponsor and have your site listed here.

Although we share official Tesla release notes, we are not affiliated with Tesla Motors. We are Tesla fans and supporters.

Tesla Videos

Latest Tesla Update

Confirmed by Elon

Take a look at features that Elon Musk has said will be coming soon.

Subscribe

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter.