The first-gen Model 3 and Model Y will soon have support for their matrix headlights
Not a Tesla App
According to a new document in the EU, Tesla is preparing to enable its matrix headlights on the current Model Y and first-gen Model 3.
The document, dated January 3, 2024, reveals that Tesla is introducing adaptive high-beam support to these vehicles, similar to what they recently released on the new Model 3.
A similar document was leaked in December that showed that Tesla was looking to add adaptive high beams to the new Model 3.
Software Update
In Tesla software update 2024.2, Tesla introduced support for adaptive headlights in their newest vehicle, the new Model 3.
While this was the first Tesla vehicle to receive support for adaptive high beams, it left many vehicle owners wondering whether Tesla would enable support for matrix headlights that have come on vehicles for several years.
Supported Vehicles
According to this document, the approval is only for the Model 3 and Model Y. However, it’s almost certain that the update will also arrive on the Model S and Model X as well, although it could come in a separate, later update.
The first Model X vehicles with matrix headlights were delivered in June/July of 2023, while the Model 3, Model Y, and Model S have had matrix headlights for a longer period. Support on the Model 3 and Model Y has varied by region and model, so the best way to tell whether your vehicle has matrix headlights is to look at them. If you see a large, round projector lens like the image below, your vehicle has the new matrix headlights.
Matrix headlights
Not a Tesla App
Video of Adaptive Headlights on New Model 3
X user m.jr.88 posted a video (below) of his new Model 3 that has support for the new adaptive high beams feature. In the video, you can see how select parts of the road brighten and dim as vehicles approach.
Will It Be Available Outside of the EU?
Headlights play an important role in vehicle safety and therefore adaptive headlights are often highly regulated by safety agencies. Due to the leaked document, it appears the feature will be available across the European Union, however, it’s not immediately clear whether it will be available in other regions at the same time.
In 2022, the NHTSA issued a ruling that automakers could install adaptive headlights in their vehicles. However, there could be specifications that must be followed in the U.S. or another region that could differ from EU requirements.
Tesla would without a doubt want to make this feature available in as many regions as possible; however, potential adaptations may be necessary to align with local market nuances and regulatory requirements. At this time, we would expect matrix headlights to become available in the EU soon, with other potential markets available at the same time or soon thereafter.
Release Date
The original document for the new Model 3 was dated November 8th, 2023, so it was about two months before Tesla introduced the update that enabled adaptive high beams on the 2024 Model 3.
If Tesla follows a similar timeline, we may see support for matrix headlights in the next 4-6 weeks. Tesla could add it as soon as the next major update, which is expected to be version 2024.6 or 2024.8.
Update 2024.2, which includes support for the new Model 3 is still in the early stages of rolling out with only about 1% of Tesla's fleet having access to the update. However, we'll likely see bigger waves roll out in the next couple of weeks.
Adaptive High Beam Release Notes
The release notes for adaptive high beam support in update 2024.2 states that the high beams will now adjust to reduce glare for other drivers and cyclists. It goes on to say that by detecting road users and selectively dimming individual pixels of the headlights, the high beams can remain on longer and provide better visibility.
The new adaptive high beam feature is disabled by default but can be enabled in supported vehicles by going to Lighting > Adaptive High Beam in the vehicle's settings.
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One of Tesla’s greatest weaknesses, as it has quickly become one of the world’s most ubiquitous cars on the planet has always been service. Escalating issues to managers and sometimes even reaching a Tesla Service employee can be a total coin flip, depending on your Service Center.
Tesla is continuing its push to integrate AI across its customer support channels in an effort to improve customer service. According to Raj Jegannathan, Tesla’s VP for IT, AI Infrastructure, Apps, Infosecurity, and Vehicle Service Operations (that’s a lot), Tesla is launching a pilot program for a new AI designed to improve customer interactions with Service.
Tesla Service’s new AI Agent detects comms delays, monitors sentiment, & auto-escalates to leaders. Starts tomorrow at 10 pilot locations. In 2 weeks, type “Escalate” in ‘message center’ to reach managers. Guardrails in place to prevent abuse. We’ll keep improving!
At 10 pilot service locations, this new AI agent will begin working behind the scenes at Tesla Service, to help with customer communications. It will provide three key features:
Detect Communications Delays: The AI will actively monitor service interactions to identify potential delays in communication or progress. These are often a key pain point for customers who reach out to Tesla Service and don’t receive a response for several days, as Service has nothing new to add. The AI can now step in and let the customer know Tesla is still waiting on parts or something else.
Monitor Customer Sentiment: By monitoring the tone and content of the messages between the customer and Service agents, Tesla will be able to identify situations where a customer might be dissatisfied or facing difficulties.
Auto-Escalate: If either a communications delay or negative sentiment is detected, the AI can automatically escalate issues to human managers for review. This helps to address problems before customers need to seek escalation themselves or become upset about an issue.
Customer Escalation Requests
Alongside the new AI tool, Tesla is also introducing a more direct way for customers to get higher-level attention. According to Tesla, within the next two weeks, customers can simply type “Escalate” in order to have their issue routed directly to management.
Raj’s team is currently working on implementing guardrails to prevent abuse, but this will soon make its way to improving Tesla’s service offerings. We’re glad to see Tesla taking steps to identify and correct deficiencies in the process - it has always been a sore tooth for Tesla in the last few years.
Over at 7000 Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood, Los Angeles, Tesla’s stainless steel-clad retro diner is really coming together. Most recently, we saw the gigantic 45-foot LED screens for the outdoor theater come to life, but there’s been more going on inside than we originally knew about.
Now, thanks to photos shared with us by Thomas Adamian, who ventured over to the site, we have our very first look inside the nearly completed Tesla Diner.
While we knew the concept aimed for a retro-futuristic theme, blending a diner with Superchargers and a modern open-air theater, the initial stages of the interior are well beyond a mere nostalgia project.
Interior Explored
Inside, we’ve got a seamless blend of classic circular diner-style seating accompanied by distinctly modern lighting and fixtures. This definitely brings to life that modernist art-deco feel and feels right at home alongside Tesla’s Robovan, rather than a period set-piece.
The facility is still clearly under active construction in these images, with materials and equipment visible, but they provide the best and most detailed glimpse so far of what the indoor dining experience will look like.
Front Door / Diner Logo
The circular spaceship-like entrance
Thomas Adamian
The circular entrance looks like something out of this world - and while we’re hoping the doors slide inside the walls, like a pocket door, they likely open in or out like a standard door.
This is also one of our first looks at the Tesla Diner sign, which hangs inside the doorway. The logo itself also has an art-deco look and feel. On the door, there’s also a sign confirming that the diner will be open 24/7.
Windows & Artwork
Shutters, Stealth Fighters, and Cybertrucks
Thomas Adamian
Tesla really nailed the style with the windows and shutters, matching the diner’s vibe. In the background, you can also see the concept art for the Cybertruck. We hope Tesla includes artwork for other vehicles as well, as they help tell the Tesla story and give diners an inside look at the company.
Exterior Seating
The exterior seating
Thomas Adamian
There’s also an exterior seating space, which seems to be in the early phases of being laid out. None of those pallets have been disassembled yet, but they likely have outdoor furniture, letting customers sit outside and enjoy a meal.
The Tesla Diner in Hollywood is shaping up to be much more than just a restaurant with chargers. It’ll have in-app functionality with the Tesla app and offer room for 200 diners inside, along with the ability to use a drive-in theater with in-car service. Tesla’s original plans also include rooftop seating, so there’s likely more to come once the construction phase continues.
The idea for a Tesla Diner began in 2023, when it was announced at Tesla’s Investor Day. While the diner has yet to open, it already seems like it’ll be an iconic establishment for the area. Amid recent brand turbulence tied to politics, this project has the potential to refresh Tesla’s image—offering a fun, memorable place to charge.
If there’s one thing we’re hoping for, it’s that the food matches the creativity of the design. Ideally, what Tesla is building in Hollywood becomes a blueprint for similar diners across North America—and eventually, the world.
With its unique concept and prime location, the Diner is poised to become a true LA landmark and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.
