Lars Moravy, Tesla's VP of Vehicle Engineering, took an unexpected but welcome turn on X to engage with the community, answering questions and shedding light on Tesla's technology and the new Model 3.
Traditionally, Elon Musk has been the face of Tesla everywhere, especially on X, sharing updates and insights with his massive following. However, with Musk increasingly focusing on political commentary, Moravy stepped in to fill the void, offering a rare glimpse into the technical advancements and thoughtful considerations behind the Model 3. With less than 12 thousand followers, Moravy's engagement might seem modest compared to Musk's 172.6 million, but his detailed responses provided significant value to Tesla enthusiasts and potential buyers.
The Power of Frequency Selective Damping
One of the most intriguing revelations is the introduction of Frequency Selective Damping technology in the Model 3. This advanced suspension system is designed to significantly enhance ride comfort by targeting the shake frequencies that resonate with the human body, specifically in the 4-6 Hz range. Moravy's explanation on X underlines the dual advantage of the technology: eliminating minor road discomforts while preserving the vehicle's agile steering. Lars stated, “Know the body,” and posted an interesting picture.
Beyond the groundbreaking suspension system, Tesla's promotional efforts and Moravy's subsequent discussions highlight several key general updates to the Model 3 and Tesla.
Addressing a concern raised by The Cybertruck Guy (@cybrtrkguy) regarding the lack of published recommended tires by Tesla, Moravy acknowledged the significance of tire selection on vehicle range. Moravy revealed Tesla's intention to publish a list of recommended tires to guide customers in making informed choices that maintain or enhance their vehicle's performance and range.
Good idea. We’ll get on that. In the meantime, know we label all Tesla designed tires whether from Michelin, Goodyear, Hankook, Conti, Pirelli, etc with a T# marking and that can be seen at any tire store. get the T0, T1, T2 and know it’s from us. pic.twitter.com/tjPckFEWxV
Until this list is available, he advised customers to identify Tesla-designed tires by looking for the T# marking on products from leading manufacturers such as Michelin, Goodyear, Hankook, Continental, and Pirelli. This marking, visible in any tire store, is a hallmark of Tesla's endorsement, ensuring compatibility and optimized performance for Tesla vehicles. This initiative highlights Tesla's proactive stance on addressing customer feedback and its commitment to enhancing the ownership experience through informed tire selection.
More Details on the Model 3
Pioneering Energy Efficiency: The updated Model 3 boasts an impressive reduction in energy consumption, approximately 8.3% lower than its predecessor. Moravy attributes this to Tesla's systemic approach to efficiency, focusing on aerodynamics, tire efficiency, HVAC systems, and minimizing energy wastage.
Dual Microphones for Enhanced Call Quality: Addressing feedback on call clarity, the Model 3 now features two microphones, significantly reducing echo and improving overall sound quality during phone calls.
More Trunk and Rear Seat Space: Moravy also responded to questions about the space in the vehicle, telling X users that the new Model 3 has a larger truck and more space in the backseat. “We heard you,” stated Moravy.
Reflecting on Tesla's Dynamic Engagement
Moravy's engagement on X is reminiscent of Musk’s participation with the Tesla community. The company has thrived on user feedback and company discussions. By stepping into a role typically filled by Elon Musk, Moravy provided valuable insights into the engineering and design considerations. But he also re-engaged a fanbase thirsty for more interaction with the top people at Tesla. Perhaps Moravy could get a profile picture.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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