When the 2024 Tesla Holiday Update originally launched, they introduced awesome new features, but unfortunately, one of the most exciting, the weather radar, was only available for vehicles with the AMD Ryzen processor (MCU 3).
Intel-based vehicles didn’t receive the precipitation maps at all and instead only had access to the Weather at Destination feature. However, we’re excited to report that Tesla has now released a version of the weather radar overlay that’s compatible with Model 3 and Model Y Intel vehicles.
Intel Precipitation Maps
It sounds like Tesla needed to optimize the precipitation map for Intel vehicles, which feature a slower CPU. We received this news from a follower who reached out after finding his Intel-based Model 3 in Norway had the ability to see the new weather map with update 2024.44.25.3.
This update began rolling out just recently and was originally seen as a bugfix update. In the release notes for the update, Tesla lists all of the Holiday features again, making it easy to miss the new ‘Precipitation Map and Weather at Destination’ feature.
While we thought the radar overlay feature may be reduced in some fashion for Intel cars, this isn’t the case. This update brings the maps in their full capacity to Intel, with no reduction in features. The animated overlay, showcasing the last three hours of precipitation, is available in the same way as AMD vehicles.
The precipitation icon shows up at the far right side of the screen, right next to the Superchargers icon.
You’re also able to zoom out or swipe to view the radar anywhere you like or zoom in to be more precise. You can also use it while driving. However, the overlay is pretty distracting, so it can make it confusing if you’re trying to figure out where to go.
The last two key points for the new precipitation maps are that if you have Points of Interest (POIs) enabled, the precipitation overlay will hide them - except for Charging POIs. You’ll also need Premium Connectivity to take advantage of this feature - even if you’re connected to Wi-Fi via a hotspot.
We’re excited to see this feature drop for Intel-based vehicles, as Tesla is still committed to supporting them and finding new ways to optimize features on the older hardware. We’re hoping some of the other features arrive on Intel as well, including the new Parked screen and updated full-screen Autopilot visualizations outside of North America.
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It has been a long wait for FSD for European customers, many of whom paid for the feature years ago on now legacy hardware. While the FSD transfer program has come and gone multiple times, there’s something to be said about having it available in North America, where it can be used, and in Europe or other countries, where it still just remains the same as Enhanced Autopilot (differences between Autopilot, EAP, and FSD).
FSD Transfer is a nice goodwill gesture from Tesla that in theory doesn’t cost them anything. Instead, it keeps customers, especially those who have been waiting for years, loyal and happy. It also incentivizes them to upgrade to a newer Tesla with HW4, where FSD will hopefully be achieved.
In a reply to a post on X, Elon agreed with the suggestion that offering FSD transfers in Europe would be a fair solution for those who have already purchased FSD but can’t use its capabilities.
FSD Transfer directly addresses a growing concern for many long-term European Tesla owners. Thousands of customers purchased the full package, often many years ago, with the expectation that FSD would eventually be capable and approved for use. However, the reality is that FSD, even as an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), continues to be pushed back in Europe.
Without the transfer program, it's a difficult choice: either throw away your original investment in FSD and pay for the package a second time (FSD price history), or subscribe to it in the future.
Offering FSD transfers is a good way for Tesla to meet them halfway. It's a difficult situation, and one that’s being hindered by processes beyond the control of both the customer and Tesla. However, a transfer helps both parties. Tesla sells another vehicle, and the customer gets to keep FSD.
When Will it Be Available?
Based on how FSD transfers have worked in the past following Elon’s announcements, this feature is likely to become available for a limited time period in the coming days or weeks. If it happens, we should expect an announcement from Tesla Europe on X and emails being sent out to Tesla customers.
Once the program is in place, all you need to do is complete your vehicle purchase and then inform your Tesla sales advisor that you’d like to transfer FSD. You don’t even have to sell or trade in your old Tesla; FSD will simply be removed from it as a feature.
Hopefully, Tesla enables FSD Transfers for everyone, regardless of region. It should be an ongoing offer until at least FSD is approved in the given country or region.
The introductory price for Tesla’s Robotaxi Network has finally been updated. In a post on X, Elon Musk confirmed that the new fare would be rolling out to complement the new Robotaxi geofence expansion.
This change marks the first adjustment to Tesla’s fares since the initial $4.20 launch price 23 days ago. While the price increase may seem significant in terms of percentages, when compared to other options in the ride-hailing area, it is still drastically cheaper.
But the price is now a princely $6.90, as foretold in the prophecy 😂
Robotaxi currently operates on a simple, flat-rate model. The new $6.90 fare gets you a ride to anywhere within the recently expanded geofence.
So far, this is the opposite approach compared to other services, such as Waymo or traditional ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft. All these services use dynamic pricing based on distance, time of day, and demand. A comparable trip on any one of these services could cost anywhere from $30 to $65, and potentially even higher during peak hours.
That doesn’t even include the tip fees for human drivers either - another win for Robotaxi (can you tip a Robotaxi?).
Even with the adjustment, the flat $6.90 fare remains less than half the price of a typical competing ride, making Robotaxi the most affordable point-to-point transportation option in Austin, aside from mass transit, for now.
A “Maturing” Service
The price change, moving from one meme-worthy number to another, is a sign that Robotaxi is finally graduating from its initial pilot phase. Following the first major expansion of the service area, this adjustment is a logical next step towards finding a more sustainable flat price.
While the new fare is a 65% increase over the old fare, the key takeaway is that it is still far cheaper than other options, and still just as meme-worthy. Tesla is aiming to have its early access riders complete as many rides as possible during these early months, and this pricing is still very reflective of that.