First look at Tesla's new v11 UI

By Nuno Cristovao

This year started with a firework show of cold weather improvements. However, Tesla is now completely redeeming themselves in this holiday update.

V11 coming to Model 3/Y
V11 coming to Model 3/Y
Emulsifide (Edited by Not a Tesla App)

This year's holiday update is easily the most exciting update of the year. It's feature packed with some of the most requested features and improvements.

It includes an updated UI, a customizable app launcher, blind spot camera, TikTok, new games and so much more. Be sure to check out the release notes for the holiday update to see everything included in this update.

One of the biggest features in the holiday update isn't explicitly mentioned in the release notes.

V11 is Finally Here

The holiday update is officially v11, at least for Model 3 and Model Y owners. It's not clear yet whether pre-refresh Model S or Model X cars will get the updated UI as well.

Thanks to Reddit user Emulsifide, we now have a great look into everything that's included in v11. Let's dive in and find out everything we know about the new UI.

New UI

The Model 3 and Model Y UI has been updated with a fresh new look. It looks very similar to the UI on the redesigned Model S.

The update also brings over some of the UI functionality from the Model S.

Rearranged icons
Rearranged icons
Emulsifide (Edited by Not a Tesla App)

Speedometer and Visualization

The speedometer and "instrument cluster" areas of the Model 3 have been redesigned.

The visualization area on the left is the same size as v10 and unfortunately, there's no way to resize it.

The information at the top left corner of the screen has been reorganized. The PRND status is now laid out horizontally instead of vertically, which allows the speedometer to be pushed all the way to the left. Its now slightly closer to the driver.

The previous UI (left) compared to the new one (right)
The previous UI (left) compared to the new one (right)
Emulsifide (Edited by Not a Tesla App)

The accelration/braking line now goes almost edge to edge on the left side of the screen, instead of appearing between the PRND indicator and battery status.

Car status lights such as headlights and high beams are in a similar locations as before, but the speedometer is now directly above them instead of the PRND indicator.

Other icons that appear near the top of the screen have been moved around as well.

The Autopilot icon that used to appear underneath the acceleration/braking line has been moved up next to the gear selection.

In order for the Autopilot icon to visually fit in that area, it's now much smaller, having about the same height as gear letters themselves.

The speed limit sign is now smaller and remains aligned to the right of the visualizations panel.

The cruise control/max speed icon has updated from the classic blue circle to more closely match the US speed limit sign. Instead of having the set speed with a blue circle around it, it's simplified to just the set speed with the word "MAX" underneath. The cruise control speed icon is also aligned to the right now.

All of the icons have been pushed over to the edges, creating some empty unused space in the middle, which creates some additional height for the car visualizations.

With the increased height available for visualizations, details that are further away can now be displayed. The car visualizations themselves appear to be unchanged in this release.

App Launcher / Bottom Navigation

Customizable apps
Customizable apps
Emulsifide (Edited by Not a Tesla App)

One of the most significant changes to the UI is the new look and available options in the car's bottom navigation.

The bottom navigaton, known as the app launcher, can now be customized.

It features three distinct areas, fixed apps that can not be moved or rearranged, customized apps and what appears to be recent apps, much like the Model S.

There is a predefined list of apps that can be placed in the app launcher. Apps that can be added to the launcher include:

  • Dashcam
  • Energy
  • Calendar
  • Messages
  • Theater
  • Arcade
  • Toybox
  • Browser
  • Spotify
  • Bluetooth
  • Radio
  • Caraoke
  • Tune
  • TIDAL
  • Streaming
  • Backup Camera
  • Phone

To make room for customizable apps in the app launcher, many apps or features were removed.

For example, the wipers, seat heater and front and rear defrost options were removed from the launcher and can now be found in other locations.

Wipers are now accessible through the left stalk button or by going to Controls, where you're then able to choose from off, low speed, medium, fast or auto options.

Seat heaters are now automatic and the temperature setting will be based on your set cabin temperature and the actual temperature inside of the vehicle. You can still set seat heaters manually by going into the HVAC options.

Unfortunately, the launcher options that were removed are not selectable as apps you can add back to the launcher.

New Icons

Version 11 now uses the same colorful app icons as the redesigned Model S.

Although most users prefer the modern monochrome look of the previous icons, I can see how these colorful icons may make apps easier to find at a glance.

My biggest issue with the new icons is that they appear out of place. They don't appear to go together as package, but this is subjective and some owners may be fans of their new look.

Top Status Bar

Shortcut to Sentry Mode
Shortcut to Sentry Mode
Emulsifide (Edited by Not a Tesla App)

The icons in the status bar along the top of the screen has been reorganized. Normally, you'd find quick access to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and LTE settings in this location, however these no longer appear under normal circumstances to provide a more streamlined look.

Other shortcuts in the top status bar such as Sentry Mode, Dashcam and Driver Profiles also aren't visible at all times.

Instead, these icons will only show up in the status bar whenever you're in Controls. When you're in any of the car's menus, you will then see all the familiar icons along the top of the screen.

Cards

The cards that you could swipe between on the visualization panel have been removed. Although some information will still appear in this area, you can no longer swipe to bring up the wipers, odometer, tire pressure or other items.

Most of these items have been relocated to be within the controls menu. For example, tire pressure now appears in Controls > Service.

Some alerts will continue to show up in the visualization area such as seat belt warnings and active call information.

Reorganized Menus

New menus
New menus
Emulsifide (Edited by Not a Tesla App)

The control menus have been changed and reorganized to make them more consistent with the new Model S UI and to bring consistent between the Model 3/Y and the Model S/X.

Instead of odometer and trip information being a swipeable card, it can now be found by going to Controls > Trips, similar to the Model S and X.

Wiper settings are now under Controls as well and tire pressure is located under Service.

Some menu items have been renamed. Driving has been renamed to Pedals & Steering, while Safety & Security has been changed to just Safety.

Quick Controls is now just known as Controls, similar to the Model S.

The new Controls menu now includes buttons for features that can't be accessed anywhere else.

For example, Controls is now where you set your wiper speed, turn on Sentry Mode and Dashcam, open your glovebox and more.

The charging app was removed from the app launcher, so charge settings can now be found by going to Controls and then the new Charging menu.

The dedicated glovebox button that appeared at the bottom of all the menus has now also be moved to the Controls menu. Although it now appears within a menu, it is still still two taps to open the glovebox.

Blind Spot Camera

Blind Spot Camera
Blind Spot Camera
Emulsifide (Edited by Not a Tesla App)

One of the features that is getting a lot of attention in this update is the new Blind Spot Camera feature.

It's an optional feature that will automatically show you the live camera view from your blind spot when you your turn signal is activated.

The car will automatically show you the left or right fender camera feed when the appropriate turn signal is used.

The camera feed will appear underneath the driving visualization, where the cards used to appear.

The camera feed will also automatically be dismissed when your turn signal is turned off.

HVAC Quick Controls

HVAC Quick Controls
HVAC Quick Controls
Emulsifide (Edited by Not a Tesla App)

There is a new quick controls menu that appears when you change the cabin temperature.

Previously, when you adjusted the cabin temperature, you would get a slider to adjust the temperature and a button to enable Split mode.

However, now there are some additional options in this menu. Apps that were removed from the app launcher such as HVAC settings, seat heaters and front and rear defrost now appear in this quick menu.

If you want to get to the full HVAC settings, you can tap on the gear icon.

This will take getting a little used to as the full HVAC settins are now a swipe and tap away and feel more hidden.

Overall V11

Many owners have been looking forward to v11 to match what the Model S offers today.

Although not all the features that the Model S offers are here, the visual refresh is a welcome one. Some elements of the Model S such as window docking, the music mini-player are not available in this release.

The same apps remain on the Model 3
Emulsifide (Edited by Not a Tesla App)

The existing apps in the Model 3 remain unchanged. For example, the music player still looks and functions the same as it did before and it can only appear on the right side of the screen.

Tesla has added many features over the years. Three years ago when the Model 3 was introduced, Sentry Mode, Dashcam, Dashcam Viewer, Tesla Theater and so many other features didn't exist.

Adding these features to the UI started making it crowded in certain areas.

Tesla took this as an opportunity to reorganize and declutter some of the UI so that it remained clean and intuitive

Some of the new buttons may take some getting used to, but it's exciting to officially see v11 running on a Model 3.

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Tesla Screen Size Comparison for All Tesla Models, Including Size, Resolution and Aspect Ratio

By Kevin Armstrong
A good view of all the displays available in a Model S
A good view of all the displays available in a Model S
Tesla

Tesla is a pioneer in the automotive industry, and one of the most defining features of its vehicles is the use of large touchscreens. These screens are a central hub for most vehicle functions, including music, vehicle settings, navigation, and more. Tesla's commitment to a minimalist and user-friendly design is evident through integrating these screens, which have become iconic in electric vehicles.

A comparison of the different size displays in Teslas
A comparison of the different size displays in Teslas
Not a Tesla App

2012-2020 Model S & Model X

Between 2012 and 2020, the Model S and Model X were equipped with vertical screens, which stood out due to their impressive size and orientation. These screens measured 17 inches diagonally and allowed intuitive control of the vehicles' various features.

In addition to the central touchscreen, both models featured an instrument cluster screen behind the steering wheel, displaying vital information such as speed, range, visualizations and charging status. The instrument cluster features a 12.3" screen with an 8:3 aspect ratio and a resolution of 1280 by 480.

2021-Present - Model S and Model X Screen Sizes

The Model S and Model X have a center display measuring 17 inches
The Model S and Model X have a center display measuring 17 inches
Tesla

In 2021, Tesla introduced a significant update to the Model S and Model X, replacing the vertical screens with horizontal ones. The new 17-inch screen boasts a 16:9.5 aspect ratio, providing users with an even more immersive experience. The display has a resolution of 2200 by 1300 pixels which is about 150 pixels per inch (PPI).

The instrument cluster remains present, ensuring drivers have easy access to crucial information at a glance. Additionally, a rear display measuring eight inches was introduced, which Tesla later updated in 2022 by reducing the bezels, resulting in a slightly larger screen size. Tesla also introduced the ability for the center display to tilt left and right.

The newer Model S and Model X has a rear display measuring over 8 inches
The newer Model S and Model X has a rear display measuring over 8 inches
Tesla

Model 3 & Model Y Screen Size

On the other hand, the Model 3 and Model Y take a different approach to screen design. Both models lack an instrument cluster, opting instead for a single, central 15.4-inch touchscreen with a 16:9 screen ratio. The display features a resolution of 1920 by 1200, which comes in just below 150 PPI. This minimalist approach further emphasizes Tesla's commitment to a clutter-free, user-friendly interface.

The interior of a Model 3 with a 15
The interior of a Model 3 with a 15
Tesla

Cybertruck

The highly anticipated Cybertruck is expected to feature the most giant screen yet, with a whopping 18.5-inch horizontal screen without an instrument cluster. There are also plans for a rear screen, though the exact size remains unconfirmed. However, plenty of images of the Cybertruck appeared during Investor Day, and many observers believe the rear screen is the same as the Model S and Model X at around eight inches.

Semi

The Tesla Semi puts the driver between two 15-inch displays
The Tesla Semi puts the driver between two 15-inch displays
Tesla

Finally, the Tesla Semi, a big electric rig designed for long-haul transportation, features dual 15-inch screens located to the left and right of the driver. These screens replace the traditional instrument cluster, providing the driver vital information and access to various controls. However, there is no rear screen in the Semi, as it's not necessary for its intended use.

Tesla's commitment to innovation and user experience is exemplified by integrating large, intuitive touchscreens in their vehicles. From the early vertical screens in the Model S and Model X to the current horizontal screens and the upcoming Cybertruck, Tesla continues to push the boundaries of automotive design and technology, ensuring that their vehicles remain at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution.

Tesla Model Y Conquers the World; Becomes Best-Selling Car

By Kevin Armstrong
Tesla's Model Y is the world's best selling car in Q1 of 2023
Tesla's Model Y is the world's best selling car in Q1 of 2023
Tesla

The Tesla Model Y made a monumental leap in Q1 2023, emerging as the world's best-selling car. Not just the best-selling EV, or the best-selling SUV, but the world's best-selling vehicle, period.

According to industry analysts JATO Dynamics, this marks the first occasion in history where an EV has claimed this title. The growth trajectory of Model Y sales globally over recent years had hinted at this milestone, fulfilling Tesla's earlier predictions that demand could reach a million units per year.

JATO Dynamics' Revealing Analysis: Model Y Trumps Corolla

Data compiled by JATO Dynamics analyst Felipe Munoz reveals a compelling story. Model Y's Q1 sales reached 267,200, outperforming Toyota Corolla's 256,400 sales. The comparison becomes even more dramatic when considering other top contenders like Toyota's Hilux, RAV4, and Camry. Model Y's sales, largely driven by Tesla's significant price cuts, are escalating, while Corolla sales appear to be dwindling. This dynamic is particularly impressive considering the Model Y's introduction to the market a year later than the Corolla (2019 vs 2018).

The Legacy of the Toyota Corolla: A Reign Unchallenged Until Now

For decades, the Toyota Corolla has held an uncontested reign as the world's best-selling car, with its affordability, reliability, and universal availability contributing to its enduring popularity. Its 2018 iteration further consolidated this status, offering consumers a well-rounded package that catered to a wide variety of tastes and requirements across different markets.

The Corolla was indeed a global favorite, securing sales in practically every corner of the world, from North America and Europe to Asia. Its broad availability in multiple body styles — sedan, hatchback, and wagon — further expanded its appeal to a diverse customer base. Despite this formidable legacy, the emergence of the Model Y has marked a shift in consumer preferences. It heralds a new era in which electric vehicles can claim the top spot in global car sales.

The High Price Tag vs. Accessibility: Tesla's Strategic Moves

Tesla's ambitious projections regarding the Model Y have come to fruition, culminating in an average quarterly sales increase from last year's 189k to this year's Q1 figures. With this growth rate, Model Y is on track to exit 2023 with over 1 million sales. A feat previously only achieved by Toyota Corolla, which sold 1.12 million units in the previous year.

One may wonder how an EV with a price tag of approximately $40k (after credits) could outperform the more affordable Corolla, priced at $21k for a base model. Despite Model Y's higher cost, Tesla's strategic price cuts have widened its appeal, contributing significantly to its increased market share.

Elon Musk's prediction that the Model Y could become the world's best-selling car seems increasingly plausible. Given its current momentum and the growing demand for EVs, it's likely that Model Y will maintain its leading position, making Tesla's mark in the automotive industry even more indelible.

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

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