Tesla transitioning its first radar vehicles to 'Tesla Vision'

Tesla appears to be transitioning its first radar-equipped vehicles to Tesla Vision

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Tesla has recently started rolling out their latest 2022.20 update, version 2022.20.9.

Although minor revisions such as these usually only contain minor fixes, this update appears to contain several new features.

Transitioning to Tesla Vision

In May of 2021 Tesla introduced their first vehicles with Tesla Vision. These vehicles no longer included the radar hardware and instead relied on Tesla's vision-only system.

Although the vehicles initially lacked some features when compared to their radar-equipped counterparts, they have now mostly caught up through software updates.

Early on Tesla Vision vehicles didn't include Smart Summon or Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance. Autopilot speeds were also limited to 75 MPH (120 KPH) and the minimum follow distance was increased.

However, most of these features have now been added to Tesla Vision vehicles. The only area in which vision-based cars are still behind vehicles with radar is the maximum Autopilot speed allowed and the minimum follow distance.

After several updates, the maximum Autopilot speed for vision cars is now 85 MPH and the follow distance can now be set between two and seven car lengths.

With update 2022.20.9 Tesla appears to be adding Tesla Vision to vehicles with a radar for the first time.

The only other instance that we're aware of in which a radar-equipped vehicle would have Tesla Vision would be if they were enrolled in the FSD Beta program.

If you have Tesla's FSD Beta, then your car is already relying on vision only for Autopilot use.

It's not clear yet whether all vehicles with radar will transition to Tesla Vision with this update or if Tesla will be rolling out the feature slowly while listening closely for feedback. Tesla used this method when they carefully rolled out the 'Apply Brakes When Regen is Limited' feature. Although the feature was initially part of 2022.16, many customers only found the feature enabled in later software updates.

We have seen three vehicles transition to Tesla Vision with this update, a 2021 Model S, a refresh Model X and a Model Y.

Dynamic Brake Lights

Another new feature in 2022.20.9 is the introduction of Dynamic Brake Lights into additional markets.

Tesla's Dynamic Brake Lights feature will automatically flash your brake lights quickly if you suddenly slow down.

Your hazard lights will also flash temporarily if you come to a complete stop.

This feature was previously rolled out to many European nations in 2020, but it is now being expanded to several new countries. Some of the new countries include Australia and New Zealand, but there may be others included as well. We do know that the U.S. is not one of the new markets.

We should know more about vehicles transitioning to Tesla Vision and which markets are receiving the Dynamic Brake Lights feature as update 2022.20.9 continues to roll out to additional vehicles.

Tesla Adds Steering Wheel Guides for All Wheels in FSD 12.5.2

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Tesla’s latest FSD update, version 2024.27.5 brings some improvements when parking your vehicle. This is another undocumented, but one we’re happy to see.

Most recently, the Cybertruck received the undocumented change for the Hands-Free Frunk opening (video below). The Cybertruck also recently received Vision Park Assist, which included steering wheel guides in the visualization showing the direction the front and rear wheels were turned. However, it turns out this isn’t just for the Cybertruck.

Update: We’ve updated this article to mention that this feature isn’t included in update 2024.32 yet.

Quick video on the auto frunk. It's literally 🧍‍♂️📐

Works great! pic.twitter.com/QklzH5cRle

— Dirty Tesla (@DirtyTesLa) September 9, 2024

Parking Improvements

Due to the Cybertruck’s unique rear-wheel steering and steer-by-wire design, Park Assist in the Cybertruck displayed the path of the front wheels, and how they would swing while reversing.

This enhancement is also coming to every Tesla vehicle in FSD 12.5.2 and later. It’s also expected to be available in a future update for non-FSD vehicles. However, it’s unclear whether it will be a later revision of update 2024.32 or the next major Tesla update. This is a neat little update, as it helps drivers better understand and predict the path their vehicle will take during a turn.

Brandon, going by @teslaflexx on X, originally spotted the new visuals recently on an AMD-based Model Y running 2024.27.5 and FSD V12.5.2.

Any vehicles who are on update 2024.27.5 or 2024.27.20 should have access to this new feature.

Looks like Cybertruck wasn’t the only vehicle to get the new guide visuals with park assist. Much better than the lines! pic.twitter.com/tF9ZsWCcWy

— Brandon (@teslaflexx) September 8, 2024

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Tesla to Sell Cybertruck Battery Armor and Rock Sliders for Cybertruck

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Tesla’s Cybertruck has been used as an awesome off-road vehicle so far, with some great videos from both Tesla themselves, as well as many owners who have been challenging difficult off-road obstacles.

One frequently requested feature, however, is additional armor for the Cybertruck to improve its off-road capabilities. Wes Morril, Program Manager for the Cybertruck, has confirmed that Tesla will be introducing Battery Armor and Rock Sliders as retrofit “options” by the end of 2024.

Battery Armor

The Cybertruck’s underbody plate, while not completely unarmoured, isn’t exactly super thick, and can leave the battery exposed if the weight of the truck is left on a high-center point or a sharp rock. This upcoming battery armor will be similar to the armored undersides offered by other companies specifically for off-roading.

Rivian, for example, sells armor as a single package for $3,950 USD, or $5,800 CAD, along with a 20” wheel upgrade, full-size spare, and a utility panel including an air compressor and enough hose to let you reach any of the tires when airing up or down your tires for off-road. Tesla’s upcoming Battery Armor will be a retrofit option, unlike Rivian’s – which can only be added when purchasing the vehicle.

Rock Sliders

The Cybertruck has a simple and clean bottom corner – but that also means that it exposes the plastic trim directly. Rock sliders go on the bottom edge of off-road vehicles between the wheels to protect the vehicle's body. Rock sliders are a pretty common modification, and some companies have already begun to offer them for the Cybertruck – but a first-party OEM option is always best.

This is especially true since most third-party options use the lift points of the vehicle to attach rock sliders, which can make replacing wheels or lifting the vehicle difficult without removing the third-party additions. This adds considerable time to what should be a quick job.

Release Date

We’re looking forward to Tesla bringing these options to the Tesla store in the coming months. Wes said they’d be available as retrofits before the end of 2024, along with the upcoming Winter Tire Package, which is arriving next month. The Winter Tire Package is already available to order for Cybertruck owners.

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