Tesla to Make Changes to the Power Meter in Their Cars

By Kevin Armstrong
Tesla has improved the power meter in the vehicle through several updates
Tesla has improved the power meter in the vehicle through several updates
Tesla

Thanks to one of our readers, it looks like we have a look at an upcoming change to Tesla's power meter. The power meter, an essential element of the UI, provides drivers with real-time information on power usage and regenerative braking.

Tesla accidently displayed this feature in their app before fixing it a few hours later.

Striking a Balance Between Visibility and Relevance

Over the years, Tesla has made several changes to the power meter's design to improve driver experience. Early versions of the meter featured a thin green and black line. However, recent updates increased the line's thickness to enhance visibility. Now, the latest UI update appears to strike a balance between these designs.

It appears that Tesla will revert the power meter to the thinner line. Still, it will dynamically increase its thickness during relevant situations, such as sudden surges in power usage (putting the accelerator to the floor) or regenerative braking events.

The release notes for the feature read:

The power meter is a thin horizontal line above the car status area of the touchscreen that shows real-time power usage.

The right side of the power meter represents power that is used to accelerate the vehicle. Now, when you press the accelerator pedal farther, the line is thicker.

In 2022, Tesla introduced a notable change (update 2022.16) that allowed drivers to see when their vehicle was using the brakes while in Autopilot. This feature displays a gray line in the regenerative braking area of the power meter when Autopilot is using the vehicle's physical brakes to slow down.

Tesla now displays if the vehicle is using its physical brakes while in Autopilot
Tesla now displays if the vehicle is using its physical brakes while in Autopilot
Not a Tesla App

Limited Regen Indicator

Another helpful feature provided by Tesla is the limited regen indicator. When the "apply brakes when regen is limited" option is turned off, dots appear on the power meter to inform the driver of limited regenerative braking capability. This visual cue can help drivers decide their braking needs and energy consumption.

It's not clear when Tesla will launch this change to the power meter, but given that there are release notes for the change, it may soon be available in an upcoming update.

These improvements to the power meter UI demonstrate Tesla's commitment to continually refining its vehicles' functionality and user experience. By making it easier for drivers to understand their cars' power usage and regenerative braking, Tesla empowers owners to maximize the performance and efficiency of their electric vehicles. As the EV market continues to grow, we can expect Tesla to remain at the forefront of innovation, offering cutting-edge features and updates that keep its customers engaged and satisfied.

Tesla Advances with 5G: A Future of Enhanced Connectivity for Cars and Robotics

By Kevin Armstrong
Tesla building 5G private network
Tesla building 5G private network

Tesla appears to be planning an ambitious project to build a private 5G network. This initiative would revolutionize connectivity for its vehicles and the robot, Optimus, as well as any other plans the company is likely to develop in the future.

Innovative Job Posting Reveals Big Plans

Although now removed, a recently spotted job posting for a Cellular Systems Integration Engineer on Tesla's career page shed light on the company's intentions. The role demands expertise to elevate Tesla's vehicle and Optimus robot connectivity, promising to push the boundaries of low latency and high data rates.

Tesla's journey from 3G to the anticipated 5G upgrade will bring about ultra-reliable communication and high-speed data transfer, crucial for over-the-air software updates, autonomous driving features, and real-time data analytics.

The Strategic Role of Private 5G Networks

Deploying its private 5G network, Tesla aims to create a seamlessly connected environment in its manufacturing facilities, research labs, and outdoor spaces. This infrastructure is not just about enhancing vehicle connectivity; it's also pivotal for the operational efficiency of the Optimus robot in various scenarios, including warehouse operations.

Tesla's foray into private 5G networking places it in an advantageous position in the automotive and tech industries. This strategic move aligns with the global trend towards adopting private 5G networks, which promise to revolutionize industries with their reliability and speed. Tesla's efforts to develop a private 5G protocol stack that integrates with any cellular infrastructure globally will set new industry standards.

With 5G, Tesla vehicles and Optimus robots will benefit from significantly reduced latency, offering under 5 milliseconds compared to the 60-98 milliseconds of 4G networks. This technological advancement is expected to enhance the functionality and responsiveness of Tesla's products, paving the way for advanced autonomous driving capabilities and efficient robot operations.

Conclusion

Tesla's interest in developing a private 5G network is a logical step. By building an infrastructure that supports the fastest connectivity standards, Tesla is preparing for its vehicles and laying the groundwork for sophisticated robotics applications. This endeavor reflects Tesla's ongoing commitment to innovation and its role in shaping the future of transportation and automation.

Tesla Is in Talks To Produce Electric Vans in Italy According to Report

By Kevin Armstrong
Van rendering
Van rendering

Italy has been discussing with Tesla about potentially establishing a factory producing electric trucks and vans. This information came to light in an Italian media outlet, Il Sole 24 Ore, which reported that the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy (Mimit) spearheaded talks to secure Tesla's investment.

Tesla and Italy: A Strategic Dialogue

Since last summer, Italy has broadened its industrial horizons by engaging in talks with Tesla, alongside negotiations with prominent Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, Great Wall Motors, and Chery Automobile. Notably, the discussions with Tesla have centered around producing electric commercial vehicles, highlighting a departure from conventional car manufacturing and reflecting the evolving demands of the global market.

Under the leadership of Minister Adolfo Urso, Italy aims to invigorate its automotive sector by encouraging the presence of multiple manufacturers. This approach is designed to stabilize the national components sector, which faces challenges due to the shift towards electric vehicles. Italy aims to produce 1.3 million vehicles annually, including a significant contribution from a new yet-to-be-determined manufacturer.

A Geopolitical and Industrial Balancing Act

Italy's engagement with Tesla occurs amidst a delicate phase of negotiations with Stellantis for increased vehicle production within the country. This strategic dialogue with Tesla, alongside discussions with Chinese competitors, is a pivotal element in Italy's industrial and geopolitical maneuvering.

A multipurpose van is the next logical step for Tesla to produce once the less expensive next-gen platform is released (code name Redwood). However, engineers seem to be busy perfecting the next-gen Roadster, and the van has had little discussion. Given the company's leaks, if a van were in the works, you would think we would’ve heard about it. Perhaps this is the nudge Tesla needs to get the van into production.

As Italy endeavors to become a key player in the electric vehicle industry, its negotiations with Tesla signify a promising development. The possibility of Tesla establishing a facility for electric trucks and vans in Italy underscores the country's commitment to sustainable transportation and positions Italy as an attractive destination for automotive innovation.

View All Upcoming Features

Latest Tesla Update

Confirmed by Elon

Take a look at features that Elon Musk has said will be coming soon.

More Tesla News

Subscribe

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Sponsors

Find out how to become a sponsor and have your site listed here.

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

Latest Tesla Update

Confirmed by Elon

Take a look at features that Elon Musk has said will be coming soon.

Subscribe

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter.