The latest software update from Tesla, version 2023.20.4.1, is now public and incrementally rolling out to its user base, with about 2% adoption so far. Although it appears to be a minor update on the surface, it brings several enhancements and tweaks to elevate the Tesla driving experience further.
The key changes include the ability to preview all nine onboard cameras, modifications to the current trip odometer, and the introduction of advanced Service Mode menus. These improvements reflect Tesla's continued commitment to innovation and user convenience.
Preview All Tesla Cameras
Earlier this year, Tesla released the 2023.2 software update, which allowed users to preview the cabin camera from within the car, an advantage that has now been extended to all nine of the vehicle's cameras. This update in 2023.20 allows you to view the three front-facing cameras (two for HW 4.0) and other additional cameras positioned strategically around the vehicle. The comprehensive list of cameras now available for viewing includes:
Three front-facing cameras (main, telephoto, and wide)
Two "repeater" cameras on the fenders
Two forward-facing side cameras on the B-pillars
One rear-view camera
One cabin camera
This is the first time that owners are able to view the vehicle's B-pillar camera feed and the telephoto and wide-angle front-facing cameras. The other cameras were previously accessible through various methods, including the Tesla app and the Dashcam feature. To access the video feeds go to Controls > Service and tap the button to preview the cameras. You'll be able to switch between the various cameras using the menu at the top of the camera feed.
Camera Preview Video
TechAU recently posted a video of the new camera preview in action.
Your 'Current Trip' odometer will now reflect the number of minutes driven
@arthur_explore/Twitter
Recent changes to Tesla's OS changed the information that is shown for the "Current Trip" odometer in the vehicle. The Current Trip odometer began displaying distance, kilowatt-hours (kWh), and Wh/mi, the same as the other trip odometers, such as 'Since last charge', 'Trip A', and 'Trip B'. Unfortunately, this removed the ability to view the length of your current drive. However, with the 2023.20 update, Tesla is bringing back the display of trip duration in minutes for the current trip, replacing the kWh display.
This feature offers a more relatable metric to drivers, letting you know exactly how long you've been driving. The same metrics are displayed in the 'Trips' UI cards in the Model 3 and Model Y.
Of course, these changes are in addition to the features outlined in Tesla's 2023.20 release notes, which include a tire service counter, tire and wheel configuration, and the availability of the larger text size option in additional languages. Users in China all receive an expanded dictionary for the Pinyin keyboard.
Disclaimer: The Service Mode is designed for technicians or Tesla owners with a deep understanding of their vehicles. It is recommended not to make changes unless the implications are fully understood, as it may impact the vehicle negatively. Furthermore, DO NOT drive with Service Mode activated, as it deactivates critical safety features like traction control.
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In a move that’s sure to excite those with larger families, Tesla has started teasing the return of the seven-seat configuration for the Model Y. In a new marketing email sent out to customers recently, Tesla explicitly highlights the vehicle’s spaciousness.
“Ready for anything with long range, seating for up to seven, and enough room for everyone’s gear.”
The seven-seat Model Y was initially offered in late 2021, but it hasn’t been available since Spring 2023. The return of the new variant will be an addition that many have been waiting for, as the next vehicle with that much passenger space in the line-up is the Model X, starting at almost double the price.
First-Gen Model Y Third Row
The original seven-seat Model Y was extremely popular in the Asia-Pacific and European markets, and it still sold fairly well in North America despite differences in preferred vehicle sizing and spaciousness. It offers additional seats for larger families with young children, but space in the third row is minimal.
The seven-seat variant makes the Model Y more competitive against other three-row SUVs on the market. The video below features the seven-seater, first-generation Model Y.
Power Reclining Third Row?
The refreshed Model Y was launched with power-reclining second-row seats, a huge plus for practicality and ease of use. The power-reclining second-row seats are extremely popular with families and are very helpful, as you can control them from the front screen rather than needing to open the rear doors.
Tesla is likely to integrate power-reclining seats into the third row and potentially keep them for the second row as well. With the second row sliding forward and backward for easy entry, as well as allowing the second and third rows to fold flat for additional cargo room when needed.
Launch Date and Price
Tesla’s tease of the seven-seat variant is likely just the start. With recent sightings of the Model Y Performance variant hitting the Nürburgring, it seems Tesla has a lot in store for this summer. If you’ve been waiting for the seven-seat variant, it seems like it’ll be just a few short months away at this rate.
While we haven’t seen any production samples or other details regarding dates yet, Tesla previously priced the seven-seat option at an additional $2,000 USD ($3,000 CAD). The seven-seat option will likely only be available on the Long Range AWD and Long Range RWD variants, not the Performance model, similar to the first-generation Model Y.
In Elon’s flurry of posts on X about FSD yesterday, he also revealed the date that another moment of peak science fiction would be occurring — June 28th. Tesla expects to conduct the first-ever self-delivery, where a brand-new Model Y will depart from the production line and arrive directly at its new owner’s home without any human intervention.
Imagine ordering a vehicle, and a few days later, rather than needing to pick it up, it simply arrives in your driveway and notifies you via an app that it has arrived. That’s no longer the talk of science fiction; it is quite literally something that is likely to happen this month.
Expect a Model Y Delivery in Austin
Considering everything Tesla has done so far, we’re fairly certain that the first self-delivered vehicle will be a Model Y in Austin, in the same geo-fenced area where Tesla’s Robotaxi will operate. FSD is highly optimized for the Model Y, and it’ll take some time for those optimizations to trickle down to the rest of the fleet. It’s not clear if FSD performs better on the Model Y because it’s the most popular vehicle and, therefore, Tesla has the most data for it or if Tesla explicitly chose to focus more on their most popular vehicle.
Tentatively, June 22.
We are being super paranoid about safety, so the date could shift.
First Tesla that drives itself from factory end of line all the way to a customer house is June 28.
While a car driving itself is something truly different from what other manufacturers offer, there are also numerous strategic advantages for Tesla to do so. This includes drastically reducing last-mile delivery costs by minimizing the need for car carriers, delivery drivers, and even delivery personnel at your local Tesla center. For customers, it could mean a faster, more flexible delivery method - and one absolutely unforgettable welcome to Tesla ownership.
We recently took a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of vehicles delivering themselves to customers. While it’s all positive for Tesla, there are some potentially negative sides to it as well.
A Futuristic Glimpse
When you step back and look at it, Self-Delivery is a logical extension of Unsupervised FSD and the Robotaxi network in general. Self-deliveries are expected to run on the same software stack that powers the Model Ys currently roaming Austin’s streets autonomously, which means there is little for Tesla to do other than enable specific instructions for self-delivery during the final vehicle configuration steps.
Given Elon’s note that the dates could shift, this could easily be moved to early July; however, either way, it seems like we’re just weeks away from this monumental event, which will further reduce the cost of Tesla vehicles.