Tesla may soon support applying the brakes automatically when regen is limited
Forbes
It's challenging to determine Tesla's best feature or the one that has changed driving habits the most, but regenerative braking must be high on the list for anyone who owns an electric vehicle.
After getting accustomed to the system, the brake pedal becomes obsolete.
However, that piece of metal to the left of the accelerator is quickly remembered during cold temperatures or when the battery is fully charged and regenerative braking is reduced or not available.
A feature found in Tesla's latest update (2022.16) appears to address that issue by adding an option to make the car perform the same with or without regenerative braking.
When regenerative braking is reduced and the driver lets off the accelerator pedal the car will automatically apply its regular brakes. This gives the driver a consistent driving experience whether regenerative braking is fully available or limited.
Regenerative braking is one of the most significant factors that make electric vehicles so efficient. While in motion, if the driver applies less pressure to the accelerator or lifts their foot nearly off the pedal to decelerate, most EVs will slow down like the brakes are being applied, but they are not.
This one-foot driving style saves the use of brake pads and sends a charge back to the battery, creating additional energy. Tesla believes this is such an important feature it made the strongest regenerative braking mode standard in 2020.
However, if the car is fully charged, the battery will not take more energy. This system has also been known to act differently in cold climates.
Now, thanks to the 2022.16 update, during those circumstances, specific Tesla's Model 3s and Model Ys will perform the same without the ability to engage regenerative braking.
In the release notes, Tesla stated, "Your car can now automatically apply regular brakes for consistent deceleration when regenerative braking is limited due to battery temperature or state of charge."
According to @greentheonly, this feature is only available on limited Model 3s and Model Ys with specfic hardware. It's possible that Tesla is testing out the feature on very limited hardware or specific vehicles before making it available more broadly in a future update.
Understandably, some drivers may be turned off by the car blending in the brakes without the driver specifically pressing the brake pedal, so Tesla has made this feature optional.
If drivers want to be reacquainted with their brake pedal, then they don't need to enable the new feature; for those who do: tap Controls > Pedals & Steering > Apply Brakes When Regenerative Braking Is Limited. But, again, this is only available for select Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.
There's no news on when it will be made available for more broadly.
Another change came through on the latest over-the-air update, so subtle you may not have realized it was there.
After reading this, you may want to check out the display's top left corner. There is a line that is directly above the speedometer. Maybe you've noticed it before and not given it a second glance, but the line provides some valuable information.
The line is in the center if the car is not using or gaining energy, but it turns black during acceleration and green during regenerative braking.
You're not alone if you haven't noticed it or ignored it, as Tesla has made the line thicker and easier to see. This update is also only available for Model 3 and Model Y Teslas.
Don't miss out!
Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about Tesla's upcoming features and new software updates.
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
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
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
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
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
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'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.
TeslaFi is a service that logs your drives and charging sessions so that you can later refer back to them. We highly recommend checking them out if you use your car for business trips and would like to keep track of reimbursements, if you like to see how much you spend on charging or if you just love statistics. View their about us page and see everything they have to offer!
Stay organized, connected, and stylish with Cyberbackpack — the #1 backpack, luggage & travel accessories for Tesla owners. We highly recommend checking them out if you commute or travel and would like a backpack or luggage that is sleek, secure and durable. View their products page and see everything they have to offer!
The EV Universe newsletter reports distill more than 100 EV news sources into a 10-minute read every week. We cover both Tesla and the rest of the EV industry. Join over 3,000 EV geeks like us and subscribe to the free weekly newsletter here.
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.
![Tesla Rolls Out FSD Beta 11.4.2 to Employees [Update: Now Going Out to the Public]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/images/tesla-car-updates/2022.45/blue-traffic-lights-chevrons_300w.jpg){kind=icon}
![Elon talks about Twitter and job cuts at Bloomberg forum [video]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/images/news/2022/elon-musk-qatar-forum_300w.jpg)
