Tesla to add 'Alternate Routes' in update 2022.28

You will soon have the ability to choose from multiple routes when navigating to a destination (map has been edited to hide certain information)

Not a Tesla App

Tesla has arguably the best navigation maps available in a vehicle. The maps are displayed on a large, beautiful screen and they're fast and fluid, especially on the latest hardware (MCU 3).

Tesla also makes it quick and easy to set a destination by either using the on-screen keyboard, recent destinations, or sharing a destination from your Tesla app.

Tesla's mapping solution is custom-made that not only takes traffic into account but also your vehicle's state of charge.

However, one feature that has been popular in navigation apps over the past few years that has remained absent in Teslas is the ability to choose from multiple routes.

The preferred route to a destination can sometimes be a personal preference. Some drivers may prefer traveling on the highway, while others could prefer taking back roads.

According to our source, Tesla is now bringing alternate routes to their navigation system. Tesla is introducing 'Alternate Routes,' in the U.S. in update 2022.28.1.

The feature will display up to three routes after you add a destination. The total travel time for each route will be displayed allowing you to pick your preferred route.

In addition to the total travel time, Tesla will also display traffic information if you subscribe to Premium Connectivity. The traffic information visualization will be displayed in a similar method to the 'Traffic Along Route' feature, where the route is highlighted in different colors depending on the traffic density for that section of the route.

Tesla's Traffic Along Route feature

Alternate routes won't always appear upon choosing a destination. In situations where there are no known alternate routes or the alternate route is too similar to the primary route, Tesla will simply show the primary route and start navigating.

Tesla's release notes for the feature state:

View up to three routes when navigating to a destination. Quickly compare the total travel time and traffic information for each route.

Note: Traffic information is only displayed with Premium Connectivity.

Although Alternate Routes is expected to become available to everyone in supported regions, this isn't the first time we're seeing this feature in Tesla's navigation system.

In update 2022.12 Tesla added alternate routes in Japan, and it was previously available in China.

We can't confirm whether the alternate routes feature will be available in additional regions outside of the U.S. in 2022.28.

Tesla has been working on alternate routes for some time now. Tesla hacker @greentheonly was able to get alternate routes working on his vehicle earlier this year, while other owners claim to have seen the feature occasionally appear on their screen. Tesla may have been testing this feature for a while now.

Tesla has recently been making improvements to its in-vehicle navigation. In 2022.24 Tesla added 'Traffic Along Route,' a feature that lets you more easily see the traffic visualization along your route, which is normally a blue line.

Another navigation feature that has recently been added in 2022.16 is the ability to reroute to a less busy Supercharger. If the Supercharger you selected becomes too congested, the navigation system will now reroute you to another Supercharger location that's within range.

The addition of alternate routes in the U.S. is expected to be available in Tesla update 2022.28, but as with anything else in testing, it's subject to change.

Uber Now Uses Tesla API Data To Show a Range-Based Trip Planner

Uber now has access to Tesla vehicle data that allows it to limit trips within range

Uber

In a monumental move towards the future of ridesharing, Tesla and Uber have unveiled a new feature — a range-based trip planner. This integration allows Tesla drivers to connect their vehicles to the Uber app and schedule rides based on the remaining battery charge of their electric vehicles. This innovation is set to redefine the experience of both drivers and passengers in the ridesharing space.

Bridging Tesla and Uber: The New Age of Ridesharing

First observed by Tesla enthusiast and former Uber driver Sofiaan, this range-based planner enables Tesla owners to accept rides in the Uber app based on their vehicle's current charge. The feature is activated only when users permit it, and once enabled, it assigns rides that can be comfortably completed with the existing battery level, leaving a small buffer to reach a Supercharger.

While introducing this feature marks an exciting leap in integrating electric vehicles into the ridesharing world, it has raised some eyebrows over privacy and data concerns. The new feature requires drivers to allow Uber access to their vehicle's data through the Tesla API. While it may cause some apprehension, this innovation is a significant aid for drivers who may be unsure about their Tesla's range or those experiencing range anxiety.

The Driver's Perspective: The Challenge of Balancing Charge and Availability

Driving for Uber or Lyft with an EV can be challenging. Rideshare drivers need to balance the need to recharge their vehicles with the necessity to remain available for passenger pick-ups. This new range-based planner alleviates some of this stress by intelligently allocating rides based on the remaining battery life. Such a feature could be particularly advantageous for those operating in areas with limited fast-charging infrastructure.

This range-based planner promises to improve the rideshare experience for Tesla drivers. With it, drivers will only be offered rides they can complete with their existing charge. This eliminates the dilemma of declining rides due to insufficient battery life, which could result in a penalty from Uber.

Ridesharing and the Future of Autonomous Vehicles

As we look toward the future, this development prompts larger questions about the ridesharing landscape and the advent of autonomous vehicles. Companies like Tesla, Uber, and Lyft, along with emerging players such as Waymo, Cruise, and Ford's new autonomy division, continue to innovate and compete. With the ongoing shifts towards electric and autonomous vehicles, these new technologies and collaborations will play an essential role in shaping the future of transportation.

This initiative by Tesla and Uber is a vital step toward integrating electric vehicles into the mainstream. As we anticipate the further transformation of ridesharing services, one thing remains clear — the ride toward green transportation is accelerating, and Tesla and Uber are at the forefront of this revolution.

Follow

Follow

An Early Look at Tesla's 2023.20 Update and Its Features

Tesla is introducing the ability to track your tire mileage in update 2023.20

Preparations are underway for Tesla's next software update, version 2023.20. Although currently in testing, this update has been drawing attention since it was first noticed last week. Considering Tesla's 2023.12 update brought numerous new features, it appears this next may be smaller. However, we now have our first look at some of the features included in Tesla's 2023.20 update.

Ability to Track Tire Mileage

A noteworthy improvement under the upcoming update pertains to tire service tracking. Post-update, vehicle owners can track how many miles have been driven since their last tire service. This feature can prove valuable for monitoring mileage since your last tire rotation, changing to new tires, or switching between season-specific tires.

You or your service center will need to manually reset the counter each time your tires are serviced. You can view the mileage traveled or reset your counter by navigating to Controls > Service.

The official release notes state:

Go to Controls > Service to see how many miles it's been since your last tire service.

When you get your tires rotated, replaced, or swapped, tap 'Reset' to reset the counter.

Furthering Global Reach: Text Size Adjustment

Another feature gaining more ground is text size adjustment. While 'Text Size' was introduced in the 2023.12 update, the ability to adjust the size of the text in the vehicle's UI was limited to select languages. The feature has now been extended to all languages supported by Tesla. This expansion affirms Tesla's commitment to accessibility for its global user base, ensuring a seamless experience across different regions and languages.

While the Text Size feature in update 2023.12 only applied to the Model 3 and Model Y, it's not clear whether update 2023.20 also introduces the feature to the Model S and Model X. Based on Tesla's feature release history, this feature will likely apply to at least the redesigned Model S and Model X in the futre, but it's not immediately clear whether that is happening with this update.

The release notes for 2023.20 state:

Large text size feature is now available in all supported languages.

To update your settings, go to Controls > Display > Text Size.

Release Date

Although Tesla does not provide release dates for upcoming software updates, we may see update 2023.20 start rolling out in the next week or two. This timing can change if Tesla uncovers issues that need to be addressed before a public release.

2023.12 Update: A Look Back

As we anticipate the rollout of 2023.20, it's worth reflecting on the last major update - 2023.12.1. This update significantly enriched Tesla's features, particularly for Model 3 and Model Y. One standout was steering wheel customization. A long press on the left scroll button revealed a host of adjustable settings and functions.

Moreover, introducing the new search function facilitated more accessible access to controls and settings, along with points of interest that included photos and reviews. The ability to adjust wipers using the steering wheel scroll wheel emerged as a valuable, undocumented feature.

Perhaps one of the most user-friendly updates was the option of Standard or Large text sizes for the touchscreen display, which now applies to all languages under the 2023.20 update.

Other improvements included optional gear chimes for Model 3/Y, the transition of Tesla's Spotify player to a web-based format, enhanced phone call controls, and vision-based speed assist feature expansion. Tesla also broadened Zoom availability to more countries, added writing support for legacy Model S and Model X in China, and continued to make user interface enhancements.

While this is an early look at the upcoming features update 2023.20, it provides a glimpse into Tesla's continuing pursuit of improving user experience and convenience. There may be additional features in this update that are not listed here since not all Tesla features are available for every vehicle or region.

As we wait for the public release, it's evident that Tesla continues to push boundaries in its software development, setting high standards in the electric vehicle market.