Issue 359 - 3.6+ billion FSD miles
Used Cars
Tesla now displaying actual used car photos on site
Tesla's initiative to show actual photos of used cars on their website is a welcomed update, marking a shift from previous generic images. While this practice was prevalent years ago, its reintroduction is appreciated by the community who hope it extends across all markets. For buyers, seeing the exact car online enhances trust and transparency in the purchasing process.
FSD
Tesla fleet surpasses 3.6 billion FSD miles
Tesla has racked up an impressive 3.6 billion miles driven with Full Self-Driving (FSD), with 2.16 billion of those just in 2024. It shows how much the fleet is being used and how focused Tesla is on pushing autonomy forward. If autonomy is a game of data, Tesla’s in the best position to win it.
Tesla revives FSD early access program
Tesla is reviving its 'Early Access Program,' allowing a broader range of Tesla owners beyond employees and influencers to receive new Full-Self Driving (FSD) builds ahead of public release. The program, spotted through the Tesla app, will provide enthusiasts with a sneak peek at upcoming FSD features, though these early builds may require careful monitoring due to stability issues. Participants should expect to share vehicle-specific data for the privilege of early testing, and program rollout details remain under wraps.
Tesla rebrands FSD and Autopilot in China
Tesla has rebranded its driver-assist systems in China, renaming Autopilot to "Assisted Driving" and Enhanced Autopilot to "Enhanced Assisted Driving." Similarly, "Full Self-Driving" is now "Intelligent Assisted Driving." These changes arise in response to increased regulatory scrutiny over autonomous vehicle terminology in China, where authorities are wary of implications that human supervision is not required.
Giga Berlin
Tesla celebrates 500,000th Model Y at Giga Berlin
Tesla's Giga Berlin hit a major milestone recently, having produced its 500,000th Model Y. This significant achievement coincides with the three-year anniversary of its inauguration. Despite initial delays in construction due to bureaucratic hurdles and environmental protests, Giga Berlin has ramped up its production rates considerably over time. Starting with 1,000 units per week in June 2022, the rate quickly increased, reaching 5,000 units per week by March 2023. Currently, the factory focuses on producing the Model Y Long Range and RWD variants, with plans to potentially expand production significantly in the coming years.
Software Updates
Dashcam clips viewer finally available for Android 📷
Great news for Android users—Tesla's latest 4.43.5 update finally brings the awaited feature of remotely viewing Dashcam Clips. While previously available on iOS, this update enhances the convenience for those using Android, giving owners direct access to their vehicle's camera footage.
Understanding the green and orange dots in a Tesla 📷
Tesla has introduced new UI elements, green and orange dots, to enhance transparency on privacy-related features. The green dot appears when Autopilot or FSD is active, indicating that the interior camera is monitoring the driver's attention to ensure safety. Conversely, the orange dot signals that the vehicle's microphone is active, listening to audio cues like emergency vehicle sirens to improve environmental awareness. Both features are designed with privacy in mind, as data processing occurs within the vehicle unless users opt-in to share specific data with Tesla. Curious drivers can review their sharing preferences through the car's controls.
Cybertruck & Cybercab
Elon Musk teases Cybertruck's water capabilities again
Elon Musk recently hinted at the Cybertruck's intriguing 'Boat Mode' concept, highlighting its potential to cross bodies of water with some modifications. While this feature wasn’t included in the initial deliveries, Musk’s comments suggest it could be part of future updates. The Cybertruck currently has 'Wade Mode' to handle water depths up to 32 inches, but that’s not enough for something like this.
Tesla testing Model 3 with new cameras 📷
Tesla's recent tests of a Model 3 equipped with mysterious cameras in the U.S. hint at potential advancements for their Robotaxi and Cybercab platforms. The vehicle, spotted across the Northeast, raises anticipation about Tesla's drive towards a driverless ride-hailing debut in Austin, Texas, targeted for next year.
🤓 What the acronym
As a Tesla fan, I find myself sometimes having to remember what are all those acronyms, here is a list of the ones you can find in this issue.
FSD: Full Self-Driving