It’s no secret that electric carmaker Tesla have been under fire about Autopilot issues over the last 12 months – even if there have only been a handful of incidents.
As a brand constantly looking forward and wanting to better itself, Tesla has launched a new upgrade for its Model S and Model X in an attempt to address safety concerns as well as introduce some new ideas.
Autopilot to utilise Radar
Like many other autonomous systems, Tesla’s Autopilot system uses both camera and radar technology to relay messages back to the car’s computer. The new upgrade brings with it a bigger focus on the use of radar.
Although radar has its intricacies, it offers massive benefits over camera technology – including the ability to see around cars in front of you and the fact that it is unaffected by bad weather.
Greater sophistication in detective technology will ultimately make for a safer Autopilot system.
Autopilot now accounts for big trucks
A recurring complaint with Tesla Autopilot users is how their car, when attempting to stay in-lane when driving in traffic, will not account for large vehicles on the road.
Basically, if there is a large van or lorry on the road, the Autopilot will not account for the size of the vehicle and remain evenly between the lines of the road. As opposed to giving the vehicle extra space.
The 8.0 upgrade takes this into consideration, allowing the car to autonomously make room for large vehicles – even if that means going out of lane slightly, as long as it is safe to do so, of course.
Autopilot lets you know when it IS and ISN’T on
Knowing whether Autopilot is or isn’t activated is integral from a safety point of view. To ensure drivers are kept in the know, Tesla has introduced a series of new prompts to ensure drivers know exactly where they stand.
These prompts include flashing icons and audible warnings when Autopilot is not engaged – letting drivers know that it is not safe to simply let go of the wheel.
Other warnings include a flashing red hands icon to let drivers know that they must put their hands back on the wheel.
Cooled interior, saving children and pets
To prevent the accidental death or injury of a child or pet left in a hot car, the 8.0 upgrade introduces something called Cabin Overheat Protection.
This system will automatically enable the car’s air-con if the temperature exceeds 105 degrees – something that is only possible with electric cars. As long as the car’s battery has over 20 per cent capacity the system will kick in and only needs small amounts of battery capacity to work.
Quick access to music
Nobody likes trawling through media screens to access your favourite features and songs. Tesla has taken this on-board by integrating a new favourites feature.
This button allows users to quickly access their favourite radio stations, songs and websites with the click of a button, ultimately allowing quicker and safer access to media functions.
