What is Tesla Vision?
As a part of Tesla safety roadmap, in 2021 Tesla transitioned their models to the camera-based autopilot system, Tesla Vision, and away from radar. This held or improved active safety ratings and improved automatic emergency braking (AEB).
Following this success, Tesla have now announced that Model 3 and Model Y vehicles will have ultrasonic sensors removed in favour of Tesla Vision's camera technology.
This change will give your vehicle Autopilot high-definition spatial positioning, longer range visibility and the ability to identify and differentiate between objects. As always, Tesla Vision will continue to improve over time.
What does this mean for my Tesla?
Tesla vehicles built since October 2022 have been produced without ultrasonic sensors but the Tesla Vision transition is incomplete. Therefore, these cars will be delivered with some features temporarily limited or inactive.
Impacted features: Park Assist, Auto Park (only available with Enhanced Autopilot), Summon (only available with Enhanced Autopilot), Smart Summon (only available with Enhanced Autopilot).
In the near future, once these features achieve performance parity to today’s vehicles using Tesla Vision, they will be resorted automatically to your vehicle via over-the-air software updates.
What is required from me?
Good news, you are not required to do anything to reactivate these features when available. Your vehicle will automatically receive a software update delivered over the air to restore these features as and when available. You may need to connect your vehicle to WiFi.
Will my vehicle be equipped with ultrasonic sensors?
Starting early October 2022, all Model 3 and Model Y stock built for Europe are no longer built with ultrasonic sensors and instead rely solely on Tesla Vision. If your vehicle has ultrasonic sensors it will be equipped with 12 sensors that can be found on the front and rear bumpers of your vehicle. These appear as small body coloured roundels.
Can I still use the cameras?
The cameras on your vehicle will remain active for instances such as parking. While you will not receive audio or visual warning when approaching an object, you will still have a full visual around the car.
Are there any other changes to my vehicle?
Only the features mentioned above remain temporarily impaired. Your vehicle will still contain all the features you expect with your brand new Tesla including:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning / avoidance
- Emergency lane departure avoidance
- Auto high beam
- Autowiper
- Blind spot collision warning
- You can find a full list by clicking here.
What do I do if I have any questions?
While we know it is an extremely positive step for the safety of your vehicle and positions you at the forefront of Tesla's latest updates, we understand that you may have questions.
You can find out more information about the transition to Tesla Vision from Tesla themselves by clicking here, or please contact your leasing consultant on 01395 720 183 and they will be happy to help.