Issue 345 - OTA software updates are amazing

OTA

Post-2021 Model 3 OTA update features 📷
Model 3s purchased in 2021 now have a long list of features that weren’t available when they were first delivered to customers. This is thanks to the power of software updates and Tesla’s philosophy of continuously improving their cars over time. The tweet includes a list of features introduced each year since then—thank you, Tesla, for continuously improving our cars!

Tesla tops in OTA recall resolutions for 2024
In 2024, Tesla paved the way in resolving recalls, handling 99% of them via over-the-air (OTA) updates, a stark contrast to the mainstream media's portrayal. Among U.S. automakers, Tesla had one of the lowest numbers of recalls, with just 15, while leading in the efficiency of rectifying recall issues without the need for service center visits. Another victory for OTA updates!

Cybertruck

Cybertruck's 'cybertunnel' nearing completion at Giga Texas 📹
Tesla is on the brink of completing the 'Cybertruck Birthing Tunnel' at its Giga Texas facility, streamlining the transfer of finished Cybertrucks from production to the outbound lot. This development reassures that the recent production halt was for construction, not due to lack of demand. Fans and potential buyers can expect a more efficient delivery process, making ownership even more enticing.

Cybertruck's aero mode: the efficient wiper easter egg 📷
The Cybertruck boasts an 'Aero Mode' Easter Egg, which cleverly repositions its large windshield wiper vertically along the A Pilar to minimize drag and boost efficiency at higher speeds. This feature is an example of Tesla's crafty engineering to enhance range without compromising on design, and it kicks in automatically to help drivers maintain optimum aerodynamics while cruising.

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New Cars

Refreshed Model Y 'Juniper' production begins and plans for a 6-seater
The updated Tesla Model Y, dubbed 'Juniper,' is set to kick off production this January, featuring design updates, improved battery and motor, and enhanced self-driving tech. A new six-seater version of the Model Y, resembling the Model X layout with two captain's chairs and a third-row bench, is expected in the fourth quarter of 2025, significantly boosting production capacity at Giga Shanghai.

Tesla initiated talks for first robotaxi city launch
Tesla is in the early stages of conversations with Austin, Texas, to become the inaugural city for its Robotaxi service. With the procurement of Gigafactory Texas and the corporate HQ now in Texas, they aim to introduce wholly autonomous, driverless transport by 2025. Unlike other services that use geofencing or teleoperation, Tesla's goal is for the Robotaxis to operate without such limitations, although teleoperation might be utilized initially.

Software Updates

Auto Shift's latest improvements 📹
Tesla’s Auto Shift can now perform three-point turns more efficiently than using stalks. The demo in the video looks great, I can’t wait to test it!

Weather radar map arrives for Intel-powered Teslas 📷
Tesla has rolled out their 2024.44.25.3 software update, which brings a much-requested weather radar map feature to older Tesla models with Intel Atom processors. While the feature was initially released for cars with the newer AMD Ryzen processor, this update quells the Intel owners' disappointment by adding the same functionality, including a 3-hour forecast.

FSD

FSD v13's notable improvements handling emergency situations 📹
Tesla's Full Self-Driving version 13.2.2 update brings significant improvements in handling emergency vehicles, school buses, and speed zones. This update includes safer maneuvering for emergency vehicles, correctly stopping for school buses, and improved responsiveness to reduced speed zones. Also, an enhancement to camera heating for better autonomy in various weather conditions is part of the update.

🤓 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
OTA: Over-the-air (software updates)

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