PRESS RELEASE
Tesla makes the only cars on the road that continue to get safer, smarter, and more capable over time, thanks to free, over-the-air software updates. While traditional cars have static features, a Tesla is more akin to a smartphone, adding new functionality and enhancements throughout the life of the car.
Software update 8.0 kicks off a significant over-the-air overhaul of the Tesla touchscreen and introduces the biggest UI revamp since the launch of Model S. Customers who purchased their car in 2012 will receive the same value of functionality and improvement as customers who purchased vehicles last month. 8.0 combines a modern look with updates to Autopilot, Navigation with Trip Planner, Maps, and the Media Player for a safer, more advanced driving experience. In an industry-first safety measure, we’re also introducing Cabin Overheat Protection, focused on child (and pet) safety. This feature keeps the car at a safe temperature, even when the car is off, and is made possible by our uniquely large battery packs.
Intuitive media player
The media player has been redesigned and personalised to put your favourite content front and center. Search is now simpler to access and more powerful, accessing streaming radio, live stations, podcasts, and any USB device to help you quickly find what they’re looking for.                                Â
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Voice commands
Voice controls are now easier and clearer to use. Initiation is quick, and clear visual feedback lets you focus on the road without compromising convenience or control.
- Voice commands initiate with a single tap
- Feedback in the form of a transcript now appears on the instrument panel to confirm your commandÂ
- Visual tips remind you what commands are availableÂ
Maps and navigation
Maps have been updated to span the entire touchscreen, displaying the most important details of your trip. The control bar fades automatically for an uncluttered navigation experience.
- Search for destinations with a single touch or voice command
- Zoom adjusts based on location to display what you need to see most
- Navigate to home or work with a single swipeÂ
- When at home, swipe the navigation button down in the Maps app and navigation will automatically route you to work. When away from home, swipe down and navigation will route back
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Cabin Overheat Protection
In an industry-first safety measure, we’re also introducing Cabin Overheat Protect, focused on child (and pet) safety. This feature keeps the car at a safe temperature for hours, even when the car is off. This feature is only made possible by an electric vehicle with Tesla’s uniquely large battery packs.Â
Trip Planner
Trip Planner provides a clear overview of your journey before you leave, with maps that zoom out to show your entire route. Putting your Tesla into Drive automatically starts navigation to your first waypoint.
Autopilot Enhancements
Advancements in signal processing use the Tesla’s onboard radar to persistently capture snapshots of its surroundings, creating a 3D picture of the world. Learn more about seeing the world in radar.
Displays now show angled vehicles as they enter a curve and the Autosteer indicator has been updated to more clearly indicate when Autosteer is engaged. We won’t list all 200 improvements to Autopilot in 8.0, but here are a few additions:Â
- Autopilot has been tuned to be more responsive and smoother in stop-and-go traffic
- Enhanced safety requirement which disables Autosteer during trip when safety warnings are ignored
- Autosteer now navigates highway interchangesÂ
- Redesigned Autopilot indicators
- Curve speed adaptation now uses fleet-learned roadway curvature
- Autopilot now controls for two cars ahead improving reaction time to otherwise-invisible heavy braking events
- Car offsets in lane when overtaking a slower vehicle driving close to its lane edge
HISTORY OF TESLA OVER-THE-AIR UPDATESÂ
Periodic over-the-air software updates continue to make Tesla’s safer, smarter, and more capable at no additional cost to customers. While traditional cars have static features, a Tesla is more akin to a smartphone, adding new functionality and enhancements throughout the life of the vehicle.Â
7.1: January 2016
- Autopilot enhancements
- Autopark (perpendicular)
- Summon
7.0: October 2015
- Autopilot: auto steer, auto lane change, auto park, side collision avoidance)
6.2: March 2015
- Range Assurance
- Trip Planner
- Trip Overview
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Warning
- Valet Mode
6.1: January 2015
- Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
- Forward Collision Warning
- Auto High Beam
- Trip Energy Prediction
- Reverse Camera Guidelines
- Calendar Enhancements: Meeting Notes & Phone Numbers
6.0: September 2014
- Traffic-based navigation
- Calendar app
- New Power management options
- Location-based smart air suspension
- Custom Car Name
March 2014:
- Ability to adjust air suspension to low again
- Personalised internet music for Europe
- Hill Start Assist (another great powertrain feature)
- Navigation: Home/work locations and favorites
November 2013:
- Raised air suspension
October 2013:
- Energy saving mode to reduce power draw when car not in use
- Owner’s manual on the touchscreen
August 2013:
- Wi-fi & tethering
- Heading-up maps
June 2013:
- Recognising superchargers (and other previously used charging locations) on the map, navigating to them
March 2013:
- Scheduled charging (to help customers save money by charging when electricity is cheaper)
November 2012:
- Auto-presenting door handles (evidence of how useful over-the-air update capability is)
- Alarm
- Location-aware Homelink
- Voice commands
October 2012:
- Added “creep” functionality (exciting to add a powertrain capability as part of an over-the-air update)
- Named driver profiles
