Overnight your Tesla Model S will learn to drive itself
Today Tesla is enabling software version 7.0 for the Model S, bringing Autopilot and more. This new version of the standard software for the vehicle introduces a number of features, many with "Automatic" right up front and center. Is this the beginning of Tesla's eventual move to an entirely autonomous car lineup? Of course not – they started making that move a long time ago – have a peek at the Model S "D" and its AWD – that's Self-driving Auto-Pilot. With software version 7.0, the Tesla Model S adds automated lane changes, automatic parallel parking, and automatic emergency steering – as well as a new side collision warning.
While Tesla's Elon Musk has said this week that full autonomy won't be coming to Tesla for a further three years, this is another big step in that direction.
This version of Autopilot does not work with systems like stop signs and red lights and the like – those you'll have to deal with yourself – but instead navigates around other vehicles. Think adaptive cruise control as we've seen from other automakers, with added extras like the ability to automatically skip between lanes.
Tesla is also using this update to allow the Model S fleet to collectively gather road information and pooling, allowing the vehicles – over time – to learn from the experience of others.
Once Autopilot is installed, users will be able to turn on Autosteer and Auto Lane Change, while both Side Collision Warnings and Lane Departure Warnings will sit under the Lane Assist category on the user's Autopilot dashboard.
Auto Lane Change allows the user to indicate which direction they'd like to merge, and the vehicle will decide when the time is right – and merge for you. Auto parking is also included here, allowing you to forget everything you learned about parallel parking.
Side Collision Warning allows you to see and hear warnings from the vehicle when another vehicle appears to be near enough that a crash might occur. Autosteer enables your Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, adjusting the speed of the vehicle based on the vehicle ahead of it.
This system will work only when the roads are clear. Snow, fog, or heavy rain will make this system far less effective or render it unable to engage, Tesla warns.
Most importantly – and the reason this isn't really true self-driving technology – just as with all other self-steering systems on the market today, the driver has to keep their hands on the wheel, even while Autosteer is engaged. That's for legal reasons, Tesla points out, not to mention general safety, and the Model S will complain if it doesn't feel a guiding hand in place.
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