Tesla EVs about to became safer with new software update

Tesla’s vehicles are some of the safest on our roads and now they are about to get a whole lot safer with an over-the-air (OTA) update coming to the Tesla fleet.

The main change in software update 2023.12 coming to Model 3 and Model Y vehicles includes the increase in speeds that automatic emergency braking (AEB) can operate as well as its operation in reverse. 

AEB has been a feature found in many new cars which can use frontal sensors and at times a combination of frontal cameras to identify a frontal crash and automatically apply the brakes to reduce the impact. 

At times, AEB can also prevent crashes from happening particularly at low speeds so it’s there to make the roads safer.

Cars with AEB are rated highly in EuroNCAP and ANCAP safety tests in 2023 and those vehicles without it get penalised. 

Tesla has further improved its AEB system via an upcoming OTA update.

The system’s ability to now also works in reverse is particularly helpful in situations when the driver may not be able to see things in the blind spots. 

In the owner’s manual, Tesla states:

“Automatic Emergency Braking is designed to reduce the impact of frontal and reverse collisions with limited functionality while in Reverse.”

Previously, the AEB system would operate at speeds up to 145 km/h. This has now been increased to 200 km/h.

In the manual, under “Collision Avoidance Assist” and subsection, “Automatic Emergency Braking”, Tesla states the speed conditions that AEB would work under:

“Automatic Emergency Braking operates only when driving between approximately 5 km/h and 200 km/h.”

The increase in speed is not a big deal on Australian roads as most highways do not exceed the speed limit of 130 km/h but the fact that reverse collisions will definitely make the roads safe for Tesla and non-Tesla drivers. 

Tesla already makes some of the safest cars and it’s good to see the safety capabilities of the vehicles improve over time. Very few car companies can make their fleet safer over time.

Previously, Tesla’s Model Y received one of the highest EuroNCAP safety rating and those vehicles are even safer now. 

Some Australian owners have received the latest 2023.12 OTA update that has these changes as part of it while others may receive it in the coming weeks.

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