Teslaās vehicles are known for over-the-air (OTA) updates that improve the carās functionality and enhance the driverās experience throughout ownership. Many regular OTA updates bring subtle improvements but every so often, Tesla releases a major update that adds significant features.Ā
Tesla is about to release a major update for various models in its Australian fleet which will improve cars for thousands of drivers across the country.Ā
These are all part of the 2024.14 OTA software update and include new features such as:
- Hands-free rear boot opening
- A trip progress bar on the navigation screen
- Speed camera chime alerting driver of on-route camerasĀ
- Preview of sentry mode camera recordings
- Adaptive high beams
@LudicrousFeed @Rizflip @sydney_ev @cvanderstock @ryanjaycowan @teslaownersau Check this out, noting that itās an Australian owner, and mentions adaptive high beams for a 2022 car! š
— ā”chuqtas (@chuqtas) April 18, 2024
Hands-free rear boot opening
In the recently refreshed Model 3 which began deliveries in December in Australia, drivers will be able to open the boot of the car by just standing behind the the boot.
This will be quite helpful when approaching the car with hands full after a shop. Before the boot opens, chimes from the boot will be heard, indicating that itās about to open.
A trip progress bar on the navigation screen
The in-car navigation on the Model 3 and Model Y vehicles will be able to show a trip progress bar that highlights the progress of a journey.
It also adds live traffic indicators to the trip bar, making it easier to see when traffic might be encountered on the trip.Ā
This feature does require premium connectivity but will be appreciated by many drivers travelling during busy periods on our roads.
Speed camera chime alerting driver of on-route cameras
A recent update for many local Tesla drivers brought in a much-desired feature to the navigation screen. This was the speed camera alert while navigating to a destination.
Now the new update will be able to add a chime when approaching a speed camera. This feature will be available to both Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in Australia.Ā
Preview of sentry mode camera recordings
Sentry mode records any suspicious activity around a Tesla when itās parked in a place away from home. Sentry mode clips have been recorded on a USB inside the Tesla which can be seen inside the car.
Your Tesla gets better while you sleep
Highlights from our upcoming Spring Release below
ā
Visual updates (Model 3/Y with AMD chip)
ā Immersive full-screen vehicle controls when parked
ā Large playback controls & quick access to Recents, Favorites & Up Next in media playerā¦ pic.twitter.com/bwL53UhVUB
— Tesla (@Tesla) April 16, 2024
Now recorded clips that trigger an alarm can be seen immediately in the form of a preview recording on your phone. This feature requires the latest version of the Tesla app as well as premium connectivity.
This will be quite helpful for owners in case something unexpected happens while the car is parked.
Adaptive high beams
Tens of thousands of Teslas have been shipped to Australia with matrix headlights hardware that up until now has only served the function of lights with standard and high beam options.
Now, the latest software unlocks the adaptive headlight capabilities of the matrix headlights.Ā
Adaptive High Beam Matrix Headlights feature works so well. The car feels newer and better.
Btw, road-tripping between UK and continental Europe in Tesla? Looks like the headlight deflectors arenāt needed anymore!! @Tesla rocks!!!š ā” pic.twitter.com/tZuxpgO6ut— Y__Tesla (@Y__Tesla) April 17, 2024
These headlights will reduce the amount of glare for other road users including drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and wildlife. It does this by detecting these users and lowering the intensity of light at the pixel level.
This new feature will ultimately make driving at night safer for Tesla drivers and other road users collectively.
The latest 2024.14 update is expected be rolled out in the coming weeks.
RizĀ is the founder of carloop based in Melbourne, specialising in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. He is a mechanical engineer who spent the first 7 years of his career building transport infrastructure before starting carloop. He has a passion for cars, particularly EVs and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.