By Gabe Rodriguez Morrison
Tesla has made significant strides in improving access to fast chargers around the world. This is an important development, not only for the company but for the future of sustainable transportation. Tesla aims to make charging an EV as convenient and practical as driving an internal combustion vehicle.
Tesla continues to improve the charging experience in a variety of ways. In addition to continually expanding its own Supercharger network, Tesla is also partnering with companies like EVgo in the U.S. to install Tesla connectors at their charging stations. Tesla has also recently opened up access to its own charging connector and charge port, allowing other companies to use Tesla's tech free of charge.
Tesla opening up its charging connector is a generous move but also a clever, strategic play. There is no doubt that electric vehicles are here to stay. The question is, what will the nozzle be on the gas pump of the future? With more private companies getting into the EV charging game, this move makes it easy for them to add the Tesla connector to their equipment. Tesla has already been in discussions with some of those companies. Tesla states, "network operators already have plans in motion to incorporate NACS at their chargers, so Tesla owners can look forward to charging at other networks without adapters."
Part of the Tesla experience is having access to its vast charging infrastructure that is as reliable as it is fast. Unfortunately, not all fast chargers are as reliable, which has prevented Tesla from displaying other charging options in their vehicles.
However, Tesla will now display select third-party charging stations that meet Tesla's performance and reliability standards.
Tesla will first roll out this update across Europe and Israel, allowing Tesla owners to find third-party charging stations directly in the vehicle's navigation system. This will not only allow users to easily find and navigate to compatible chargers but also allow the vehicle to preheat its battery to maximize charging speed.
Charger Criteria
For a charging station to be added as a 'Qualified Third-Party Charger' and appear in Tesla's navigation system, it must meet these conditions over a 60-day period:
- At least one compatible charging connector
- Frequently used by Tesla drivers at least once every four days
- Average charge success rate is 90% or higher
Stations will be removed from Tesla’s navigation system if any of the following conditions are met over a 14-day period:
- No charge sessions detected
- Average charge success rate falls below 70%
Tesla's efforts to improve access to third-party fast charging will make it easier and more convenient for Tesla owners to charge their EVs, ensuring a smooth charging experience. By expanding its network of charging stations and making it easier for drivers to access and pay for charging, the company is making it more practical for drivers to own and use their electric vehicles.
Expect this improvement to Tesla's navigation system to expand to additional regions in the future as Tesla tests and evaluates its software and additional charging stations.
By Kevin Armstrong
Tesla's Holiday Update has made the most wonderful time of year the hap-happiest season of all. Adding to the parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting and caroling out in the snow have been significant advancements to the user interface, the apps and the farts. So, in the spirit of reflection, let's look back at the last five years of updates courtesy of Santa Musk and the Tesla Elves.
2018
The 2018 update was significant because it was the first to go to the Model 3. Yes, it's hard to believe the Model 3 was celebrating its first Christmas five years ago. This update brought the browser, calendar and energy app to the 3, plus much more to the rest of the lineup.
Navigate on Autopilot made its first appearance in Beta. It suggests lane changes and monitors surrounding traffic to make adjustments to ensure you don't get stuck behind slower traffic. Autosteer and Auto Lane Change were also combined in a beta feature. If you were around when these features were first introduced, you know exactly how far they've come. Plus, Blindspot Warning was introduced. You can see how these are now utilized with today's vehicles, combining the technology as the company works towards Full Self Driving.
Another significant advancement in how Tesla operates came with increased regenerative braking. Tesla continues to lead the EV market in regenerative braking, and this update allowed more kinetic energy to return power to the battery.
2019
There was more fun in 2019, with the addition of the Tesla Theater, a new arcade game (Cuphead) and more media options. But, first, carrying over from 2018, yet another piece in the Autopilot collection was unveiled with Smart Summon, allowing users to have their Tesla come to them.
The Theater brought Netflix into Tesla, of course, when in park, so those waiting for their spouse to finish Christmas shopping could sit back and binge-watch their favorite shows. Nothing to watch? Tesla has you covered with Caraoke. This road trip favorite was also launched in 2019 alongside the inclusion of Spotify in the US market.
2020
In 2020, Tesla stuffed three new games down the chimney and into cars worldwide. The games were Cat Quest, the Battle of Polytopia and Solitaire. Is anyone else happy Steam was added in 2022?
While the entertainment addition wasn't at the same level as the previous year, made several UI improvements with driver visualization improvements, scheduled departure upgrades, Boombox and improvements to Emissions Testing Mode and Text messaging.
2021
2021 was a magical year allowing users access to the side camera to act as a blind spot camera. This welcome improvement caught Tesla up to the legacy automakers in that regard. From a usability standpoint, the company made the app launcher customizable and simplified controls so drivers can focus on navigation and primary controls, although there were some UI changes that needed to be gradually rolled back or reworked.
Three more video games were added, Sonic the Hedgehog, The Battle for Polytopia (Multiplayer) and Sudoku. Did I mention I'm happy Steam was introduced in 2022?
Since the update came out in December, its fitting cold weather improvements and automated seat heaters were included. Tesla also introduced the ability for seat heaters to be automated based on the desired cabin temperature. The Car Wash Mode was added, and perhaps one of the most used features, Sentry Mode Live Camera Access.
2022
That brings us to 2022. The year Steam was put inside the newer Model S and Model X cars, giving users the ability to access more than 50,000 high-end, high-resolution games. Apple Music, MyQ garage door opener, and Zoom were also wrapped up and put under the tree.
Tesla's incredibly generous gifting continues to have hearts glowing over the holidays. Just 12 months until the next big update. Let us know what's on your wishlist and be sure to stay on the nice list!
A Look Back at the Model 3's Interface
Take a look at the Model 3's interface and its early reviews back in 2018.
By Lennon Cihak
Tesla’s pivoting screen in the Model S and Model X vehicles has officially been granted a patent.
The patent, called “Dual axis rotational mechanism,” is for the screen in Tesla’s premium Model S and Model X vehicles. The device allows users to tilt the screen slightly so it’s easier to read, see, and use for either the driver or passenger.
Automotive engineer Sandy Munro and his team tore down the Model S Plaid earlier in 2022. During this teardown, Munro’s team uncovered the hidden mechanism that would eventually be used to rotate the screen.
However, the device that was installed in Munro’s Model S Plaid was lacking in a few features in order to be fully functional. The team did a deeper dive into what the mechanism was and modified it to showcase how it would function in the Model S and Model X in the future.
The missing parts in Munro’s Model S Plaid mechanism meant that Tesla would eventually improve upon the part in the future.
The US Patent Office published Tesla’s “Dual axis rotational mechanism” on November 24, 2022. The patent was originally filed six months prior on May 16, 2022, as well as an earlier version of the patent from 2021.
“The display device is mounted on a rotation mechanism that facilitates a dual-axis rotation utilizing a single actuator, dual rotation joints, and associated linkages,” reads the patent. “The rotation component further includes at least one additional floating joint that provides additional tension forces relative to a third axis. Still further, in accordance with further embodiments, a control component can be utilized to generate control signals relating to rotation of the single actuators, such as establishing control positions and duty cycles.”
Since Munro's initial teardown, Tesla has since implemented the tilting screen on later versions of the Model S and Model X. With all the 'cool' technology that Elon Musk has talked about going into the Cybertruck, we wouldn't be surprised if this feature makes an appearance in that vehicle as well.
The Cybertruck frame has recently been found at a Tesla facility and Tesla is still aiming for production to begin in just about six months.
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