Tesla has revealed the details of its newest major software update for its electric cars (a range comprising of the Model S sedan and Model X SUV). Simply called Software Update 8.0, it brings a raft of improvements to its autonomous driving suite which they call Autopilot as well as leveraging the car’s array of sensors of improve overall safety.
In all, Tesla cites over 200 feature updates or additions that are include in the 8.0 package. Most of them surround the Autopilot system, of course, due to a recent string of accidents involving Tesla vehicles while the driver relied fully on it although they are always required to stay alert and behind the wheel.
With the 8.0 upgrade, the California EV maker claims that the reduction of accidents in its vehicles can be slashed by up to 50 percent due to an improved ability for the car to ‘look’ further ahead of it via radar and plot its moves for up to two car lengths ahead.
By using processing the oncoming road data more quickly, reaction times to potential dangers can be assessed and responded to more quickly and effectively. This would be useful for situations where a vehicle two lengths ahead begins to brake, the Tesla can also begin to brake instead of waiting for the vehicle directly ahead of it to apply its brakes. The improved radar also means that it can detect cars as they come around corners more readily.
A crucial change over the previous software version is the Autopilot system’s response to a potentially inattentive drive. Should it detect that safety warnings are being ignored and the driver is not keeping their hands on the wheel, it will disable the automatic steering function.
During overtaking manoeuvres while following a slow vehicle, the Tesla can now sense how close the vehicle ahead is to the edge of its lane and compensate by keeping a larger distance from it when passing.
An industry first feature is also being introduced with the Tesla software update 8.0 to combat cabin overheating. The car, even when turned off, monitors the interior’s temperature and can detect whether the car is occupied by a person or pet.
It can then independently turn on the climate control systems to bring the temperature down or up to ensure no occupant does not have to endure a potentially dangerous hot and unattended car. Other manufacturers may struggle to implement such a feature due to its reliance on a high capacity battery.
The 8.0 software update will be rolling out to all Model S and Model X models worldwide over the coming weeks via automatic over-the-air download.
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