FYI: Tesla brings adaptive high-beam headlights to North American models through a new software update.
Tesla Update Enhances Lighting and Safety Features for U.S. and Canada Models
This spring, Tesla drivers in the United States and Canada are treated to an exciting new development—electric vehicles are getting a significant boost to their headlight capabilities. A fresh over-the-air software update, version 2024.2, is set to activate adaptive high-beam headlights for compatible models in these regions. This feature has already been embraced by Tesla owners across Europe and is now finally making its North American debut.
Lights, Ready, Action: Adaptive Technology
However, there’s a catch—not every Tesla vehicle will benefit from this enhanced lighting feature. To take advantage of adaptive high-beams, your Tesla must come equipped with factory-installed matrix headlights. Introduced in 2022, these headlights have a distinctive single projector style that signals compatibility for the adaptive feature. While newly produced Model Y vehicles already have this capability, older models will need the new software update to enjoy the improved visibility.
Adaptive headlights are designed to enhance night driving safety by adjusting the high-beam brightness and direction. They work by dimming specific headlight areas to prevent glare for other road users, effectively lighting up the road ahead without blinding other drivers or cyclists.
Beyond Lights: More Features in the Spring Update
Apart from adaptive headlights, Tesla is rolling out several other features aimed at improving safety and convenience:
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Blind Spot Camera on Driver Screen: This new feature is exclusively for the refreshed Model S and Model X. It displays a real-time video feed of the driver’s blind spot on the digital gauge cluster when signaling a lane change, giving owners an extra safety layer similar to what’s found in vehicles from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.
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Cybertruck Lane Departure System: Tesla’s Cybertruck is also on the receiving end of a notable update with a Lane Departure Avoidance system. The feature highlights lane markings on the touchscreen display, alerting the driver if the vehicle starts straying from its lane. Furthermore, owners can now set custom frunk opening heights for specific locations, ensuring the trunk lid never hits low ceilings or overhead structures.
- Accessory Power Return: After controversial restrictions, Tesla is reinstating the use of 12-volt outlets even when the vehicle is locked. The Keep Accessory Power On feature ensures that USB ports and phone chargers remain active as long as the car’s main battery maintains a charge above 20%.
Tesla’s commitment to refining user experience extends beyond these flagship features. The update provides support for switching language inputs on the touchscreen keyboard, optimizing trip planning with a highway avoidance option, and enabling video recordings from side cameras on B pillars.
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Conclusion
These updates collectively strive to balance convenience and safety, emphasizing Tesla’s innovative approach to electric vehicle technology. With ever-evolving features, Tesla ensures its drivers benefit from enhanced security measures and essential conveniences. As always, stay tuned to automotive.fyi for the latest EV news and updates.
William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
