Great news for Tesla owners in the United States and Canada! The highly anticipated adaptive high-beam headlights are finally making their way to North American roads via the 2024.2 software update. This feature, already available in Europe, enhances nighttime visibility while minimizing glare for other drivers. The Tesla adaptive headlights intelligently dim individual pixels within the headlight, ensuring that oncoming traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians aren’t blinded by the high beams. This allows drivers to maintain optimal visibility in dark conditions, significantly improving safety.
However, it’s important to note that not all Tesla vehicles will be immediately compatible. To utilize this feature, your Tesla must be equipped with factory-installed matrix headlights. These headlights began appearing on Tesla production lines in 2022. A quick way to check is to see if your headlight assembly has a single projector in the corner. If so, you’re likely ready for the upgrade! The updated Tesla Model Y is already being shipped with adaptive headlights enabled, while older compatible models will receive the feature through the over-the-air software update.
The 2024 Spring Update isn’t just about headlights; it’s packed with enhancements across various Tesla models. One notable addition is the Blind Spot Camera on Driver Screen, exclusively for the refreshed Model S and Model X. This feature activates when the driver uses the turn signal, displaying a live video feed of the blind spot directly on the digital gauge cluster. This provides an extra layer of safety, similar to systems already praised by owners of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles.
For Cybertruck enthusiasts, the update introduces Lane Departure Avoidance, which assists drivers when the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane. A blue indicator line will appear on the touchscreen when a lane marking is crossed, providing a visual cue for correction. Further enhancing convenience, Cybertruck owners can now save custom frunk (front trunk) heights for specific locations. This allows the vehicle to remember how high to open the frunk based on where it’s parked, preventing accidental collisions with low ceilings or obstacles. This smart feature also extends to the rear trunks of the Model 3, Model Y, Model X, and Model S, allowing owners to save preferred trunk lid positions to avoid hitting garage ceilings or other obstructions.
In a move that will surely please many owners, Tesla is reinstating accessory power in its EVs with this latest software update. The decision to initially block 12-volt outlet usage when the car was locked sparked considerable frustration within the Tesla community. Now, with the “Keep Accessory Power On” feature, USB ports, inductive phone chargers, and low-voltage outlets will remain powered even after the car is locked, provided the high-voltage battery has a state of charge above 20%. Previously, accessory power was limited to Camp Mode, which also activates the climate control system. This change offers a more convenient way to keep devices charged without unnecessarily draining the battery or activating other systems.
Beyond these major highlights, the OTA update includes several other improvements designed to enhance the overall user experience. These include the ability to easily switch between different language inputs on the digital keyboard, the option to avoid highways when planning a route in the navigation system, and the ability to record and view video footage from the side cameras located on the B-pillars. These incremental updates, combined with the headline features, demonstrate Tesla’s commitment to continuously improving its vehicles through software innovation.
