By Kevin Armstrong
Tesla's Elon Musk tweeted, "Actually smart auto wiper software releases in about 3 weeks. Our patented, 'Actually Smart Summon (ASS)' is probably a month or two after that." These highly anticipated features are set to redefine the Tesla experience. Let's break it down.
A Fresh Take: The Auto Wiper v4 System
One of the significant improvements coming to Tesla cars is the Auto Wiper v4 system. This upgrade seeks to fix past issues and elevate the overall user experience.
Musk acknowledged the existing wiper issues, stating, "this one of the last neural nets Tesla is updating from a single camera, single frame NN to surround video." A major part of this overhaul involves stitching together video from all Tesla's cameras into a single 360-degree video, offering a more comprehensive understanding of weather conditions for a more accurate wiper response.
Moving Beyond "Deep Rain"
Interestingly, the company is veering away from its initially proposed "Deep Rain" solution for wiper sensitivity. With the release of the new Auto Wiper v4 system, Tesla seems to be moving towards a more holistic approach to rain detection. This shift demonstrates the company's commitment to constant evolution and improvement, guided by real-world performance and feedback.
The Arrival of the Actually Smart Summon (ASS)
Tesla's Smart Summon feature is due for an upgrade soon, with the upcoming introduction of Actually Smart Summon (ASS). ASS is poised to dramatically change how Tesla owners interact with their vehicles, enhancing both convenience and safety. By using GPS coordinates, your Tesla could drive itself to your location, eventually making late-night walks to distant parking lots a thing of the past.
There's speculation that the improved Smart Summon might also include the Park Seek feature. Formerly known as Reverse Summon, Park Seek allows a Tesla to drop off its occupants and park itself.
Tesla enthusiast @greentheonly recently reported that Tesla already has the new wiper system available under the hood in recent FSD builds, so we may soon see it become available to everyone in an upcoming beta build.
By Kevin Armstrong
In an unprecedented display of American manufacturing prowess, Tesla has carved out the top four positions in the 2023 edition of Cars.com's American-Made Index. A clear testament to Tesla's commitment to creating American jobs and stimulating the economy, the electric car manufacturer takes the lead for the third consecutive year.
Tesla's Clean Sweep: Model Y Leads the Pack
For the fourth time in the index's 18-year history and the third year in a row, Tesla stands firm at the top of the list. The automaker's Model Y, assembled at its Austin, Texas facility, leads the way for the second consecutive year. However, this year marks the first time that Tesla has dominated the index entirely, with its Model S, Model 3, and Model X completing the top four.
Tesla's Contribution to the US Workforce and Economy
A key factor contributing to Tesla's sweep of the top spots is the substantial year-over-year growth in employment at its Texas-based factory. The increase in the workforce, particularly for the production of the Model Y, not only aided all Tesla models in workforce calculations but also elevated the Model X and Model S to complete the sweep.
Usual American Made Suspects
The traditional giants of American automaking, General Motors, Ford, and Dodge, did not crack the top ten or even 15. General Motors saw the Chevrolet Corvette grab the number 19 position. The Ford F-150 Lightning, an electric variant of the classic truck, found itself at the 38th spot on the list. This position is also the highest spot for all of Ford's vehicles. The Dodge Durango slotted in at 21st position; yes, that is an internal combustible engine vehicle. However, the brand's parent company, Stellantis, is investing significantly in electric and hybrid technology, promising potential job growth in future years.
The Rise of American-Made Electric Vehicles
The 2023 index is a snapshot of the gradual shift towards electrification in the automotive industry. Electric and hybrid models now comprise 22% of the American-Made Index's vehicles, indicating a steady increase from 15% in 2022. This shift aligns with recent surveys by Cars.com that revealed nearly 50% of prospective car buyers would consider an EV or hybrid for their next purchase.
However, despite the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles, not all models made the index. Notably absent was Rivian, the manufacturer of the R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck. Due to the models exceeding the weight limit required by the American Automobile Labeling Act, Rivian did not qualify for the index.
An Evolving Industry
The automotive industry is in flux, navigating the gradual shift towards electrification and grappling with rules around weight limits. Despite these challenges, the American-Made Index offers valuable insight into manufacturers' commitment to domestic production and its impact on the US economy.
Tesla's achievement in the 2023 index is more than just a victory for the brand; it highlights the potential for American-made electric vehicles to stimulate job creation and economic growth. As the industry continues to evolve and grow, the hope is that more manufacturers will follow Tesla's lead, contributing to a vibrant, innovative, and sustainable American auto industry.
Tesla's dominance in the index underlines its ongoing contribution to job creation in the US, a critical factor in bolstering the country's economy. Furthermore, the ranking underscores the electric automaker's commitment to maintaining substantial domestic manufacturing operations, significantly contributing to the local economy.
By Kevin Armstrong
There is a significant move in the electric vehicle landscape. Rivian, the Michigan-based automaker, officially announced its acquisition of A Better Routeplanner (ABRP), the popular Swedish EV route planning app. This official announcement comes less than 24 hours after Rivian signed on with Tesla's North American Charging Standard.
Rivian's Power Play
The acquisition of ABRP is a noteworthy move by Rivian. The app, known for its superior route planning capabilities, offers an edge in EV infrastructure. ABRP's comprehensive data-based insights into consumer behavior can help Rivian expand its charging infrastructure more efficiently.
Rivian's decision to integrate ABRP technology into its vehicles and mobile app may offer a higher level of customization in route calculation, providing advantages that few other services offer. Combined with the recent deal to adopt Tesla's charging standard, this move suggests Rivian is making concerted efforts to offer its customers broad access to charging infrastructure, potentially diluting Tesla's exclusivity in this regard.
Eroding Tesla's Competitive Advantage
With ABRP integrated into its operations, Rivian vehicles will likely be more user-friendly and adaptive, and make range anxiety a thing of the past - a major selling point for potential EV buyers. Plus, with the influx of data obtained from a diverse and active user base, Rivian will be better positioned to address locations that lack or have underperforming chargers — a direct challenge to Tesla's current market dominance.
Despite this acquisition, ABRP will continue as a standalone app for all EV users, ensuring it remains an essential tool for other EV brands and charger networks. While this promises benefits to the broader EV community, it poses a potential threat to Tesla as it allows for more competition and innovation in the market - not that Tesla minds; in fact it encourages competition.
Implications for Tesla
While Rivian's acquisition of ABRP poses a clear threat to Tesla, it also emphasizes the increased competition in an industry that used to have just one player. It's clear that the EV industry is a highly dynamic space, and the competition is only set to intensify. As new developments unfold, one thing remains certain - there will be several battles between Tesla and all EV makers, including Rivian, and the consumer will benefit.
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June 23, 2023 at 04:14PM
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Musk Provides Timeline for Improved Auto Wipers and 'Actually Smart Summon' Tesla Features - Not a Tesla App
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