Tesla vehicles are some of the safest on our roads, and now they’re about to get a lot safer with an over-the-air (OTA) update coming to the Tesla fleet.
The main change in the 2023.12 software update coming to Model 3 and Model Y vehicles includes increasing the speeds that Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) can operate as well as its operation in reverse.
AEB has been a feature found in many new cars that can use front sensors and sometimes a combination of front cameras to identify a frontal collision and automatically apply the brakes to reduce the impact.
AEB can also sometimes prevent accidents from happening, especially at low speeds, so it’s there to make the roads safer.
Cars with AEB are highly rated in EuroNCAP and ANCAP safety tests in 2023 and those vehicles without it are penalised.
Tesla has further improved its AEB system via an upcoming OTA update.
The system’s ability to also work in reverse is especially useful in situations where the driver may not be able to see things in blind spots.
In the owner’s manual, Tesla states:
“Automatic Emergency Braking is designed to reduce the impact of frontal and reverse collisions with limited functionality while in reverse.”
Previously, the AEB system would work at speeds of up to 145 km/h. It has now been increased to 200 km/h.
In the manual, under “Collision Avoidance Assistance” and the “Automatic Emergency Braking” subsection, Tesla states the speed conditions under which the AEB would work:
“Automatic emergency braking only works when driving between approximately 5 and 200 km/h.”
Speeding isn’t a big deal on Australian roads as most roads don’t exceed the 130km/h speed limit, but the fact that reverse collisions will definitely make the roads safe for Tesla and non-Tesla drivers.
Tesla already makes some of the safest cars, and it’s good to see the vehicles’ safety capabilities improving over time. Very few car companies can make their fleet safer over time.
Previously, Tesla’s Model Y received one of the highest EuroNCAP safety classification and these vehicles are even safer now.
Some Australian owners have received the latest OTA update 2023.12 which includes these changes as part, while others may receive it in the coming weeks.
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Riz is the founder of Melbourne-based carloop, specializing in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. He is a mechanical engineer who spent the first 7 years of his career building transportation infrastructure before starting carloop. He has a passion for cars, especially electric vehicles, and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.
