Tesla will begin rolling out the first version of its highly anticipated Autopilot features to some owners of its all-electric Model S sedan this week. Autopilot is a step toward the vision of autonomous and includes features like automatic lane changing and steering, as well as the ability to parallel park by itself.
When equipped with version 7.0 of Tesla’s software, a Model S can change lanes with the flick of a turn signal, parallel park on its own or help drivers steer in basic highway use. It also includes side-collision warning and a new look to the screens and digital gauges.
Model S sedans made in the last year will have their software updated over the air during the next several days, CEO Elon Musk told journalists this week.
“At Tesla, we try to pioneer new technology,” said Musk. “The two most profound innovations in automotive are electrification and autonomy. It makes sense to try to pioneer things in those two arenas.”
All Tesla cars that began shipping in the fourth quarter of 2014 are equipped with the sensor suite, forward-looking camera and radar that enable autopilot features. It’s swift progress for a vehicle that was introduced three years ago, without even basic cruise control.
“In some areas Tesla has been playing catch-up,” said Thilo Koslowski, an analyst and automotive practice leader at Gartner Inc., noting that Mercedes-Benz’s Intelligent Drive safety features include active lane keeping and blind-spot assistance. “Automated lane change is a big step because it delegates more autonomy of a critical driving aspect to the car.”
Being cautious
Musk said that Tesla is being careful as autopilot technology is new for most consumers. Even though autosteer works hands-free, consumers are being advised to keep their hands on the steering wheel at all times.
“We’re being especially cautious at this early stage,” said Musk. “Over time, there will not be a need to have your hands on the wheel. The software is very new and we have to explicitly describe it as beta. In the long term, people won’t need hands on the wheel, and eventually there won’t be wheels or pedals.”
In release notes about the software update sent to owners, Tesla stressed that drivers still maintain responsibility for safe driving.
“Similar to the autopilot functions in airplanes, you need to maintain control and responsibility of your vehicle while enjoying the convenience of Autopilot in [the] Model S,” Tesla said.
Drivers are advised to keep their hands on the wheel at all times. They must ensure it is safe to change lanes before signaling the car to do so. While the Model S can parallel park in a spot defined by two vehicles and a curb, drivers are urged to pay attention to surroundings – especially pedestrians – and be ready to stop.
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Silicon Valley software
Tesla, the nation’s youngest publicly held automaker, is a Silicon Valley company at its core. While most cars lose value over time, Tesla regularly makes improvements to its vehicles through over-the-air software updates that are automatically sent to owners, similar to how Apple Inc. upgrades operating systems on its phones.
“People take it to be normal that your phone and laptop will keep improving, and that is the approach we’ve taken with the Model S,” Musk said in March, when Tesla released software update 6.2, which improved trip planning. “It is a fundamental paradigm shift from the way cars have been done in the past, where they are quite static and software really got a distant back seat.”
Bearish sentiment has been growing since Tesla delivered the first six of its Model X SUVs at an event in Fremont, California, on Sept. 29 due to concerns about the company’s ability to make enough vehicles to reach its target of at least 50,000 autos delivered this year.
Three analysts – Adam Jonas of Morgan Stanley, Ben Kallo of Robert W. Baird and Brian Johnson of Barclays – have recently trimmed their price targets. The Model X also has the autopilot hardware, but so far just a few cars have been delivered to board members and close friends of the company.
San Francisco to Seattle
Tesla first began testing auto-steering – which works well on highways where there are clear lane markings or a car directly ahead to follow – on a route from San Francisco to Seattle.
The company also beta-tested the software with Tesla owners from around the world who have been asked to participate in its EAP, or Early Access Program. More than 600 Tesla owners are part of the program.
“Some customers have had it for several months,” said Musk of the autopilot features. “Their feedback has helped us make it better. The response has been that they really love it.”
Tesla customers either paid $2,500 for the autopilot features when they bought their car, or they can pay for it now.
“It’s $2,500 to activate the autonomous features forever,” said Musk. “It’s a one-time charge.”
While technology is making huge advancements, regulatory approval may take longer.
“I think Tesla will have a car that can do full autonomy in about three years,” said Musk. “Maybe a bit sooner, but I am trying to recalibrate my time predictions. I’m confident that in three years, the car will be able to take you from point to point – like from your driveway to work – without you touching anything. You could even be asleep the whole time, and do so very safely. But getting regulatory approval for full autonomy will vary by jurisdiction.”
