Autopilot is one of Tesla's most advanced features, offering enhanced safety and convenience. But how do you know if your Tesla has Autopilot? In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to check if your Tesla is equipped with this feature.
How to Check if Tesla Has Autopilot?
Tesla models and corresponding Autopilot configuration information
Base Autopilot (AP)
Comes standard on all new Tesla models, including Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X.
Features include Lane Keeping, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking and Side Impact Warning.
Lights on Lane Change and Summoning features are not supported.
Enhanced Autopilot (EAP)
is an optional feature for an additional $6,000.
Adds Auto Lane Change, AutoPark, and Navigate on Autopilot to base Autopilot.
Supports automatic lane change and off-ramp on some road sections.
Fully Self-Driving Capability (FSD)
is a premium option feature available for an additional $15,000.
It includes advanced features such as light changing, automatic parking, summoning function, traffic light recognition, and stop sign control.
It is still in the testing phase, but is gradually being rolled out in some models.
Hardware Versions and Upgrades
Tesla's Autopilot system is constantly being improved through OTA (Over-The-Air) upgrades.
From 2022, the hardware in some models has been upgraded from HW 3.0 to HW 4.0, the latter offering higher resolution cameras and radar, further enhancing the performance of FSD.
Model Year Applicability
All Tesla models manufactured in 2016 and later are equipped with Autopilot hardware.
The Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X are available with optional enhanced Autopilot and fully autonomous driving capabilities.
In summary: Tesla's Autopilot system comes in three configurations - Basic, Enhanced and Full Autopilot Capability - for different driving needs. Basic is standard, while Enhanced and Full Autopilot are optional for an additional fee.
How to check Autopilot status via Tesla Vehicle Information Centre
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Access the Control Menu: On the Tesla vehicle's touchscreen, select the ‘Control’ option.
2. Enter Software Settings: Click on the ‘Software’ option.
3. Confirm Autopilot Hardware Configuration: In Software Settings, confirm that your vehicle is equipped with Autopilot hardware (e.g. Autopilot Hardware 3.0 or 4.0).
Additional Vehicle Information: Click on ‘Additional Vehicle Information’ for more detailed information on Autopilot status.
These steps allow you to view the Autopilot hardware version of your vehicle and its current status.
How do I find specific information about Autopilot status in Additional Vehicle Information?
To find specific information about Autopilot status in Additional Vehicle Information, you can follow these steps:
1. Switch on the vehicle's touchscreen and select ‘Control’ > ‘Software’.
2. Confirm the Autopilot computer type.
3. Click on ‘Additional vehicle information’.
If your vehicle is equipped with an in-vehicle camera and Autopilot Hardware 3.0 or Autopilot Hardware 4.0 and is running software version 2023.44.30 or later, no further action is required.
Ways to check Autopilot functionality in the Tesla Owners app
1. From the vehicle touchscreen: Owners can view the Autopilot hardware configuration and software version from the Control > Software option on the vehicle touchscreen. If the vehicle is equipped with Autopilot hardware (e.g., camera and radar sensors) and is running the latest version of Autopilot software (e.g., 2023.44.30 or later), it is functioning properly.
2. Check via the Tesla app: owners can add their vehicle and make relevant settings in the Tesla app. Within the app, it is possible to check the status of the vehicle's Autopilot functionality and ensure that all necessary hardware and software updates have been installed.
3. Check via the vehicle dashboard: After the vehicle has been started, the dashboard will display the Autopilot status indicator. If Autopilot is activated, the light will illuminate green, indicating that the system is working.
4. Check via OTA update: Owners can check and update the Autopilot software via OTA (Over-The-Air) update service. Make sure the vehicle is connected to the Internet and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
5. Check through service centre: If owners have questions about Autopilot functions, they can visit a Tesla service centre to check and confirm. The service centre can provide a detailed hardware and software status report.
By using the above methods, owners can have a comprehensive understanding of the status of their vehicle's Autopilot function and ensure that it is functioning properly.
Correlation between Tesla software versions and Autopilot features
1. early versions and feature extensions:
Tesla has first introduced Autopilot features since 2015 when it launched the V7 version of its in-vehicle system, including features such as automatic lane keeping, automatic lane changing and automatic parking. Subsequently, the V8 and V9 versions further optimised these features, while adding more advanced driver assistance features such as automatic navigation-assisted driving (NOA) and summoning functions.
2. vision systems and vision-only solutions:
Since 2021, Tesla has been gradually shifting to a vision-only solution, removing millimetre-wave radar and ultrasonic sensors and instead relying on camera and neural network technology to support Autopilot functions. For example, the 2023 release of the Tesla Vision feature marks a significant advancement in Tesla's vision system, further enhancing Autopilot's auto-assisted driving and safety performance.
3. improvements and adaptations in the latest release:
The most recent software update, version 2024.45.32.12, optimises Autopilot functionality, particularly for Auto-assisted driving on city and controlled roads. In addition, Tesla continues to introduce new features through OTA updates, such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning, the implementation of which varies by model and vehicle configuration.
4. Function classification and adaptation:
Tesla's Autopilot features are classified into three main products: Basic Assisted Pilot (BAP), Enhanced Assisted Pilot (EAP) and Full Self-Driving (FSD). The implementation of these features is dependent on the vehicle's hardware configuration and software versions, such as the HW 3.0 and HW 4.0 hardware platforms.
5.Future Outlook:
Tesla plans to extend Autopilot functionality to more models and scenarios, such as full self-driving functionality on city roads, through continuous OTA updates. In addition, Tesla is gradually realising L4 level Autopilot capability, which will further promote the deep integration of its software version with Autopilot function.
To sum up, the correlation between Tesla's software version and Autopilot function is reflected in the gradual expansion of functions, iterative upgrading of technology, and the ability to adapt to different models and hardware configurations. Through OTA upgrades, Tesla continuously optimises its Autopilot technology to bring users a safer and smarter driving experience.
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Call to Action
Checking if your Tesla has Autopilot is a simple process that can be done through the vehicle's touchscreen interface. By verifying the hardware version and accessing Autopilot settings, you can ensure your vehicle is equipped with this advanced feature. Whether you're planning a long drive or just want to enhance your daily commute, knowing how to check for Autopilot can make a big difference.
