Tesla is giving its customers in China an exciting treat to celebrate the Lunar New Year with a major software update, packed with numerous enhancements. This update, likely the last for 2024, is set to transform the driving experience with its new features focused on navigation and entertainment.
Among the standout changes are the navigation improvements that offer drivers multiple routing options. These include “Fastest Time” for the quickest journey, “Least Congestion” to avoid heavy traffic at the cost of a longer journey, “Prefer Highways” for more expressway routes, and “Lowest Tolls” for a cost-effective drive. Such options allow Tesla owners to tailor their driving experience to their preferences and circumstances.
Additionally, the update offers a clever service area notification system, alerting drivers as they approach highway service areas with details about nearby restaurants, stores, and charging stations. This feature is an optional tool that can be easily switched off in the vehicle’s settings if desired.
For those who enjoy Tesla’s cutting-edge technology, the “Actually Smart Summons” feature is a highlight. This feature, which is already available in other regions like the US and Europe, enables a Tesla equipped with Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) or Full Self-Driving (FSD) to autonomously navigate a parking lot to greet its owner upon request via the mobile app.
In celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, Tesla is also introducing some delightful holiday-themed features. A new collaboration with Tencent brings exclusive games to the platform, including titles like Happy Landlord, Happy Mahjong, and Throw Eggs.
Furthermore, Tesla’s commitment to convenience continues with enhancements to its Supercharger bollard system. Many charging sites in China feature bollards that secure parking spaces for Tesla drivers. Previously controlled via a mobile app, the latest update allows owners to manage these bollards directly from their vehicles, making the charging experience even smoother as unlock buttons automatically appear when approaching a charger.
Currently, many of these features are exclusive to China, and there is no information about their availability in other parts of the world. With these updates, Tesla is not only improving the functionality of their vehicles but also enriching the driving experience for their Chinese customers during this festive season.
