Week 49/24 Tesla Update: Stock Nearing Record Highs, Software Gift Announced, Detailed Info on Cybertruck Release, Water Connection Discussed
Tesla Prepares to Unveil Major Full Self-Driving Software Update
Tesla is gearing up to release a significant software update for its electric vehicles, scheduled for late August to September 2025. This update, known as the Full Self-Driving (FSD) software version 13, promises a 10x increase in AI model parameters, improved video compression, and enhanced system reliability.
The AI model upgrade aims to deliver smarter and more human-like responses to driving conditions, particularly in handling rare or edge cases. Enhanced video processing will allow better interpretation of the driving environment, bolstering system reliability and safety.
One of the key changes in the update is the reduction of the frequency of alerts that remind drivers to pay attention, commonly referred to as the "nag" feature. Tesla intends to increase the permissible time drivers can look away safely, improving user experience while maintaining safety.
It's important to note that despite these technological advances, FSD remains partially supervised and is not yet fully autonomous. Tesla emphasizes that some complex driving scenarios, such as heavy weather or complicated intersections, still require driver intervention.
Tesla's recent earnings report highlighted challenges, including a 16% drop in automotive revenue and decreasing sales in Europe, which have influenced the company's stock performance. However, autonomy, driven by FSD improvements, remains a focal point for future growth.
Additional strategies, such as potentially giving FSD or extended trials away for free or incentivizing use, may impact user adoption and perception moving forward.
In summary, Tesla's upcoming FSD software update is one of the most significant in years, with a large AI model upgrade and better video processing aimed at improving both safety and usability. The company faces broader business challenges that currently influence its stock more than the FSD update alone.
Separate Developments
In other news, Tesla has already released the Holiday Update 2024, which includes over two dozen new or improved features. Additionally, the Model Y is expected to receive a refresh early in the new year.
Tesla's autonomous driving software, FSD, is currently under supervision for robotaxis. The Cybercab, a Tesla robotaxi, is designed to be more efficient, with only two doors and seats, as 82 percent of car trips today are made with a maximum of two occupants.
The first partial approval for the expansion of the Gigafactory in Brandenburg was granted by the state of Brandenburg this October. The Cybercab will be built using a revolutionary "unboxed" process that requires less space and higher speed in the factory, according to CEO Musk.
The Gigafactory in Brandenburg will receive significantly less water than initially agreed and will be allowed to exceed earlier pollutant limits in return. Tesla plans to launch more than one new electric car by 2025.
Those with an older Intel processor Tesla car will not have access to the Apple Watch key feature and radar map display due to hardware limitations. The Holiday Update 2024 also includes a radar map display on the navigation screen upon request.
Lastly, Elon Musk was appointed co-chair of the Doge Commission for Greater Government Efficiency. Tesla offered customers with the paid FSD option an upgrade for earlier hardware. Tesla's stock closed at 389.22 dollars on Friday, gaining over 5% since Musk-backed Donald Trump's election victory in early November.
- Tesla is not only focusing on autonomous driving technology with the Full Self-Driving software update, but is also eyeing potential strategies to boost user adoption, such as offering free or incentivized use of FSD.
- The technology sector, including artificial intelligence and investing in the stock market, intersects with Tesla's agenda as the company continues to push the boundaries of AI in self-driving vehicles, with the Full Self-Driving software update boasting a 10x increase in AI model parameters.
- The Full Self-Driving software update, aimed at improving safety and usability through enhanced AI and video processing, will be a key factor in Tesla's growth strategy, despite facing challenges in the automotive finance sector, like the 16% drop in revenue and decreasing sales in Europe.