Questions to inspire discussion.

🚕 Q: How reliable is Tesla’s robotaxi service based on recent experiences? A: Tesla’s robotaxi service has perfect rides in 9 out of 10 experiences, with one incident of phantom braking due to sun glare.

📱 Q: How do users access and pay for Tesla’s robotaxi service? A: Users access the service through a separate app from the Tesla app, requiring Tesla sign-in and linked credit card information for payment.

Tesla Model Updates and Pricing.

🔋 Q: What changes were made to the refreshed Model S and X? A: The refresh includes new hardware for improved autonomy, new color options, wheel design, and ambient lighting, with a $5,000 price increase and 5–7% range increase.

🛡️ Q: What does Tesla’s new extended warranty plan offer? A: Tesla’s plan extends coverage for 4 years or 100,000 miles at $50–150 per month depending on the model, covering most manufactured parts except the high-voltage battery, tires, and glass.

Competitor Updates.

🇨🇳 Q: How successful was Xiaomi’s U7 SUV launch in China? A: Xiaomi’s U7 SUV sold 200,000 orders in 3 minutes, featuring 11 cameras, LAR sensor, and starting at $35,000, which is $1,400 less than a Model Y in China.

🚙 Q: What recent action did Rivian take regarding its workforce? A: Rivian is laying off 140 manufacturing employees (1% of workforce) to improve efficiency for the upcoming R2 SUV launch in 2026.

Industry Challenges.

⚠️ Q: Why is BMW recalling 70,000 EVs? A: BMW is recalling EVs due to a software glitch causing system shutdown and motor power loss while driving, with warnings appearing 15–20 seconds before power loss.

🔬 Q: How does Lucid’s full self-driving development compare to Tesla’s? A: Lucid’s full self-driving is still in development, with secured funding and LAR and radar in vehicles, but behind Tesla in capabilities.

## Key Insights.

Autonomy and Hardware Updates.

🚗 Tesla confirms massive hardware change for improved autonomy, including new front-facing cameras and updated FSD on some Model Ys, but details on implementation and availability remain undisclosed.

🔍 The new front-facing camera on refresh Model S and X will be utilized for autopilot, full self-driving, and autonomy, though specifics on integration are not provided.

🛑 Phantom braking remains a major concern for robo taxi users, with incidents occurring even with updated FSD and in conditions of heavy sun glare.

🚕 Tesla’s robo taxi service is essentially identical to the Cyber Cab service, utilizing the same Model Ys with updated FSD and hardware, but features a separate app and different pricing structure.

💰 The new hardware change for autonomy improvement will likely be free for FSD purchasers, but its impact on resolving phantom braking issues is uncertain.

Competition and Market Dynamics.

🇨🇳 Xiaomi’s U7 SUV is disrupting the EV market with 200,000 orders in 3 minutes, outpacing Tesla’s Model Y sales in China, and offering features like massaging seats, Nappa leather, and advanced sensor systems.

🚙 Rivian is preparing to launch its R2 SUV in 2026, positioned as a smaller Model Y competitor and expected to be a profitable successor to the R1T pickup truck.

Recalls and Warranty.

🔧 BMW is recalling 70,000 EVs in the US and Europe due to a software glitch causing high voltage battery and control unit shutdowns, leading to potential motor power loss while driving.

📅 Tesla introduces an extended warranty plan as a monthly subscription, offering 4 years or 100,000 miles of coverage for a fee ranging from $50 to $150 per month, depending on the model.

Tesla Model Updates.

🔄 The refresh of Tesla’s Model S and X disappoints some owners, lacking features like massaging seats, fridge, and Wi-Fi capabilities found in competitors, while including minor updates and a $5,000 price increase.

🔋 The refreshed Model S and X offer a modest 5–7% range increase, alongside updates to color options, wheel design, bumper camera, and ambient lighting.

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More:

[(https://digitalhabitats.global/blogs/digital-vehicles/tesla-responds-w-huge-hardware-change-to-improve-autonomy)](https://digitalhabitats.global/blogs/digital-vehicles/tesla-…e-autonomy)

Tesla is making significant hardware changes, including adding a front-facing camera, to improve its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features in response to concerns over phantom braking and feature issues, as the company prioritizes autonomy and full self-driving capabilities.

Tesla’s Hardware and Software Updates 🚗 Q: What major hardware change is Tesla implementing to improve autonomy? A: Tesla is adding new front-facing cameras to enable full self-driving and robotaxi services, with a total of nine cameras providing a 360-degree view around the vehicle. 🔄 Q: Will existing Tesla owners need to retrofit their vehicles for the new hardware? A: Retrofitting will be required for older vehicles without the new cameras, but it will be free for those who have already purchased full self-driving.