Watch Tesla Model 3’s new Autopark feature at work

As we reported last week, Tesla is releasing new Model 3 software update to calibrate Autopilot for more features.

Some owners have apparently received the update and we now get our first look at the first features it enables: Autopark

Like it was the case with Model S and Model X vehicles equipped with Autopilot 2.5 hardware, Model 3’s Autopilot hardware also needs to be recalibrated.

Tesla wrote about the latest update in an email to Model 3 owners last week:

“To take advantage of this update, you will need to recalibrate the Autopilot hardware on your vehicle by driving on straight, well-marked roads for a total of 50 miles. Please keep in mind that recalibration time can vary based on road types. After this calibration process, Parallel and Perpendicular Autopark will be newly enabled, and Autopilot will resume normal operation. There is no need for a service visit.”

After completing the calibration process, a Model 3 owner released a quick demonstration of the new ‘Perpendicular Autopark:

https://youtu.be/O6JGEwp-h7M

Electrek’s Take

Model 3 is Tesla’s smallest vehicle so far – aside from the discontinued Roadster. Parking should be easier than with Model S, which is quite a large sedan, and the Model X SUV.

In this case here, the Autopilot system managed to park the vehicle easily in what could have been a difficult spot – especially with the back not being aligned with the parking spot, but it stopped in time even though it went dangerously close. Maybe closer than I would have, but the ultrasonic sensors are quite precise and can afford to come closer to obstacles before stopping and readjusting.

As we have seen in recent videos of early production Model 3 vehicles, the software seems to still be incomplete in several aspects, but that doesn’t seem to be the case for this feature. The horizontal screen also works well with the dual screen view for the auto parking application.

Now more Autopilot features in upcoming software updates are expected to be adapted to Model 3, which is equipped with the same Autopilot hardware suite as the latest Model S and Model X – aside maybe for the driver-facing camera if we can consider it part of the Autopilot suite.