Tesla started releasing a new software update to its fleet this weekend with two new convenience features.
The automaker has added a feature to give the option to soften the crazy acceleration of the Model S and Model X and it also pushed another requested feature.
Tesla appropriately called the new feature “Chill: a new acceleration”.
It’s a significant change from the automaker’s previous modes called Insane and Ludicrous, which are more geared toward performance.
As for “Chill”, Tesla describes the option in the release notes of the new 2017.44 update:
“You can now choose between two acceleration options in your vehicle: Chill and Standard. Chill makes acceleration more gradual – ideal for smoother driving and a gentler ride for your passengers.”
While the instant torque is arguably one of the best parts of driving electric, not everyone gets used to it. Therefore, it might prove useful to some.
In order to activate it, drivers can go to Controls > Controls > Driving and toggle to Chill under ‘Acceleration’.
Keep in mind that Tesla pushes new updates to its fleet gradually and it may take a while for every owner to receive it.
The other feature in the 2017.44 update facilitates exiting Tesla’s vehicles.
The automaker describes it in the release notes:
“Starting in this release, you can get in and out of the driver’s seat more easily. When you park, the steering wheel and driver’s seat will automatically adjust for an easier exit. After you return to the vehicle, they automatically adjust back to the recent driving profile when you step on the brake. Or, if your keyfob is linked to your driver profile, the seat and steering wheel adjust accordingly. As always, you can restore your profile by selecting it from the list.”
This new feature builds on Tesla’s existing driver profile application.
It was actually suggested to Tesla CEO Elon Musk by a Twitter user last summer:
Good point. We will add that to all cars in one of the upcoming software releases.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 19, 2017
In order to activate the feature, Tesla drivers with the latest update need to access CONTROLS > Settings > Driver Profiles and check ‘Use Easy Entry’.
At that point, you will be prompted to adjust the seat and steering wheel and save the change under the Easy Entry profile.
Those are the latest two features that Tesla is adding to its fleet via over-the-air software updates. Most of the automaker’s recent updates focused on Autopilot, but the company also released an update that improved on Homelink and added a feature to run climate control after the car is parked for an extended period of time (aka camper mode) last month.
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