Tesla improves regenerative braking on Model 3 through over-the-air software update

With the release of a new software update pushed out over-the-air today, Tesla has now been able to improve Model 3 regenerative braking, making it stronger — a complaint of mine and other owners.

A weak regenerative braking is something I have noticed ever since my first Model 3 drive back in July 2017:

“I did notice that the regenerative braking is significantly weaker than I anticipated, but I am now used to the regen of my Model S P85, which is quite strong.  It is possible that regen strength could get stronger on future dual-motor versions of the Model 3, or a performance version if it ever comes.”

When Tesla announced ‘Track Mode’ for Model 3 Performance, it fueled our hope that it would improve since the automaker confirmed that the new mode changed the strength of deceleration from regenerative braking: from a max of 0.2g to 0.3g with Track Mode.

Now it sounds like Tesla was able to leverage the improvements to regen in the development of Track Mode to its regular Model 3 vehicle firmware.

Tesla wrote in the release notes of its new 2018.42 v9 software update:

“Model 3 regenerative braking force has been increased to improve the driving experience and increase how much energy is actively returned to the battery when slowing down.”

According to sources familiar with the update, Tesla started pushing the update earlier this week to the first owners outside the early access program.

We previously reported that the update also includes support for the new Model 3 key fob, Navigate on Autopilot, and a few UI updates.

While the updated regenerative braking has so far only been spotted on all-wheel-drive Model 3 vehicles, we’ve asked Tesla if it only applies to dual motor Model 3 vehicles. We will update if we get an answer.

Electrek’s Take

This is one of the best examples of Tesla taking full advantage of its capacity to send over-the-air software updates.

As Tesla owners, we are already getting tailored to getting constant software features and UI changes through the OTA software updates.

They’re still cool, but sometimes we take them for granted.

However, an improvement like this, to the powertrain, like these new regenerative braking capacity, now that’s still quite impressive. At least that’s what I think.

What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below.