Photo: Munro Live
Tesla’s removing ultrasonic sensors from its electric vehicles (EVs), as spotted this week on a Model S Plaid being unloaded in China.
A new video from manufacturing crew Munro Live breaks down Tesla’s move to do away with ultrasonic sensors, as hosted by Munro & Associates Program Manager Mike Lane.
The ultrasonic sensors are located on the front and rear bumpers, offering assistance during parking for example.
One key factor in removing the hardware is the cost savings element, which Tesla can expect to be significant — especially with increasing production capacities expected for the next several years.
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According to Lane, the change could result in up to $100 million in savings or an estimated $114 per vehicle. The savings are made up of parts including the sensor itself, the bracket, wiring, connectors and installation of the part.
In 2023, Tesla is expected to potentially produce two million cars. Without the ultrasonic sensors, the automaker could save as much as $228 million, according to the estimates from Munro.
Tesla noted last week that it’s also ditching the ultrasonic sensor because the camera-based vision sensor doesn’t need it, which it fully adopted in place of radar last year.
You can see Munro Live’s full breakdown of Tesla’s removal of the ultrasonic sensor below, as hosted by Program Manager, Mike Lane.
