Image via @klwtts
Earlier this month, Tesla announced it was ditching ultrasonic sensors from its new vehicles builds, starting first with the Model 3 and Model Y, then the Model S and Model X in 2023.
Tesla says its camera-based Tesla Vision Autopilot no longer requires these ultrasonic sensors, which are typically located in front and rear bumpers to tell you how close you are from an object, and particularly helpful when parking.
The Kilowatts (@klwtts) shared photos on Friday from the Tesla Colma location in California, showing Model 3 deliveries sporting the new smooth bumpers without ultrasonic sensors. He said while there are new Model 3 builds without the sensors, “there are still several 3s on the lot with Ultrasonics. So far all of the Ys I’ve seen still have the ultrasonic sensors.”
When asked by @WholeMarsBlog to post pictures of cameras, we now see there appear to be different side repeater cameras on the 2023 Model 3 without ultrasonic sensors.
Below is a blue Model 3 Performance without ultrasonic sensors and its side repeater camera, next to a black Model Y with ultrasonic sensors. We can see the camera lens and housing is new on the Model 3 without ultrasonic sensors. The unit housing retains the same part number, but these lenses look completely different. It is reminiscent of a camera upgrade on a new smartphone.
It’s unclear what differences there will be in video quality, but we’ll have to wait for the first deliveries of Model 3 and Y vehicles without ultrasonic sensors and videos of these new camera lenses at work. Check the image below shared by @klwtts:
Update: Here are pictures of the B-Pillar cameras, which also look different as well, with the left camera looking new versus the right:
B-Pillar surrounding material within the camera housing seems to be slightly modified as well. Almost looks like cloth before and plastic now.
(Left is a 3 without ultrasonics – Right is a 3 with ultrasonics) pic.twitter.com/TOqswKg5eQ— The Kilowatts 🚗⚡️ (@klwtts) October 14, 2022
Tesla is also issuing a notification for new Model 3 owners in its mobile app, asking them to ‘Proceed with Delivery’, but after reading the next steps for Tesla Vision.
“We are taking the next step in Tesla vision,” explains Tesla. “Your vehicle now fully relies on camera vision to measure distance to nearby objects, deliver active safety features, and provide Autopilot and Full-Self Driving capability. This new approach enables improved visibility, better object detection, and greater abilities for Autopilot in the future. With this move, your Model 3 is no longer equipped with ultrasonic sensors, which will temporarily impact some features,” explains the message, shared by soon to be Model 3 owner Scott E. on Facebook.
Tesla previously stated cars delivered without ultrasonic sensors will see some features temporarily limited or inactive, including:
The automaker said in the “near future” these features will come back with an over-the-air software update to reach parity with today’s Tesla vehicles.
“Given the incremental improvements already achieved with Tesla Vision, and our roadmap of future Autopilot improvements and abilities, we are confident that this is the best strategy for the future of Autopilot and the safety of our customers,” said Tesla earlier this month.
Beginning in early October 2022, all Model 3 and Model Y built for North America, Europe, Middle East and Taiwan will not include ultrasonic sensors, said Tesla.
