Modern vehicles are jam-packed with a dizzying array of cutting-edge features. Once reserved exclusively for top-shelf luxury models, amenities like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane centering, parking sensors, and 360-degree cameras are practically as commonplace today as power windows. For years, Tesla has set the standard, pushing rival automakers to introduce more and more high-tech goodies, though the company has been trailing certain competitors in a couple areas, though that is finally changing.
Let There Be (More) Light!
At long last, certain Tesla models in the U.S. and Canada will receive adaptive high-beam headlamps for greatly improved visibility at night. Surprisingly, this welcome upgrade will be enabled by an over-the-air software update. Reportedly, the version number for the 2025 Spring Update is 2024.2.
According to a post shared by Tesla on the X social media network, this amenity goes far beyond just turning the high beams on or off automatically. “By detecting other road users, and selectively dimming individual pixels of the headlight, your high beams stay on more often for greater visibility at night,” something that should greatly improve the safety of all roadway users. To see if your Tesla has the required hardware to enable this functionality, look in the settings menu under Controls, Lights, and then Adaptive Headlights.
This over-the-air update is great news for drivers, but there is a downside, and it’s that not all models are eligible. Vehicles have to be fitted with Matrix Headlights from the factory to take advantage of this new – and highly desirable – feature.
Thank You, Hyundai!
Aside from that, the Spring 2025 software update is bringing another valuable feature to newer versions of the Model S sedan and Model X utility vehicle. Called Blind Spot Camera, this amenity sends a video feed from the vehicles’ side cameras to the digital instrument cluster when the turn signal is activated. Basically, this feature allows you to see exactly what is – or is not – occupying your vehicle’s blind spot.
If this amenity sounds familiar, it should. The Hyundai Motor Group has offered essentially the exact same feature in a wide range of vehicles for years now, and it’s called the Blind Spot View Monitor.
Additional Enhancements
Another improvement Tesla is bundling in its latest software update has to do with imaging. “Your vehicle’s side cameras (B-pillar) will now be recorded to both Dashcam and Sentry clips, increasing the total number of camera views from four to six,” the automaker explained in its post on X. Additionally, “The Dashcam Viewer app has also been redesigned with a grid view and quick access to the next video, making it easier review recordings.” This upgrade should be available on newer versions of the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X.
Tesla is also including an upgrade called Alternative Trip Plans. When available, this provides multiple navigation routes, but it will also list highly rated shops and restaurants that are within walking distance of charging locations, a thoughtful touch.
A couple upgrades are making their way to the controversial Cybertruck, too. This all-electric pickup will automatically switch to the Comfort drive mode when Autopilot is engaged, and the vehicle gains a new lane-departure avoidance feature that can help keep your Cybertruck on the straight and narrow and out of the ditch.
Aside from all that, this software update includes a few other minor changes, tweaks to the on-screen keyboard, a feature that lets you set how high the front trunk opens based on location, and this new software even adds an avoid-highway option to the navigation system. This update sounds like a big one for Tesla, and drivers are sure to appreciate many of the enhancements provided.
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