Tesla announces 7.0 software update with Autopilot technologies

According to BCC, Tesla has launched a software update that gives their Model S and Model X cars an autopilot feature that allows the cars to “automatically steer down the highway, change lanes, and adjust speed in response to traffic”.

Tesla has announced the release of version 7.0 of its Model S software, starting in the U.S. on a rolling basis and arriving in Europe and Asia in the coming weeks, pending regulatory approval.

“We’re being especially cautious at this stage so we’re advising drivers to keep their hands on the wheel”, Musk told reporters at the company’s Silicon Valley headquarters. He points out that drivers will still need to keep their hands on the wheel while the software’s features are in use, and the system itself would chime as a reminder. Autosteer enables the Model S to stay within its lane, keep distance from other cars on the road, and manage speed. “Your vehicle can also scan for a parking space, alert you when one is available, and parallel park on command”, said Tesla.

Musk said that from a technical standpoint, fully autonomous, hands-free driving was at least three years away, although it would probably take regulators longer than that to allow it. In the Tesla, however, I felt much more at ease.

Electric vehicle maker Tesla Motors is leapfrogging competitors with a new autopilot system that lets cars change lanes by themselves.

The Autopilot software was to be installed via a wireless update between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.

Telsa said on its website that the Model S comes with four feedback modules, including cameras, radar, ultrasonics and Global Positioning System.

Once Autopilot is installed, users will be able to turn on Autosteer and Auto Lane Change, while both Side Collision Warnings and Lane Departure Warnings will sit under the Lane Assist category on the user’s Autopilot dashboard.

Google’s entirely self-driving vehicle has clocked up well over one million miles on public roads, mostly in California.

Todays update increases the drivers confidence behind the wheel with features to help the vehicle avoid hazards and reduce the drivers workload, Tesla said on its website.