Tesla has kicked off the Chinese New Year with the release of software update 2024.45.32, introducing a host of new features that enhance navigation, entertainment, and convenience for drivers in China. Tesla has many navigation features that are exclusive to China thanks to Tesla’s partnership with mapping giant Baidu, but we may see some of these introduced in this update eventually come to North America.
One of these navigation upgrades gives drivers more control over how their routes are calculated. Drivers can choose from four new route preferences to better match their driving needs:
- Fastest Time – Picks the route that will take the least amount of time.
- Least Congestion – Using live traffic data, this option avoids busy roads, even if the drive takes slightly longer.
- Prefer Highways – Picks a route that prioritizes highways.
- Lowest Tolls – A balance between speed and cost, selecting the quickest route with the lowest toll fees.
Service Area Pop-ups
Another navigation-related feature introduced is Service Area Functions. A Service Area in China is a place along a highway that has shops, restrooms, and other amenities for drivers. Now when approaching one of these areas, an on-screen prompt will automatically appear, highlighting restaurants, convenience stores, and charging facilities in the service area.
The pop-up includes a button to add a stop at the selected Service Area.
Supercharger Ground Lock Control
Tesla Superchargers in China have ground locks that raise and lower to prevent non-Tesla vehicles from occupying Supercharging spots. When it was first introduced in 2019, drivers had to use a third-party application to lower the locks. Then in 2021 Tesla integrated the controls into the mobile app, simplifying the user experience.
Now Tesla has streamlined the process even more by adding ground lock controls directly to the vehicle’s touchscreen. When navigating to a Supercharger station with ground locks, a dedicated button now appears on the display, allowing drivers to unlock and lower the post without having to open their phone.
Actually Smart Summon
Another notable addition in this update is the introduction of Actually Smart Summon, or ASS, for vehicles equipped with Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) or Full Self-Driving (FSD). Tesla first announced this feature was coming to China late last year.
New Online Games
Tesla continues to expand its in-car gaming library, adding three new games that can be played online against friends – Happy Landlord, Happy Mahjonh, and Tencent Throw Eggs.
Tesla has previously partnered with Tencent to bring other exclusive content to Chinese customers, so these are unlikely to come to North America.
Other Additions
Tesla also added three other new features that are already available in North America.
- Blind Spot Warning – prevents the door from opening when an object is detected in your blind spot
- Apple Watch app support
- Adjust the passenger seat from the main display
Which of these China-exclusive features would you like to see come to North America? Let us know in the comments below.
