Tesla has released a new version of its vision-based Autopark system, operating without ultrasonic sensors (USS) and relying only on the vehicle’s cameras.
Tesla started removing USS on its vehicles in 2021, opting for a ‘Tesla Vision‘ system that relies on the vehicle’s cameras for its safety and driver assist features. The rollout wasn’t smooth however, as the launch of Tesla Vision came without many of the features owners had been enjoying for several years.
One of those features was Autopark, included in the optional Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability and Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) packages. A vision-based version of Autopark was released later that same year, but its performance has been less than stellar.
Last week we told you that a new Autopark system was being tested by employees, and now a new video has been shared showing the feature in action.
As the release notes describe, the new Autopark stem operates by scanning for available spaces as you drive through the parking lot, visually indicating any potential spots to the driver with a “P” icon over the highlighted parking space. Upon selecting a spot by tapping the “P,” the system engages, displaying a message “Autopark Ready.” The driver is then prompted to start the parking maneuver by pressing a large blue “Start” button.
The display then transitions to an overhead view, with the chosen parking spot highlighted in blue, guiding the Tesla vehicle as it reverses into position. If the system starts doing something you’re uncomfortable with, the parking process can be aborted at any time by tapping the brake.
Tesla autopark for vision only non-USS Model Y! At long last! So far I'm pretty impressed. It's way better than the old autopark.@AndyZeGerman @28delayslater pic.twitter.com/Hi25l7T1XL
— Space Cat 🐈🚀 (@raderje) March 24, 2024
From this one test the new vision-based Autopark feature appears to be quite capable, despite only relying on the vehicle’s cameras to know where to go. The owner also shared a subsequent video of the Autopark system trying to park in a busy parking lot covered in snow, and the car was able to successfully park itself three times, including when parking between two vehicles.
NEW Autopark in non-USS Model Y in the snow https://t.co/zbOayI3TX5
— Space Cat 🐈🚀 (@raderje) March 24, 2024
Additional tests will have to be conducted to know if this new version will outperform previous versions, including the on on cars equipped with USS, particularly parallel parking, but so far this new vision-based system looks impressive.
Since this is a vision-based system, it is unclear when this will roll out to cars equipped with USS. Tesla has so far released one other vision-based system, High Fidelity Park Assist. This feature launched last year, but is still only available on Tesla Vision vehicles.
