February 17, 2025

Advancing Digital Excellence

Pioneering Technological Innovation

Tesla Software Update 2025.2 – Hands-Free Trunk Support for Android, Rear Cross-Traffic Chime

Tesla Software Update 2025.2 – Hands-Free Trunk Support for Android, Rear Cross-Traffic Chime

By Karan Singh

Tesla Software Update 2025.2 – Hands-Free Trunk Support for Android, Rear Cross-Traffic Chime

Tesla’s first major update of 2025, software update 2025.2, is now rolling out to select vehicles in North America and Europe. While the update isn’t widespread yet, it is rolling out to most vehicles, including HW3 and HW4 cars. The Cybertruck and legacy Model S/X vehicles are currently the only vehicles that haven’t received this update.

Last updated: Feb 1, 2:40 am UTC

Let’s take a look at everything we know that’s included in this update.

Third-Party Charger Preconditioning

First up, vehicles will now support preconditioning for third-party chargers. While this was previously available in Europe for approved third-party chargers that met Tesla’s strict standards, it’s now available in North America for the first time.

What’s New: When you navigate to a charging location, whether it’s listed in the vehicle’s charging locations or not, the vehicle will now precondition the battery for faster charging. It looks like the vehicle will automatically determine if the destination is an EV charging location and enable preconditioning. If the destination is a charging location, you’ll see a little banner show up, letting you know the vehicle’s battery is now being preconditioned. There isn’t a button to manually precondition the battery yet.

What’s Not Added: In Europe, the vehicle’s charging filter shows approved third-party chargers. Unfortunately, it does not look like this is being added in North America, where Tesla only displays Superchargers and destination chargers. However, the above feature still applies in North America, where the vehicle will precondition the battery for fast chargers such as Electrify America.

The video below shows how the feature will work:

Rear Cross-Traffic Chime

Following up on the addition of rear cross-traffic alerts showing up as red indicators as part of the 2024 Tesla Holiday Update, Tesla is now adding an alert chime to go with it. Now, there is a visual indicator on the screen, as well as an audible indicator that a vehicle or object has been detected crossing behind you.

This is a great addition and almost looked like a glaring omission in the initial release of the feature. Tesla likely wanted to make sure the feature was working as expected in the wider fleet before introducing a more drastic alert.

The chime is enabled by default, but if you want to disable it, you can go to Controls > Safety > Rear Cross-Traffic Chime to disable it. Joe Mode will reduce the chime’s volume if you prefer that instead.

Interestingly, the rear cross-traffic alerts feature was a feature that Musk said “Yes” to back in 2020.

Hands-Free Trunk/Frunk for Android

Just recently, we reported that Tesla was adding ultra-wideband support for Android – which would include two new major new features.

Improved Phone Key Reliability: Ultra-wideband (UWB) is an alternative to Bluetooth, which offers highly accurate positioning and tracking of devices. It uses about the same amount of energy as Bluetooth Low Energy but with increased location accuracy. By having your phone communicate with the vehicle over UWB, the vehicle knows exactly where your phone is in relation to the car, drastically increasing the reliability of your vehicle’s phone key.

Hands-Free Trunk and Frunk Opening: More precise location tracking enables new features such as Hands-Free Trunk and Hands-Free Frunk support. This feature has been available on iOS devices for approximately a year and will now be available on Android devices.

Supported Models: Unfortunately, not all models are supported, and your vehicle needs to have ultra-wideband sensors. Supported models include the 2021+ Model S and Model X, the 2024+ Model 3, the Cybertruck, and the upcoming 2025+ Model Y. Only the Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck support the hands-free frunk.

Supported Phones: Most recent Android phones support ultra-wideband, especially flagship devices, however, it’s not available on all phones. If you have a Google Pixel 6 or higher, Samsung Fold 2 or higher, Samsung S21+, or other recent Android phone, then your phone already supports ultra wideband.

Users with Android devices with UWB will initially be prompted to “Upgrade” their phone key when opening the Tesla app. This will switch your phone key from using Bluetooth to ultra-wideband. Once upgraded, you can go to Controls > Locks > Hands-Free Frunk / Trunk in your vehicle settings to enable the new hands-free feature. If you aren’t prompted for the upgrade, you’ll find it under Security & Drivers > Phone Key > Upgrade in the Tesla app.

Weather Information

With every Tesla update, there are smaller features, and this one is no different. In this update, the weather information is now displayed for both the final destination and any additional stops (waypoints) you have set along the way. Previously, the weather would only be displayed for your current location and your destination.

Battle of Polytopia

Next up, Battle of Polytopia is receiving another update. This time “The Forgotten” skin is being added for the recently-added Aquarion faction, adding some old-world Atlantis vibes to the fishy folk. Additional language support and balance changes are also included in this Battle of Polytopia update.

Cybertruck Charging Improvements

Last month we reported that The Cybertruck is expected to receive charging and regenerative braking improvements soon. Tesla was aiming at releasing these updates in the 2025.2 update, so there’s a chance that these cold weather improvements are also included in the 2025.2 update, but we won’t know for sure until the Cybertruck starts receiving this update in the coming days or weeks.

Other Features?

Since this update hasn’t rolled out to all models or regions yet, it’s possible we may see some additional features added in this update, although at this point, it may only be features for the Cybertruck or the legacy Model S and Model X.

Finally, as usual, Tesla includes minor fixes, performance enhancements, security fixes, and improvements. If you notice any undocumented changes, please let us know.

By Karan Singh

The Cybertruck brought a lot of technological advances to Tesla vehicles, and even with the launch of the refreshed Model Y, they’ve remained relatively exclusive to it. Tesla has yet to launch the vast majority of Cybertruck tech on any other vehicle, but as part of the Q4 2024 Tesla Earnings Call deck, Tesla revealed that future vehicles will leverage features that are exclusive to the Cybertruck today.

Let’s take a look at what Tesla introduced with the Cybertruck and what it expects to introduce to the rest of its line-up

Cybertruck Exclusives

There are a pair of features that are staying Cybertruck exclusive, but this isn’t surprising at all.

Stainless Steel Exoskeleton – The Cybertruck’s cold-rolled stainless steel exoskeleton is unique, strong, and heavy. And that weight really just orientates it towards a truck rather than other vehicle classes. As such, we doubt Tesla will bring it to another type of vehicle anytime soon – unless they actually have a CyberSUV planned.

Air Bending Manufacturing Process – Related to the cold-rolled stainless steel exoskeleton, Tesla utilizes a unique air-bending process that can bend the stainless steel – without touching it. Those bends are how Tesla builds the unique and distinctive shape of the Cybertruck. 

Cybertruck Tech That Will Be Used In Future Models

With that being said, let’s move on to the features that Tesla said will be used in future models. Since the Model Y has already launched and doesn’t include these features, we expect these to potentially be in new vehicles such as the Cybercab, the next-gen model, and Tesla’s upcoming bus. Tesla likely left these features out of the redesigned Model Y for simplicity, but expect most of these features to define the future of Tesla.

Manufacturing & Design

Giga Castings – The Model Y uses a 6,000-ton Gigapress to build its castings – the Cybertruck, on the other hand, uses a 9,000-ton press to make the front and rear vehicle structures. This reduces the number of parts and final assembly complexity, creating savings while also resulting in an even more repairable vehicle.

Integrated Audio with Body Structure – Interestingly, the Giga Castings are actually designed to channel sound from the Cybertruck’s subwoofers – they’re reactive volume – which helps to channel the audio towards the vehicle’s occupants, improving clarity and response.

Powertrain and Electrical Architecture

48-Volt Electrical Architecture – The Cybertruck’s 48V Low Voltage Architecture is unique – and it reduces the overall cost of electrical wiring within the vehicle. This is because the current required is reduced by 4 times, while the heat generated is reduced by 16 times compared to traditional 12V wiring. Overall, that means a reduction in weight, simplifying electrical systems, and an increase in energy efficiency.

800-Volt Battery System – On the High Voltage side, Tesla is using a higher voltage powertrain – which is more energy efficient for larger vehicles that require more power. Just like the Low Voltage counterpart – this new system enables smaller cables, less thermal generation, and reduces the cost of electrical wiring. This also enables Cybertruck to be the first Tesla capable of 325kW Supercharging, and soon – a speedy 500kW.

Etherloop Communication Architecture – the new Low-Voltage architecture also enables communication through the LVCS – or Low-Voltage Connector Standard – a new industry standard introduced by Tesla to optimize wiring. LVCS enables communications throughout the vehicle – which means you can also create interactive wiring diagrams that can automatically determine where faults are or help technicians find the correct connector to replace.

Bi-directional Charging (Powershare) – Powershare is Tesla’s bi-directional charging, also known as Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) or Vehicle-to-Home (V2H). This is the first time Tesla has confirmed they plan to bring Powershare to vehicles other than the Cybertruck, which is going to be interesting. That means you’ll be able to use other Tesla vehicles to either power your home in a blackout, or to power your tools or camping equipment – or really anything else when you’re not near a grid.

Ride and Comfort

Custom Laminated Glass – Tesla included a new laminated glass for the windshield, side windows, and the tiny little rear window in the Cybertruck. This laminated window helps to improve noise isolation – and also blocks quite a bit of the UV spectrum, which is helpful to keep the vehicle cooler.

Adaptive Air Suspension – The adaptive air suspension in the Cybertruck provides an astounding 12” of ground clearance. While the Model S and Model X also have adaptive air suspension, this Cybertruck’s suspension feels smoother and more comfortable going up or down, especially on rough terrain. We’d love to see more air suspension in Tesla’s lineup. While this may not arrive in all models, it may be included at higher price points or in Tesla’s upcoming bus.

Steer-by-Wire – Steer-by-wire is a Cybertruck feature that you have to try to understand. It fully replaces the regular steering column with an electronic column that automatically adjusts the steering ratio based on vehicle speed. This feature is made possible by the 48V low-voltage system, so we’re excited to see this in future vehicles. At low speeds, the wheel requires much less movement to turn, while it is the opposite at higher speeds. This makes it exceptionally comfortable and easy to maneuver, especially in combination with the next feature.

Rear Wheel Steering – The second half of the driving equation with the Cybertruck is the rear wheel steering. It enables improved turning at low speeds – far tighter than you’d expect for a truck – more comparable to the far shorter Model 3 and Model Y. Plus, it also increases vehicle stability at high speeds by crabbing over when you’re changing lanes.

Feature

Use in Future Vehicles

Stainless Steel Exoskeleton

Air Bending Manufacturing

Process

Giga-castings

Integrated Audio with Body

Structure

48-Volt Electrical Architecture

800-Volt Battery System

Etherloop Communication

Architecture

Bidirectional Charging (Powershare)

Custom Laminated Glass

Adaptive Air Suspension

Steer-by-Wire

Rear Wheel Steering

Wrap-Up

While the Cybertruck itself may not appeal to everyone, the technology inside is groundbreaking. While Tesla hasn’t said exactly which vehicles they’ll be using these features on or whether some features will be destined for more premium cars like, we expect most vehicles to leverage these new systems which reduce costs and enable faster charging.

We’re excited about what 2025 will be bringing – next on the horizon is Project Redwood – Tesla’s more affordable car model – which is supposed to be launching in the first half of this year. Do you think it’ll use any of these features? Let us know on social media or in the forums.

By Karan Singh

Tesla has been working on FSD Unsupervised for quite a while—the hands-off, eyes-off version of FSD. That’ll be the same version of FSD that can get you from Point A to Point B without any user intervention and no requirement for keeping your eyes on the road or your hands on the wheel.

June 2025 is Tesla’s date for the next step in vehicle autonomy and the public introduction of Unsupervised FSD – which was announced at Tesla’s Q4 2024 Earnings Call – so let’s take a closer look at what’s coming.

Launch Date for Robotaxi Fleet

Tesla’s launch of Unsupervised FSD will be in Austin, Texas, but it’ll be limited to its Robotaxi fleet. Vehicle owners won’t be able to access Unsupervised FSD themselves or join the autonomous fleet initially. Tesla announced that its launch in Austin would be for a paid Robotaxi service, much like Waymo’s. Tesla will use it to refine the Robotaxi experience and Unsupervised FSD.

They’ll be working on the whole experience – start to finish – from summoning the robotaxi from the app, to how it arrives, how your trip progresses, where it drops you off, and how you pay. That’s an extensive set of systems – some of which may already be in place, as we’ve seen through Tesla’s Robotaxi app mock-ups.

Tesla is taking strict control of the initial deployments of FSD Unsupervised – and for good reason. A single minor incident or accident could spiral into a rapid regulatory issue. Tesla is gently dipping its toes into full autonomy, and once they’re sure that Unsupervised FSD is far safer than an average human driver they can expand it to Tesla owners.

Tesla will also be rolling out Unsupervised FSD in California – and other regions of the US as they gain regulatory approval. Tesla’s FSD is a generalized solution – it doesn’t need high-precision or HD mapping and local preparation before being rolled out – instead, Tesla’s biggest hold-backs are safety and improving their software.

As Tesla approaches the launch of the Robotaxi network, it makes us realize how many steps there really are to the puzzle. Tesla will need to have procedures in place on how to deal with issues such as a vehicle getting stuck, someone hitting an emergency button, or even an accident. Tesla will also need to launch its vehicle hubs that will be responsive for cleaning and charging the vehicles.

People go to manual driving to check their phone so that they don’t strike out/get beeped at – and then go back to FSD.

While June 2025 may seem rather aggressive to launch the autonomous service, it’s typical for Tesla to be overly optimistic and aggressive with deadlines, but it gives us a better indication of when they plan to launch Unsupervised FSD. Even if they miss the June launch, we’ll hopefully see the network begin this year, which will be a massive boost for Tesla and its shareholders.

When Can I Join the Robotaxi Fleet?

Tesla will be allowing owners to enroll their own vehicles in cities that are allowing Robotaxi – so if you live in Austin or other cities that have an approved Tesla Robotaxi network, you could get paid to add your vehicle to the Robotaxi fleet.

During the earnings call, Tesla announced that owners could add their vehicles to the Robotaxi fleet in 2026, although they weren’t more specific than that. This will be at least six months after the Robotaxi network launches.

Elon mentioned during the earnings call that Tesla needs to be supremely confident that the probability of injury or accident is extremely low before they allow FSD Unsupervised on customer vehicles. That’s rather interesting – because he didn’t mention liability – a question that often comes up for autonomous vehicles.

One of the points mentioned by both Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla’s VP of AI, as well as Elon was that if there is even a single minor incident – it’ll be headline news globally, even though an average of 40,000 drivers die a year in regular traffic accidents – the majority of which don’t even make local news.

We’ll have to wait and see in 2026 for what really happens for liability and insurance – because true autonomy will hinge on who is liable for what happens in an accident – the vehicle/software manufacturer or the owner of the vehicle.

FSD Unsupervised for Owners

FSD(U) – as we’re calling it – won’t be available for users initially while Tesla tests it with its fleets. Once Tesla gets enough testing done to ensure safety is at the level that it needs – they’ll begin rolling out FSD(U) to owners. Since Tesla expects to let owners add their vehicles to the Robotaxi fleet in 2026, we expect FSD(U) for vehicle owners to arrive sometime after this date.

Tesla will have more control of a vehicle while it’s being managed by its fleet, so it makes sense for FSD(U) for Tesla owners to arrive later in 2026 or even 2027.

Tesla is aiming for a safety level that is significantly higher than the average human driver – one magnitude higher. Right now, according to the Q4 Vehicle Safety Report, the average driver has an incident on average every 700,000 miles, while a Tesla has one on average every 1.08 million miles. On FSD or Autopilot, that number goes up significantly – to 5.94 million miles. Tesla is aiming to bring that number closer to 7 million miles before they significantly expand FSD(U) – the one-order of magnitude mark.

And it sounds like Elon will be happy to enable it – because he said the following at the earnings call: “People go to manual driving to check their phone so that they don’t strike out/get beeped at – and then go back to FSD.”

And it’s pretty true – it would be much safer if people didn’t do that. Now, getting FSD(U) on our vehicles is just a matter of time. So let’s watch Tesla cut red tape in 2025!

Launch Phases

Tesla will need to beat regulatory hurdles that will eventually challenge their rapid deployment. Tesla hopes to be able to deploy FSD Unsupervised with its Robotaxi fleets throughout the United States by the end of 2025, with it coming to Canada in 2026.

Tesla will be starting with Austin, Texas, where they’ve already obtained regulatory approval, and then move to other cities within the United States in the following months.

Currently, Tesla’s primary use of Unsupervised FSD is happening at Fremont, with vehicles driving themselves from the production line to the delivery lot and in downtown LA, where they’ve been testing with safety drivers to get employees around town. And at the factory – it’s happening daily, and reliability – with thousands of vehicles moving from the line to the lot every day.

We imagine Tesla will launch FSD(U) in several phases, potentially looking something like this:

  1. Test FSD(U) internally (being done now)

  2. Launch the Robotaxi network in small areas for refinement

  3. Expand and improve the network

  4. Allow non-Tesla-owned vehicles (owners allowed to join)

  5. Offer Unsupervised FSD to Tesla owners where Tesla will have less control over the vehicle

As many of you are, we’re really excited to see Tesla’s Robotaxis in the wild for the first time. Like everything else Tesla, expects the release of FSD(U) to be small and gradually grow. It may consist of only employees in Austin at first, or it may include a safety driver, or even be limited to a very small region. While some may be disappointed at first, remember how Tesla rolls out features. Iterations and improvements will come consistently and fast.


link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Copyright © All rights reserved. | Newsphere by AF themes.