According to Not a Tesla App and Tessie, two websites that monitor Tesla software changes, the update includes new parental controls that can be managed with a vehicle PIN.
Key Features of the Update:
Night Curfew:
- Sends notifications to the Tesla mobile app when a vehicle is driven past a designated curfew time, helping parents enforce bedtimes.
Speed and Acceleration Limits:
- Parents can set a maximum speed limit and reduce acceleration to ensure safer driving.
- This expands on the existing "Valet Mode" by allowing parents to set these limitations for other drivers.
- The update also allows for the acceleration to be limited to "Chill" mode, reducing the EV's horsepower and torque.
Safety Feature Locks:
- The update will enable parents to prevent drivers from disabling speed limit and collision warnings, as well as automatic emergency braking.
These features could also benefit Tesla owners who rent out their vehicles or lend them to others, providing additional peace of mind.
The update addresses safety concerns for young drivers, who are statistically at higher risk for accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- Accidents were the leading cause of unintentional deaths for individuals aged 15 to 24 in 2020.
- In 2021, 2,116 drivers aged 15 to 20 were killed in car crashes, with about 203,256 injured.
If and when "Night Curfew" and other parental controls are released to the public, they will enhance Tesla's reputation for integrating advanced safety and monitoring features into their vehicles.
Sources: Not a Tesla App, Tessie
