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| The Tesla Model 3 can now park itself. People look at new Tesla cars at a showroom in the Meatpacking district in Manhattan on June 6, 2018 in New York City. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images |
By Alex Perry, International Business Times
Tesla may not be able to get its most affordable car into the driveways of everyone who wants it just yet, but the tech company is still rolling out new features regardless. According to CEO Elon Musk, the Tesla Model 3 can now park itself, without a driver behind the wheel or in the vehicle at all.
[post_ads]The new feature, called Summon, is available in Model 3s as of Thursday. The more expensive Model X and Model S vehicles have had Summon since last year, but the useful feature is now available in the most mass-market-friendly version of the electric car, according to TechCrunch.
Summon is an extension of the already existing autopilot capabilities found in Tesla cars. It does not need much explanation: Basically, the car can park itself, and even operate garage doors if it needs to do that. Below is a video of the Model 3 using Summon in action.
Musk confirmed in a tweet on Thursday that the car did, indeed, park itself with zero human assistance. No driver, no remote control.
— 28_delays_later (@28delayslater) July 1, 2018
Autonomous driving is still a relatively new technology that some drivers may not trust, but the option being there is important. Tesla has recently had to deal with public scrutiny over the fatal crash of a vehicle that had its autopilot mode engaged.
Another large problem the company has faced this year is criticism over its inability to produce enough Model 3s on time. Musk got testy towards the media in a conference call in May when asked about the car’s production problems. Though the Model 3 has apparently hit its production goals as of July 1, Tesla still had to lay off nine percent of its workforce in June.
Another large problem the company has faced this year is criticism over its inability to produce enough Model 3s on time. Musk got testy towards the media in a conference call in May when asked about the car’s production problems. Though the Model 3 has apparently hit its production goals as of July 1, Tesla still had to lay off nine percent of its workforce in June.
