Mightnight Silver is the New Free Color, Multi-Camera View and Optimized Charging Update, New Features on Update v2023.26, and Expanded Charging Options for Your Tesla
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Midnight Silver is the New Free Color
Tesla has made changes to its free color option for the Model 3 and Model Y. The popular Pearl White Multi-Coat is no longer available for free, and instead, Midnight Silver is now the complimentary color choice in North America. This decision was influenced by the abundance of white Teslas on the roads and a suggestion made to Elon Musk on Twitter. However, customers can still choose Pearl White for an additional fee, along with other paid color options like Deep Blue Metallic, Solid Black, and Red Multi-Coat. It's important to note that these changes only apply to the Model 3 and Model Y, while the Model S and Model X still offer Pearl White as the free color. Although there is no news on additional colors at the moment, Tesla's willingness to adapt to customer feedback is evident in this move.
Multi-Camera View and Optimized Charging Update
The latest release notes for Tesla App version 4.22.7 include several changes. You can now view multiple cameras simultaneously when checking your vehicle's surroundings as opposed to just one at a time in previous versions of the app. To access this feature, navigate to your vehicle settings in Controls > Safety > View Live Camera via Mobile App. Please note that this feature requires Tesla vehicle update 2023.26 and Premium Connectivity. Another update in the app pertains to the loot box section. The home tab within the loot box has been updated and now prominently displays your credit balance at the top and showcases some featured awards below it. Additionally, the logo has been changed from a treasure chest to a simple cube, giving it a fresh look. Furthermore, the app update includes useful tips for battery charging specifically for non-LFP batteries. It is recommended to limit the charge to a maximum of 90% for daily use and if your charge limit is set to 100%, the Tesla app will now remind you with a tip to charge to a maximum of 90% on a daily basis. Alongside these changes, the update also brings minor fixes and improvements.
New Features on Update v2023.26
The recently revealed Tesla release notes for version 2023.26 unveil several exciting additions. Here are the key features:
1. Destination Closing Soon: Tesla's navigation now displays if your destination is nearing closing time or might be closed by the time you reach it.
2. Spotify Refresh: Enjoy a more familiar look and feel while playing your Spotify music, playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks. Access Spotify through the App Launcher, but note that Premium Connectivity is required.
3. Bluetooth Game Controllers: Connect and use Bluetooth controllers to play games in the Tesla Arcade. Simply pair a controller by following the instructions in the Bluetooth panel. PS5 controllers are recommended for optimal performance. Further details can be found in the Owner's Manual.
4. Automatic Headlights: When your windshield wipers are activated and the headlights are set to Auto in Controls > Lights > Headlights, your Tesla's lights will automatically turn on.
5. Charge On Solar: If you have a Powerwall, you can now charge your Tesla using solar energy. Customize the charging ratio between solar and other sources. To set it up, open the Tesla app for your vehicle, tap the "Charge on Solar" message, and follow the instructions. This feature requires Powerwall v23.12.10 and Tesla app v4.22.5.
Expanded Charging Options for Your Tesla
Electrify America and Blink have announced their plans to incorporate Tesla's NACS connector into their electric vehicle (EV) chargers. NACS, previously known as the Tesla charging connector, is a system developed by Tesla. This means that Tesla drivers and EVs equipped with NACS can now charge at Blink and Electrify America chargers without requiring an adapter. Both companies will continue to offer their existing CCS-1 connectors while adding NACS charging ports. Electrify America aims to provide NACS connectors at their DC fast charging stations by 2025, which currently constitute the largest open DC fast charging network in the US. On the other hand, Blink will start producing NACS DC fast chargers by October 2023 and will also include NACS connectors in their Level 2 chargers. The recent announcement is positive for Tesla drivers and other EV models using NACS, as it broadens choices and minimizes inconvenience.