Well, strap yourself in, and get ready for a deep dive into Tesla’s secret ‘Elon Mode’ discovered by a software hacker, known as @greentheonly, who has been tinkering with Tesla’s vehicle code for years.
Our tech wizard friend found a hidden feature in Tesla vehicles, aptly named ‘Elon Mode’, that seemingly allows for a hands-free driving experience with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, removing the need for constant driver attention, report by Umar Shakir in The Verge.
However, before you get too excited, it’s worth noting that ‘Elon Mode’ isn’t perfect yet. The hacker reported that the system still seemed to change lanes randomly and often drove slower on the highway. And as for whether or not this version of FSD will be available to regular Tesla owners, well, that remains a mystery.
Now, if you’ve used Tesla’s Autopilot system before, you’re probably familiar with its ‘nagging’. It’s a feature that requires drivers to confirm their attentiveness by nudging the steering wheel, often leading to a tug-of-war with the vehicle. Even the upgraded FSD system has this ‘nudging’ feature that can be quite finicky, especially if the vehicle’s interior camera can’t confirm that you’re looking forward.
But here’s the kicker: with ‘Elon Mode’ activated, our hacker friend experienced no such nagging during a near 600-mile test drive. Imagine that, a Tesla driving experience without the constant reminders to pay attention to the road.
However, before you get too excited, it’s worth noting that ‘Elon Mode’ isn’t perfect yet. The hacker reported that the system still seemed to change lanes randomly and often drove slower on the highway. And as for whether or not this version of FSD will be available to regular Tesla owners, well, that remains a mystery.
Who knows what other secrets Tesla’s got hidden under the bonnet? In the meantime, we’ll keep dreaming of a future where a truly hands-free commute is possible.
Photo by saeed karimi on Unsplash