Photo: Tesla Motors
In case you were wondering, the Model S is the kind of vehicle that's mostly governed by its electronic brain. And just like any other piece of software, the four-door electric saloon received its fair bit of updates since it was introduced by Tesla Motors a couple of years ago.
The truth is each and every unit of the luxury EV can be remotely updated software-wise over the air via 3G or Wi-Fi connectivity. It's pretty similar to those pesky notifications from your computer's antivirus software.
Since it officially hit the streets back in June 2012, the Tesla Model S has received a handful of wireless software updates, one every three months or so. The tell-tale sign the car needs a software update is a notification that pops up on the 17-inch tablet-like touchscreen.
It usually reads "New software update available. Would you like to download it now or schedule it for later?" But the thing is that the Model S needs two hours or so for downloading and successfully installing an update, so the default suggestion of doing that at 2 a.m. the next morning is more than inspired.
Even though its rather impossible to name each and every software update until this day, it has been confirmed that the software update program was launched as far back as October 2012.
The first ever Tesla Model S software update was actually a 3-in-1 package. It included an update that made the four-door sedan compatible with Supercharger stations, one that permitted the driver to store seating, mirror, steering-wheel position and other settings according to preferences, as well as one that reduced the original EPA-rated range of 300 miles to a more sensible 265 miles.
Two months later, an all-new software update was ready to be wirelessly delivered. Version 4.0 introduced features such as a better throttle response under heavy acceleration, voice command for the audio system, sat-nav and Bluetooth paired smartphone, as well as the addition of a Sleep Mode. Additional tweaks included the possibility to make calls, control the sunroof and access music from the USB drive via the thumb-wheel on the steering wheel.
Software update version 4.3 followed, allowing owners to program their Tesla Model S vehicles when to start charging. Although that seems quite a mock feature at first glance, you have to take into account that some cities charge "peak rates" during the day and lower electricity rates at night.
Version 4.5 followed in the summer of 2013 and came with maps that show Supercharger locations and flexible charging limits. Before it, owners had just two charging modes: the Standard 90 percent charge or the Max Range 100 percent one. Additionally, this software update came with improved map fonts and defrost features.
Fast-forward to version 5.8 that came in November 2013, and the Tesla Model S received Wi-Fi as an alternative connectivity method, a Tow Mode that basically sets the car in neutral with the parking brake off and an improved Creep Mode that eliminated slow speed jerkiness.
Last but not least, the most recent update is version 5.9. This new software version improved the hill-start assist feature, air suspension system and some other minor functions. So what does the upcoming version 6.0 have in store for Tesla Model S owners?
Well, Tesla CEO Elon Musk offered a few hints on a number of occasions about what to expect. One of the upcoming improvements has something to do with traffic-optimized sat-nav guidance. Further more, Musk declared that the Model S will be capable of learning the owner's driving style and adapt to his needs.
Since it officially hit the streets back in June 2012, the Tesla Model S has received a handful of wireless software updates, one every three months or so. The tell-tale sign the car needs a software update is a notification that pops up on the 17-inch tablet-like touchscreen.
It usually reads "New software update available. Would you like to download it now or schedule it for later?" But the thing is that the Model S needs two hours or so for downloading and successfully installing an update, so the default suggestion of doing that at 2 a.m. the next morning is more than inspired.
Even though its rather impossible to name each and every software update until this day, it has been confirmed that the software update program was launched as far back as October 2012.
The first ever Tesla Model S software update was actually a 3-in-1 package. It included an update that made the four-door sedan compatible with Supercharger stations, one that permitted the driver to store seating, mirror, steering-wheel position and other settings according to preferences, as well as one that reduced the original EPA-rated range of 300 miles to a more sensible 265 miles.
Two months later, an all-new software update was ready to be wirelessly delivered. Version 4.0 introduced features such as a better throttle response under heavy acceleration, voice command for the audio system, sat-nav and Bluetooth paired smartphone, as well as the addition of a Sleep Mode. Additional tweaks included the possibility to make calls, control the sunroof and access music from the USB drive via the thumb-wheel on the steering wheel.
Software update version 4.3 followed, allowing owners to program their Tesla Model S vehicles when to start charging. Although that seems quite a mock feature at first glance, you have to take into account that some cities charge "peak rates" during the day and lower electricity rates at night.
Version 4.5 followed in the summer of 2013 and came with maps that show Supercharger locations and flexible charging limits. Before it, owners had just two charging modes: the Standard 90 percent charge or the Max Range 100 percent one. Additionally, this software update came with improved map fonts and defrost features.
Fast-forward to version 5.8 that came in November 2013, and the Tesla Model S received Wi-Fi as an alternative connectivity method, a Tow Mode that basically sets the car in neutral with the parking brake off and an improved Creep Mode that eliminated slow speed jerkiness.
Last but not least, the most recent update is version 5.9. This new software version improved the hill-start assist feature, air suspension system and some other minor functions. So what does the upcoming version 6.0 have in store for Tesla Model S owners?
Well, Tesla CEO Elon Musk offered a few hints on a number of occasions about what to expect. One of the upcoming improvements has something to do with traffic-optimized sat-nav guidance. Further more, Musk declared that the Model S will be capable of learning the owner's driving style and adapt to his needs.
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