Updated Autopilot 2.0 Clip Shows the New System Isn't Safe Yet

The launch of the Autopilot 2.0 hardware and the need to replace Mobileye's software solutions meant new Tesla vehicles came with limited autonomous driving features compared to the ones running the first version of the system. Of course, it was all going to get better in time, but the new owners were understandably impatient.

We guess Autopilot is the kind of innovation that's hard to live without once you get used to it, and a lot of those who bought new Teslas - especially the Model X SUV - recently were returning customers who enjoyed the advanced cruise control feature before, and were now forced to make do without it.

Tesla has been releasing updates ever since, and after each one of them, the owners began posting videos of the Autopilot 2.0 at work. Despite the deadline given by Elon Musk drawing close, it seems the new system isn't yet on par with the previous one, even though it did get better with the last software refresh.

A clip uploaded by Tesla owner Håkan Forss shows him driving his Model X across a local road, but one that seems to display clear markings and a solid curb at the side. Despite all that, the Autosteer function is jerky and tends to get too close to the lane-dividing line even when cruising at 30 mph (50 km/h).

What's more, the Autopilot even asks the driver to take over for no apparent reason, slows down out of the blue and even nearly crashes into the curb dividing the two sides of the road. In other words, it's not exactly the kind of performance you would entrust with your life, not by a long shot.

And Håkan Forss says he's been driving on this route with a previous version of the Autopilot with much better results, meaning the new software still has a long way to go not only until it can become better, but even just to reach the same level as before. However, Elon Musk needs not worry: if it's one thing Tesla owners and fans have, it's patience and confidence in his abilities.