The outgoing Tesla Model Y was a pretty safe vehicle, earning five-star awards or otherwise high marks from North American, European, and Chinese safety rating systems across its lifetime in various markets. But for the updated Model Y that debuted this year, it’s gotten even safer thanks to one interior component that unlocks a host of new safety features.
- Base Trim Engine
-
Electric
- Base Trim Transmission
-
Single Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Drive
An Internal Radar Is The First Part
Scrolling through the new Model Y’s online owner’s manual that’s available to anyone, you’ll notice that there’s a new category under “Active Safety Features” called “Cabin Radar,” which is exactly what it sounds like. It’s an interior radar system, mounted above the windshield, that points towards the occupants of the vehicle.
Related
The Base Tesla Model Y Is Not As Cheap As Expected
At least those who will order one today may get their EVs as soon as next month.
In other vehicle systems, it’s been used to detect occupants and animals to keep climate functions active and running for safety. It can also help tell the vehicle which seats are occupied to ensure the airbag and restraint systems function properly.
It Sounds Basic At First
Diving further into the text, here’s how Tesla describes the radar system’s capabilities: “Cabin radar can detect the presence of people inside the vehicle and use the measurements to determine occupancy. Cabin radar supports certain vehicle and safety features, including driver detection, seat occupancy, Occupant Classification System (OCS), and auto parking brake engagement.”
Related
The Decades-Old Safety Feature That’s Making A Comeback
Are drum brakes the perfect fit for EVs?
It also warns owners not to obstruct the system: “Obstructions and after-market add-ons such as sunglass holders can cause inaccurate readings for critical safety features used for driver detection and front passenger seat occupancy.” Tesla also notes that the radar system does not retain any personal information, nor can it check or retain identifiable information.
But There’s A Clever New Feature
That final note is also interesting, because it’s somewhat of a novel approach to the parking brake. The new Tesla Model Y can now detect when there’s nobody in the vehicle, and it’ll make sure the parking brake is engaged. On one hand, it’s easy to appreciate a hands-off safety feature that works without any need for human input.
On the other hand, removing the responsibility of ensuring a vehicle is properly parked can be concerning, as it makes people lazy toward safety. Still, it’s a smart feature and appears to have no real consequential downsides.
Related
Tesla Hopes The Model Y Can Fill The Cybertruck’s Gap
Tesla Cybertruck sales and demand seem down, with other models still vastly more popular, so it makes sense to shift production priorities.
The Tesla Model Y also features a cabin camera, but that’s not as new. Its use is described as being able to “determine driver inattentiveness and provide audible alerts, to remind you to keep your eyes on the road,” though it seems like this function is only used when Tesla Autopilot is engaged.
Of Course, Volvo Did It First
Volvo was the first to implement a cabin monitoring system for models in the U.S. a few years ago with the Volvo XC90 SUV, and it functioned pretty much the same, except it does not come with the automatic parking brake functionality.
Source: Teslarati
#Updated #Tesla #Model #Takes #Safety #Notes #Volvo
