Tesla Model 3: End-of-Life

I knew eventually my 2019 Model 3 would reach "End of Life" which means no further downloads with better vehicle software. New, I payed $1,200 extra for AutoPilot and later, $6,000 for Full Self Driving. But it seems Tesla is focusing on HW 4 development with HW 3 being later 'adapted':

Bob Wilson

 

In engineering we call this ‘managing user expectations.’

So I’ve owned my Model 3 and paid $1,200 extra for Autopilot since March 26, 2019. In October 2019, I paid $6,000 for Full Self Driving. On this trip, I used both which fully met my expectations. But then I’m a retired engineer and understand such things.

Teslas, Autoplot, and FSD are not for everyone but for me, they have been brilliant. They would probably kill you.

Bob Wilson

 

I appreciate the joke but I've always been a self-maintenance guy.

I'm entertained by the technical challenges, enjoy the tools, and know who to blame for the occasional cockup:


Bob Wilson

 

On the first article, I stopped reading at:

A Tesla owner in the UK ...​

I truly don't understand the various court decision in the UK. Dismissing the Tesla vs Top Gear defamation being highest on my list.

The second article has some interesting aspects:

U.S. District Judge Rita Lin in San Francisco said owners could pursue negligence and fraud-based claims, to the extent they relied on Tesla's representations regarding vehicles' hardware and ability to drive coast-to-coast across the U.S.
Without ruling on the merits, Lin said that "if Tesla meant to convey that its hardware was sufficient to reach high or full automation, the plainly alleges sufficient falsity."
...
The case was led by Thomas LoSavio, a retired California lawyer who said he paid an $8,000 premium in 2017 for Full Self-Driving capabilities on a Tesla Model S, believing it would make driving safer if his reflexes deteriorated as he aged.
...
The case is In re Tesla Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Litigation, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 22-05240.​

The first point suggests a legal definition of full self driving, "ability to drive coast-to-coast across the U.S." Having just completed a 2,500 mile trip Huntsville-to-Port Isabel-to Huntsville, I believe it can with a reasonable certainty. Since I have unvisited (aka. pestered) relatives In Washington State, I believe the current release of Full Self Driving can accomplish the task. Even with one significant map error, the car knew what to do.

Another point I share is "make driving safer if his reflexes deteriorated as he aged." The second month of driving with just Autopilot, it saved me, my wife, and our dog when I suffered micro-sleep events approaching Decatur returning from Coffeyville, KS. That was five years ago come April. But it was also a primary reason for buying a 2019 Tesla Model 3 Std Rng Plus with $1,200 for AutoPilot.

I will be following "U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 22-05240" and possibly offering a 'friend of the court' submission. Perhaps a time-lapse video of driving from coast-to-coast.

If you’re looking to get to your destination quickly, you’ll want to take Interstate 10 — the shortest cross-country drive at 2,460 miles from east coast to west coast, taking you from Jacksonville, FL to Santa Monica, CA. ​

For grins, I plotted this course:


I suspect to take judicial notice, it would need to be the same age, make, and model of Tesla as the plaintiff. Ideally, the same car with an independent driver ... Ah HA! The perfect job for Wayne Gerdes!

Bob Wilson

 

Macintosh users are well experienced with this ‘Osborn’ effect.

Bob Wilson