Gary Zhou 
- đźš— Tesla has begun rolling out Full Self-Driving (Supervised) v12.6 to HW3/AI3 vehicles at the year’s end.
- 🌆 Includes improvements in highway and city streets driving, such as end-to-end on highway and reduced false slowdowns.
- ⚙️ Version 12.6 features customizable speed profiles and improved lane change decisions.
- 🛣️ The update also provides a redesigned controller for smoother tracking and a max speed update for autopilot.
- đź’¬ Tesla’s VP of AI Software, Ashok Elluswamy, discussed integrating improvements from version 13 into v12.6 for HW3 models.
- đź•’ Initially rolling out to Model S/X HW3 vehicles, with other platforms expected to receive the update within a week.
As the year comes to an end, Tesla has once again captivated the automotive world with the rollout of its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) v12.6 software to HW3/AI3 vehicles. This update signifies not just an increment in version numbers but a formidable leap towards achieving the elusive dream of complete vehicular autonomy. In this blog post, we will dive deep into the core features of this update, the technological enhancements it offers, and what it implies for the future of Tesla and its users.
Key Features and Improvements
The FSD v12.6 update heralds several critical advancements designed to refine both highway and city driving experiences for Tesla users. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from your HW3 vehicle with this new version:
Enhanced Driving Experience on Highways and City Streets
- End-to-End Highway Driving: The update ensures a seamless highway navigation experience, minimizing interventions and maximizing efficiency.
- City Streets Behavior: Improvements in urban navigation include a significant reduction in false slowdowns and enhanced obstacle avoidance, making city driving more reliable and smooth.
Advanced Driver Customization
- Customizable Speed Profiles: Tesla now offers users the ability to set speed profiles that can adapt according to road conditions, particularly for roads and highways boasting speed limits of 50mph (80kph) or higher.
- Improved Lane Change Decisions: The system now anticipates and executes lane changes more naturally and earlier, contributing to a more intuitive driving experience.
Technological Enhancements
- Redesigned Controller: A revamped controller design offers smoother, more precise tracking, ensuring a more stable and comfortable ride.
- Max Speed Update for Autopilot: Autopilot can now determine the optimal driving speed within the user’s preset threshold, enhancing safety and compliance with road conditions.
Insights from the Development Team
Tesla’s VP of AI Software, Ashok Elluswamy, provided an insightful look into the development of v12.6. According to Elluswamy, strategies from FSD v13 were strategically integrated into this release. This move underscores Tesla’s commitment to consistently extending advanced capabilities to its older hardware versions, namely the HW3 models.
Rollout Schedule and Platform Compatibility
Initially, the rollout is set for the Model S and Model X vehicles equipped with HW3. However, Tesla has assured its eager clientele that other models will not be far behind, with the update predicted to be accessible across other platforms within a week.
Looking Ahead: FSD v12.6 and Beyond
As Tesla propels forward with its autonomous vehicle technology, each incremental update brings us closer to a reality where the notion of self-driving is no longer futuristic but a tangible everyday experience. The FSD v12.6 update is not just a patch or a round of minor enhancements; it’s a testament to the relentless innovation driving Tesla’s mission.
This rollout serves as an anticipation of greater things on the horizon with the forthcoming v13—engendering speculation about what unprecedented advancements will be included in versions to come. Tesla’s dedication to leveraging their entire fleet with cutting-edge technology ensures that, regardless of the specific vehicle model, every Tesla owner can benefit from the latest developments in vehicle autonomy.
