Tesla Model S now drivable for kids with new toy version, company improves self-driving safety features
The Tesla Model S is one of those visionary all-electric sedan models that pushes EV acceleration and range, as wells as sports a bold design. Now, even kids can drive a Tesla Model S. thanks to the collaboration between Tesla and toymaker Radio Flyer.
More than just emulating the look of the full-sized Tesla Model S, the kids’ version also has all the bonuses of the original size, Tech Insider reported. It features headlights, a sound system for tunes played from a mobile device, upgradable battery from its base of 140Wh to 190Wh and even customisable colour and wheels.
Tesla and Radio Flyer also offer customization of the license plate for US$15 (approx. AU$21) and the US$50 (approx. AU$70) battery upgrade for 50 percent more usage on a single charge. The Tesla Model S is set to debut in May.
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Tesla has also recently modified its Summon command for its self-driving cars following a criticism on a risk that it poses for car drivers and their vehicles. Kboi2.com reported that Consumer Reports had spotted a risk with the software, stating that the activation of the Summon command has its own safety risks.
Summon supposedly allows the car to maneuver into or pull out of a garage or a parking space and drive towards the owner. This was activated using a smartphone app or a key fob. Prior to the modification, the action of activation had a minor risk related to the reaction time of the car owner. With minor accidents such as dropping the key fob or closing the app would render the car owner unable to stop the vehicle.
The Summon feature still requires the owner’s capability to stop or steer the car for curbs in the garage. This is especially true for cases wherein the garage has objects that are very narrow or are placed either on a low or high position that makes it undetectable to the software.
Given all these, Tesla had modified the Summon feature to fix the concerns. The update now requires the use of the app for Summon to be activated. Additionally, users need to keep their finger on the screen at all times for the Summon to work. According to the source, the Summon feature is still in beta testing, so more updates may surface as testing continues.
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