For several months, Tesla has no longer installed radar to detect the environment, but relies exclusively on cameras and the so-called Tesla Vision Only. The autopilot and other safety-relevant systems in the front area rely on the cameras located above the windshield. Even in older vehicles, the radar was switched off via an over-the-air update and the cameras were optimized.
Tesla is now going one step further and has announced that it will gradually (construction period from October 2022) gradually remove the known ultrasonic sensors (USS) from the Model 3 and Model Y in the production of new vehicles. Tesla will roll out the transition globally over the next few months with the Model 3 and Model Y, followed by the Model S and Model X in 2023. Tesla also says that along with the elimination of the ultrasonic sensors, the vision-based occupancy network will be rolled out at the same time currently used in Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta to replace the inputs generated by ultrasonic sensors. With today's software, this approach allows the autopilot to have high-resolution spatial positioning, greater range of view, and the ability to identify and discriminate objects. As with many Tesla features, the occupancy network will improve rapidly over time.
Tesla states that during the transition period, Tesla Vision vehicles that are not equipped with ultrasonic sensors will ship with some features that are temporarily limited or inactive for a short period of time. For example, the parking aid could be deactivated via the distance display for a short period of time. The parking assistant, car parking and summoning the vehicle will only work again at a later point in time. According to a current statement from Tesla, vehicles with already installed ultrasonic sensors should not lose this function even with a software update.
You can also find all information on the Tesla website!
Source: Tesla
