Tesla rolls out feature-packed Chinese Lunar New Year software update

Tesla has delivered what is likely the last 2024 update in China. The 2024.45.32 build comes with many features, including navigation enhancements.

The EV software will now allow drivers to select between different routing modes. "Fastest Time" will likely work as the status quo, while "Least Congestion" will ensure the car avoids road traffic as much as possible, even if it means a longer route. "Prefer Highways" will take the vehicle through more expressways, while "Lowest Tolls" will follow the route with the lowest tolls.

Other new features include a service that alerts drivers when approaching a highway service area. An on-screen prompt will display restaurants, stores, and public charging stations nearby. Notably, this feature can be turned off in the settings.

Actually Smart Summons rounds off the major new navigation features. It allows a Tesla equipped with Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) or Full Self-Driving (FSD) to approach the owner autonomously in parking lots when prompted through the mobile app. Tesla has released this feature in the US, Europe, and the Middle East.

Tesla has also added several holiday-themed features to coincide with the Chinese Lunar New Year. Another partnership with Tencent introduces three games that are only available in China: Happy Landlord, Happy Mahjong, and Throw Eggs.

Another key feature is Supercharger Bollards. Some of Tesla's Supercharger sites in China have locking systems or bollards that prevent other cars from taking up spots without charging. Previously, Tesla owners controlled the bollards through the app, but after installing this update, they can do so more conveniently from the car. Bollard unlocking buttons automatically pop up when a Tesla pulls up to a charging station.

Many of the features in this update are exclusive to China. There is no information on if and when Tesla drivers in the rest of the world will get them.