Self-driving Tesla beats busy Cotsco parking traffic in new Actually Smart Summon test

Tesla recently released the long-anticipated Actually Smart Summon feature for its vehicles. It now brings the self-driving car to the driver or passenger with the tap of a button in the Tesla app,

Lovingly dubbed ASS by Tesla, the Actually Smart Summon option can be a godsend when it is raining or heavy grocery bags are to actually be carried to the car if not summoned.

Tesla's digital valet has now been subjected to the ultimate test, navigating a busy Costco store parking lot. The wholesaler's parking arrangement features the typical smorgasbord of vehicle and pedestrian traffic that can put even an experienced driver's patience and attention to the test.

The Model 3 was summoned from its parking space, backed out and stopped on the way forward to wait for an elderly lady slowly pushing a Costco shopping cart.

When the car decided to pass the pedestrian, another vehicle entered the opposing lane, so it had to carefully maneuver between the lady with the shopping cart, and the oncoming car.

The Tesla passed this test with flying colors, leaving plenty of space between the pedestrian and the approaching vehicle while passing.

Immediately after, it had to stop and wait for a hulking SUV that was crossing and blocked its way. The Model 3 registered its presence and stopped to wait for its maneuvers, then for passing traffic, before it took a left turn and stopped right in front of the summoner.

All in all, the new ASS release is turning the summoning of a Tesla car from a party trick that didn't always know what to do in previous iterations, to a viable driver-assist tool.

It better, if Tesla wants its autonomous Robotaxi that will use some of these same features to achieve regulatory approval for its first public ride that Elon Musk has pegged for next year.

Get the Tesla Universal Wall Connector EV Charger with Dual Plug on Amazon