Tesla launches road noise reduction feature for Model S and Model X electric vehicles

Tesla has released an active noise reduction feature via an over-the-air update to some of the company’s electric vehicles. The company says it aims for the tool to reduce low-frequency road noise heard by car occupants.

The tool works similarly to other noise cancelling devices such as headphones. According to Tesla, anti-noise is played through the speakers to match the level of road noise in the cabin detected by the microphones installed in the front seats, thus creating a quiet zone around the driver or passenger. Tesla suggests that this is particularly helpful when driving over rough surfaces.

The feature is currently only available in Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles due to the specific hardware required. The necessary equipment is the active noise-reducing microphones included after a recent facelift to the car’s interior. Tesla users report a slow rollout of the feature, with many drivers unable to see it yet.

The reaction from Tesla customers so far has been mixed, with many agreeing that this is a noise reduction feature rather than a noise cancellation tool, as it improves but does not entirely remove road noise heard in the cabin. Tesla often refines and updates its features over time, so we may expect to see an improvement to this tool in the future.

Buy the EV/Electric Vehicle Charging Unit on Amazon