Tesla is a premium electric car manufacturing company that offers innovative and sustainable automobile solutions. From exceptional battery power to solar power generation, Tesla has come a long way.
Every year, you see the infamous Tesla cars making the headlines. And with the latest invention in the Tesla Model 3 that also offers autopilot features, people have started wondering, does Tesla have a 360 camera?
If you’re wondering the same, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore all the features of the new Tesla Model 3.
Does Tesla Have 360 Camera
To put it simply, Tesla does not have a 360 camera. However, it does have cameras that give a full 360-degree view.
So, how many cameras does Tesla have? How long can Tesla run on autopilot? Is it safe? These are all the burning questions that people wonder about most frequently. If you’re in a similar boat, keep reading to find an answer to all your queries.
Which Cameras are Used in the Tesla Model 3?
Tesla cars have eight cameras installed. These cameras can effectively relay all visual data to the AI system used for autopiloting. Consequently, the data is quickly analyzed, which self-operates the cars without requiring any intervention from your end.
The cameras work alongside sensors. There are a total of 12 sensors on board the vehicle.
The positioning of the cameras is as follows:
- 3 cameras in the forward-facing position
- 2 cameras facing on either side of the B pillars
- 2 cameras on the side rear
- 1 camera for the rear view
It might be a possibility that Tesla upgrades the number of sensors and cameras used if the need arises. But for now, this camera system works pretty well.
Is Tesla Safe?
With the introduction of the autopilot feature, people also started raising concerns about the safety of the Tesla Model 3.
Although the feature is pretty advanced, it requires you to be attentive. If you’re paying attention, you can consider this feature safe.
Despite so many TikToks circulating around showing people sleeping as the car self-drives, you must never try something so dangerous yourself. The car’s manual clearly states that you should always put your hands on the wheel, even when it is on autopilot, as the vehicle is not yet entirely autonomous.
Other than that, the autopilot feature is pretty much safe, even though it does not have a 360-degree camera. The 360-camera view that the 8 cameras collectively provide is sufficient for now.
Top Autopilot Features of the Tesla Model 3
Does Tesla have a 360 camera? No. Is it safe? Yes, if you’re paying attention and following all the instructions correctly.
That being said, let’s look at all the features that the Tesla Model 3 has to offer:
Autopilot
The autopilot feature analyzes the visual data communicated to it from cameras and sensors. The collective functionality of the cameras and sensors navigate your route and even enable the vehicle to steer itself without any intervention from you.
Additionally, the car can accelerate and brake itself within the lane.
Navigation
The 360-degree view provided by the cameras and sensors allows the vehicle to navigate. The AI system will automatically switch between lanes and turn towards exits and ramps that are part of your route to reach a particular destination.
Autosteer
The autopilot feature not only operates the accelerator and brake pedals but also autosteers your car. The combined functionality of the cameras and sensors, alongside the powerful processing of the AI technology, makes autosteering a possibility.
However, despite this innovative feature, you must never take your hands off the steering wheel. It is important to be utterly attentive while your car is on the road, even with the autopilot engaged.
Smart Summon
A smart vehicle like Tesla offers smart solutions for its owners. Using the Smart Summon technology, you can activate the self-parking feature.
We all know the hassle of parallel parking. And when there’s a really tight space that you have to fit your car into, it gets even more frustrating. Fortunately, you won’t ever have to worry about parking your car with Tesla.
The Smart Summon feature can park the car for you without a hitch. But there’s a lot more that this intelligent feature can do.
Tesla also has its own mobile application that offers various features, such as unlocking your car. But with Smart Summon, you can “summon” your car towards your location if you’re within 200 feet radius. All you have to do is press a single button on the Tesla mobile app, and the car will self-drive its way toward you.
How Long Does the Autopilot Feature Remain Engaged?
The autopilot technology can switch between lanes, accelerate and brake the car, and follow the route mapped out to reach a destination. However, the AI system was designed to offer convenience, not for you to rely on it completely. That’s why the system requires you to show that you’re alert by keeping your hands on the steering.
Although you can take your feet off the pedals and hands off the wheel occasionally, you must touch the steering after every few minutes to show the AI system that you’re paying attention. In case the system detects a lack of response, it might give audible prompts to gain your attention.
Our Final Thoughts
Does Tesla have a 360 camera? No, but it has 8 cameras that work well enough to provide a 360-degree view.
Despite not being a fully self-driving vehicle, the Tesla Model 3 has some super convenient features, such as self-parking, navigation, and autosteering. But it is essential that you pay close attention to the road, even when autopilot is engaged.
