These 15 Tesla Features Will Take Your Breath Away!
I think we can both agree that Tesla’s reputation often precedes it. However, no matter what you think of the electric car company’s CEO, the infamous Elon Musk, with his active X (ex-Twitter) presence and unorthodox methods of…living life, basically, Tesla’s vehicles are definitely not like any other.
Sure, there could be other electric cars out there that feature regenerative braking, one-pedal driving, instant acceleration, and fast charging. But this still doesn’t mean that Tesla’s features can be easily matched.
Yes, there might be other electric cars out there with regenerative braking, one-pedal driving, instant acceleration, and fast charging in one car. However, that still doesn’t make them anything like Tesla.
Besides, no car brand, from EVs to gasoline-fueled options, currently matches the variety of hidden modes and settings of Tesla. Here’s a breakdown of all the reasons why Tesla’s features are unmatched:
One touchscreen
Tesla’s latest cars are the Model 3 and Y. They both have specific Tesla features, including the same sparse interior with a single center screen, which successfully takes full control over everything you need to do, from running the car and playing the radio to even finding driving directions.
There’s really no other car with such a pared-down layout. Even the button to open the glove department is on the same screen.
Autopilot
This Tesla feature has been available since 2015. It initially started as an extra feature you might add for a hefty fee to complement your driving. However, the advanced driving system would auto-steer, keep up with other vehicles, brake for slower traffic, and help out with highway driving.
This, of course, would apply as long as the driver kept his eyes on the road and his hands on the wheel. Nowadays, most of those features are included as part of Tesla’s basic safety system. But there is also a full self-driving mode for a current upgrade price of $10,000.
The mode claims to be hands-free driving that could automatically stop the car at stop signs and traffic lights. Moreover, it could make automatic lane changes and even auto-steer on any road, even off the highway.
For now, only a very select group of beta testers are using the full FSD package. Truth be told, it’s been quite a rough start, as FSD mode is still struggling in dense and urban areas.
Supercharging
Tesla has its own charging network, which is only accessible to Tesla owners. This is another interesting Tesla feature that you won’t find in any other electrical car. Other EVs (such as Rivian and Jeep) are currently trying to build out their own networks, too.
However, none are as extensive as Tesla’s. Supercharging is still available all over the United States and other countries where plenty of Teslas are sold. For now, there are over 25,000 superchargers.
The fast charging adds up to 200 miles in 15 minutes. Now, it’s no longer free like it was in the earlier Tesla days: you either pay by the minute or kilowatt, using your credit card loaded into the Tesla’s computer.
Free over-the-air updates
Other car companies are also catching up, but Tesla was still the first to treat its cars like cell phones. What do I mean by that? Well, the same way you update your iPhone with the latest iOS via a free over-the-air software update, the same way Tesla’s software connects to WiFi and updates the latest list of car functions Just to get a better idea, an OTA update can even fix a braking problem.
Keycard access
Another interesting Tesla feature is the one where you get keycard access. It’s just like a hotel room keycard, but it works for your car. You don’t even have to take it out of your pocket for it to work; you just have to touch it to the door side panel and unlock the door. You might also open the car from your smartphone with the Tesla app installed.
Sentry mode
Other cars might have security systems, but not like Sentry. If someone gets way too close to your Tesla for a longer period of time, the cameras will start recording, and a message will appear on the screen that the car is recording every move.
But that’s not all: classical music will start playing on the audio system. You can turn on Sentry mode to keep away any would-be intruders and vandals.
Dog mode
It’s just what it seems. Dog mode is another one of Tesla’s special features meant for dogs that have to wait for their owners in the car. Parked cars might overheat if left in the sun, which is fairly dangerous for dogs.
However, with this mode engaged, the car is kept cool with the air system still on, even if the car is parked. Moreover, an on-screen message on the center console might say, “My owner will be back soon,” to let other people know that your dog is safe.
Ludicrous and plaid modes
If you turn this on in a Model S, you need to brace for super-fast acceleration. With Plaid activated, the car can even go as fast as 200 mph and accelerate to 60 mph in less than two seconds. Talk about interesting Tesla features, right?
Bioweapon defense mode
This mode proved to be extremely efficient during the devastating Western U.S. wildfires that took place throughout 2020. It’s only available with Model S and X cars that also have a HEPA filtration system, which automatically turns the car into a safer breathing space.
Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube streaming
You could easily watch all your favorite shows on your Tesla. However, you shouldn’t get too excited: the car has to be parked for streaming to work. You could log onto other streaming platforms when you’re waiting in the car, most likely while it’s charging up.
Caraoke
Well, that will definitely bring more entertainment to the car. This time, we’re talking about karaoke, with lyrics to popular songs appearing on the touchscreen when the car is parked. However, since it’s in the car, it’s been renamed “Caraoke,” which I think is fair and appropriate.
The funk
We all know that Tesla features are the reason why “front” and “trunk” are now known as “frunk.” People can put anything from presents, pooches, and even extra charging cords in the front compartment. Even if most electric vehicles also have a cargo space under the hood where an internal combustion engine used to be, Tesla did it first when it released the S Model.
Fartmode
I can’t believe I’m writing this, but yes, it’s yet another Tesla feature you will never see in any other car. This time, for a good reason, I believe. The fart mode allows your Tesla to make a fart sound. But not intentionally. You see, the official name is “Emissions Testing Mode,” and the setting is ideal for pranksters. If you want, you can turn on the fart sounds on-demand or push the turn signal. However, you have to be in the car to release them. The sounds, I mean.
Easter eggs
Besides the diversified modes and games, more surprises are sprinkled all over the car. There’s a Christmas jingle hidden within those settings, along with an inside joke about cowbells. In fact, Wikipedia has a wide list of all the Tesla Easter eggs discovered until now.
Bonus as a joke: Elon Musk is the CEO.
Elon Musk is definitely one of a kind, mainly because he’s probably one of the most eccentric CEOs in the world. Besides running Tesla, he also sends rockets into space with SpaceX, tries to reinvent the subway with his other company, The Boring Company, and hacks the human mind with Neuralink, a brand-new brain implantation startup. On top of everything, he also finds time to tweet.
Are you the proud owner of a Tesla? Here’s a supercharger you might need to have in your car.
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