Tesla is no longer equipping its Model S liftback and Model X SUV with radars, which used to power their multiple autonomous driving and active safety features. Both vehicles now only have video cameras to rely upon on the road.
We are told that the radars had not been installed since mid-February. The Autopilot feature still works, but it now relies on a neural network analyzing the image it receives from video cameras mounted all around the car. Elon Musk claims this approach is the most appropriate to use, because it mimics how humans perceive the world – through their eyes and brain.
This change comes with several limitations. Perhaps most importantly, the ACC now disengages at 129 km/h (80 miles per hour) and requires a greater distance from the car ahead. The radar enabled getting closer to the car ahead without incident.
The more affordable Model 3 and Model Y underwent the same change in May 2021, with all China-made Tesla vehicles following suit shortly thereafter. As for LiDAR tech, Tesla has never used it and has no intention to start.