Tesla FSD 12.5 Test — Like A Perfect, Smooth Robotaxi (CleanTechnica Video)

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As I lamented just lately, my 2019 Tesla Mannequin 3 SR+ doesn’t but have model 12.5 of Full Self Driving (FSD). Tesla is now rolling out new variations of FSD to automobiles with the newest FSD {hardware} first. Although, fortunately, David Havasi only recently purchased a model new Tesla Mannequin 3 Efficiency, and his automobile has model 12.5.1.3 of FSD! So, we went on one other FSD take a look at drive to doc its present standing and attempt to establish the way it has improved (or not). You may watch the total, unedited* video of our ~25 minute drive right here:

As you may see within the video, the entire journey went completely. Not solely was there no have to intervene wherever, it didn’t even seem to be there was ever a second when David felt he would possibly need to intervene. Additionally, the automobile has merely gotten smoother — coming to cease indicators and leaving them, altering lanes, merging into site visitors, and many others. It really felt like I used to be being pushed round by essentially the most skilled of chauffeurs within the again seat. Every little thing was so clean and peaceable that I didn’t have to consider something and will simply chill out. It positively appeared like the most effective journey I’ve taken in a robotaxi thus far.

Does that imply Tesla FSD is prepared for precise, business robotaxi use? Positively not! The system has to work throughout one million miles or so with such outcomes. Simply 7 miles or so of driving isn’t sufficient to judge it or verify it’s prepared for prime time. At this level, although, it’s very exhausting to say that it’s merely not enough and is way from being robotaxi succesful. At this level, all we are able to do is take a look at an increasing number of so as to see if we are able to establish any points and control any bigger takeaways or stats from Tesla or others.

There are a couple of different idiosyncrasies of the system in its present model that we focus on within the video. Watch the entire video (on 1.5× even if you’d like) to catch all of our commentary.

I additionally acquired a brief abstract takeaway of the brand new Mannequin 3 Efficiency from David, notably in comparison with his earlier 2018 model of the Tesla Mannequin 3. It has significantly better seats — each by way of bolstering and air flow — and significantly better suspension and dampening. These have been the most important highlights. It’s additionally depraved fast, after all, and has the brand new small display screen within the again seat for rear passengers.

* I say “unedited” as a result of I didn’t clip something out. Nevertheless, I did report the drive in two elements, since we needed to determine on and enter a brand new vacation spot after the primary journey, so I did need to sew these two elements collectively.