Tesla Autopilot Launches, Wowing And Underwhelming

Tesla Model S (Credit: Tesla Motors)

Tesla’s over-the-air software update, called Autopilot, has added some autonomous drive functionality to the Model S, taking a bold step forward toward fully-autonomous vehicles in the future. As is always the case with new technology, not everyone seemed equally as impressed. In fact, some are downright underwhelmed with the abilities and limitations of the new system.

It’s understandable that so many hold Tesla Motors to a high standard, especially when it comes to cutting-edge technology. While having a radar-based active cruise control in a vehicle isn’t anything new, the Autosteer capability is trailblazing.

Clearly, some missed the press release, product launch and even Elon Musk saying that Autosteer doesn’t mean that drivers can just sit back and not even touch the steering wheel. They also probably didn’t catch that the technology works best when lane markings are clearly visible and traffic is heavy. In fact, a number of reviewers were deeply impressed with how the technology handled dense New York City traffic, which is exactly what it was developed to do.

Some reviewers were irked with how the car would make lane changes like a timid 80 year-old, not daring to cut off a car that was trying to shut the vehicle out. In other words, other drivers will be able to push Teslas around like bullies on a schoolyard playground. It gives new meaning to driving nice.

One Tesla Model S P90D owner claims that his car tried to kill him when he tried using Autosteer. In the video he uploaded to YouTube, it appears that he was driving on a sparsely-traveled curvy country road (or maybe in a canyon) and had his hands off the wheel. The guy said that the car swerved into oncoming traffic, and he had to actually steer it himself to avoid an accident.

On a more humorous note, Slate lamented that Tesla’s Autopilot can’t drive a person home after a long night of drinking. Instead, you’ll still have to hand the keys over to the designated driver or call a cab, because your Model S can’t be held responsible for bad ideas.