Tesla Rolls Out European Autopilot Update and Enhances Emergency Braking with 2024.26.8 Release

Tesla’s recent software update 2024.26 introduced features like YouTube Music, but subsequent updates, specifically versions 2024.26.7 and 2024.26.8, bring further critical enhancements, particularly focusing on compliance with European regulations and safety improvements.

European Compliance with Autopilot Recall

The 2024.26.7 update specifically addresses a European regulatory requirement identified as “2024_23366.” This directive necessitates that Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Autopilot, must be disabled if any sensors are obstructed, until the obstruction is cleared.

To comply, Tesla has implemented an OTA update that intensifies monitoring of the door pillar cameras in vehicles across the European Union and the UK. If these cameras detect any blockage, Autopilot functions will automatically be disabled until the obstruction is removed. This particular update is only applicable in Europe and does not affect Tesla vehicles in other regions such as North America or Asia.

Advanced Emergency Braking Enhancement

Meanwhile, in the 2024.26.8 update, Tesla has focused on improving the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system, a critical component of the car’s safety features. AEB is designed to prevent or mitigate collisions by automatically applying the brakes in critical situations. The new update expands the range of scenarios in which AEB can be activated.

Although Tesla has yet to provide detailed information on these new scenarios, they are expected to further enhance the vehicle's ability to respond to potential hazards. These updates continue Tesla’s dedication to safety, ensuring their vehicles remain among the most secure on the road.

Tesla’s previous improvements to AEB included enhancements to detect perpendicular vehicles, functionality in reverse, and operation at higher speeds, up to 124 mph (200 km/h). Although Tesla also updated AEB on older MCU1 vehicles, it remains unclear if those improvements are part of the 2024.26.8 enhancements.

AEB is automatically enabled at the start of every drive, meaning these latest safety improvements will be active once the update is installed. Furthermore, Tesla has introduced parental controls to ensure that AEB cannot be accidentally turned off, adding an extra layer of safety.