Software Update V11

I was talking about the new Tesla update V11.0, and all the complaints people have with it. I still think its a great update that makes things mostly easier and more simple. I have seen several videos of people responding to some of the common complaints with mroe info and helpful ways of using the new changes. Here is one of the better ones I have seen.

Software Update

Tesla pushed a new software update over the holidays that changes a bunch of user interface behavior and adds a few great features. V11.0 became available for me on the 24th. I started the update, while reading about other people freaking out over the changes. Some unhappy people out there.

I understand some of the complaints, a few features have become an extra click away. But, for the most part the interface is simpler and should be less confusing to use while driving. There were so many cases where I hit the wrong button while driving. I'd turn my seat warmer on while trying to change the temp. They have added more space around the buttons, and allowed for you to put your favorite apps on the bottom bar.

Features

• Tesla Light Show - Silly feature that some people seem to love, but I'll never use.
• New User Interface - Simplification, easier to use, more consistent.
• Updated Navigation - Simplification.
• Games - Sonic might make me get a controller for the car, to play while supercharging, thought I never spend that much time in the car.
• Entertainment - Tiktok, I'd use that. I have used Youtube a few times.
• Audio - Separate Subwoofer level. Nice to have.
• Blind Spot Camera - WOOOT, I love this. turn signal can turn the blind spot camera on for you.
• For every Model 3 and Model Y, we’ve also added automatic seat heater functionality - also very nice.
• Waypoint improvements - very nice to be able to add additional waypoints in the navigation. Now if we could fully use this via the app or on the internet.

Overall

For the most part I think this was all a big improvement. I've seen people complain that the trip screen was easier to use while driving before, but I don't think thats so important for me. Making things easier to use while driving is good. Moving things that you probably shouldn't be using often while driving to a sub menu is fine. I think for a new user this will be easier to understand and learn how to use.

The blind spot camera activation feature is a great safety feature that should have been there all along.

A New Car!

We decided recently to go ahead and sell our pre-owned Tesla Model S and get a new Model Y. We happened to order during a very busy time for Tesla. It also happens to currently be their most popular car. Amazingly we only had to wait about 5 weeks for our car to arrive. The process was mostly smooth. Our initial delivery date was delayed a couple of days. I can't image the logistic complexity of shipping cars all over the country.

What we ordered

• Tesla Model Y
• Long Range All-Wheel Drive
• Red Multi-Coat
• 19" Gemini Wheels
• Basic Autopilot
• All Black Premium Interior

There were no major issues at all with the delivery. There might be a small door gap issue with the trunk, but it's barely noticeable and does not appear to be causing any issues. There might be an issue with the passenger side front door. It seems a little harder to close sometimes. We'll give it a week to see if it continues. Overall, we are super happy with this vehicle. It's better than the older Model S, and super fun to drive. I can't wait to take some longer trips in it. We will likely drive it to Walt Disney World later this year. We did make one trip in the Model S to Disney, and that went well but we will be able to stop fewer times in this long range Y.

Accessories we are getting

• 3D Max Spider floor mats
• Evannex screen protector
• Under seat storage drawer
• Extra Gen 2 Mobile Connector Bundle - one at the house, one in the car
• Nema Adapter Bundle

I'm still really not sure about doing paint protection wrap. It's very expensive. I might watch some videos on doing it yourself. Not so sure about that yet.

Disney World Birthday Trip

Trying to catch up on posts I should have already completed.

We went to Disney World for my Birthday this year. It was great, as always. We are going more times this year than we ever have. Having a season pass really encourages multiple trips.

This was also the longest trip we have ever taken with our Tesla. It made the drive longer than it normally is, but it was also more comfortable than normal. We stopped at 4 super chargers there and back. The Tesla charging network makes owning an electric vehicle easy for trips like this.

It really helped staying at Fort Wilderness. The cabin only had a 110v outlet, but that was enough to charge the car back to full in a couple of days.

We try to go to the Magic Kingdom a couple of times during our trips.

This was our first time riding Splash Mountain. We usually skip it, because we don't want to be wet the whole day. But, it was raining anyway and the lines were more reasonable than normal. Of course it was fun.

We got lucky and saw Kevin at Animal Kingdom. This was one of the first times she was wandering the park.

I'm always so impressed with the level of theming here. My photos never really do it justice.

We are already planning for a couple more trips this year. Can't wait.

My CPO Tesla Model S

I have been watching and drooling over Tesla since they first started selling cars. I believe that electric cars are the obvious path forward. As battery technology improves and becomes cheaper there will be no reason to have a fossil fuel car other than for entertainment.

Tesla has been leading the move forward with a top down approach to electric vehicles. Selling luxury vehicles now with a long term plan to start selling reasonably priced vehicles later. We don't know for sure if this plan will work long term. But, I think it is already working. Tesla looks to be heading toward a profitable position as their latest manufacturing line is ramping up.

One area where Tesla has become the clear leader is with the Super Charger network. There are Tesla charing stations located along most major road systems all over the world. This gives their cars an easy and quick way to recharge that few other systems can compete with.

I originally signed up a Model 3 reservation, but decided to get a similarly priced Model S instead. Mostly because I'm impatient. But, also because I was very unsure of the minimal interface of the Model 3. I've been re-thinking that lately. But for now I'm sticking with my Model S.

Our Car

I only had a few must have options on my list:

• Premium Audio System
• Auto Pilot Hardware - would have loved version 2, but for the price I was ok with version 1.
• Air Suspension
• 19" wheels. The larger 21's aren't worth the hassle and cost.
• I wanted Silver, Gray Metallic, or Blue for the color. But, I ended up with Multi coat Red.

Our car also has:

• Power Lift gate
• Sunroof

Purchase Experience

You order online and their web site works pretty well. I did have an issue with the car that I originally chose selling out from under me. I called a sales rep and he helped me find a non yet listed car in California that had everything I wanted.

I did have to pay, as part of the purchase price, to have the car shipped to North Carolina. It took about a week to ship.

All of the purchase forms and required documents were all handled via the website. Even the trade in info was entered via the web. For the most part this was a good experience. However, there were some issues with communication from Tesla. They sent us the final loan info right before the delivery. We had to scramble to get things notarized and completed. Due to out dated laws in NC Tesla only has a showroom here. They can't legally sale cars here directly. So, we can't sign and handle the loan info at the delivery. It's silly and needs to change. It made things stressful.

Delivery

Our delivery was delayed a day due to a crack in the wind shield. This would normally have been fine, but Tesla did not call me to let me know this. I only learned about this when I was calling for another issue. Fortunately it was only a single day delay. They replaced the windshield at no cost.

Tesla does pretty well at training people during the delivery. They go over everything and let you ask any questions you might have. I pretty much knew everything that was covered already. You can spend some time on Youtube and get in depth information on every aspect of the car.

In less than an hour we were driving home.

We did have one issue with the delivery that was quite annoying. When we handed over the title for our old Prius, we had not gotten it notarized. I missed this completely. The delivery person also missed it. So they had to send it back to us to get notarized.

Charging

Initially we were charging the car at home with a 110 standard plug. This gave us about 4 miles of range per hour. This is not enough to make up for a normal day of driving for me. Luckily it only took a week to get a new 240v dryer style plug installed in the garage. With this I can charge up my normal daily use in a few hours. I regularly get around 30 miles of range per hour with this connection.

We have used the Super Charger network a few times. It's been great, with some planning you can go pretty much anywhere you need with only a little more time spent charging than you would need to spend at a gas station. Your going to want to stop for food and bathroom breaks anyway. Getting used to the difference is the only real problem.

Driving

Driving this car is like a dream. Our car is a Model S 85. We do not have the performance or dual motor options. It's not nearly as fast as the newer tricked out cars. But, it is crazy fast and easy to drive. When you need power its there. No hesitation, no struggle.

All of the included technology makes this a great driving experience.

Conclusion

It's only been a few weeks, but so far I have to say I'm ridiculously happy with this car. It's like having two car payments, and the insurance is a bit more. I've never had more fun driving a car.

Who knows what will happen in a few years I may trade it in on a new or used Model 3. We need more people to buy electric cars and to drive the price down. Don't fight the future, embrace it, and have a good time.

When single shines the triple sun, what was sundered and undone shall be whole, the two made one, by Gelfling hand or else by none.

Movies:

• The Dark Crystal

  • I watched this last night on the computer while I worked on a new polymer clay project. What a wonderfull movie. I have seen it at least a dozen times but I still enjoy it.

• Popeye

  • Alot of people think this was a major flop. I have always thought this movie was great - It does a great job of capturing the old Popeye cartoons in a fun live action movie.

Books:

• Java I/O

  • An in depth discussion of Java I/O and all the little ticks that you didn't know about.

• Tesla : Man Out of Time

  • Interesting book about Tesla, his life, and his inventions.

• Dancing Barefoot

  • I have not bought this yet but it will be a part of my next purchase.

Websites:

• FARK.com

  • Crazy stories and strange people. Be forwarned.

• Rathergood.com

  • Viking Kittens and Spastic Monkeys rule.

• java.blogs

  • Ever wonder what the smarter developers are thinking about?

• Wil Wheaton dot Net

  • Former Geek Icon now writer and Internet personality.

Current Music: Missing Persons "Words"