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Secret Setting in Tesla Vehicles Allows "Elon Mode" for Hands-Free Driving
A "white hat hacker," who goes by the handle "@GreentheOnly," recently discovered a secret setting that can be enabled by Tesla and allows for hands-free driving using the company's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems. Known colloquially as "Elon Mode," this setting eliminates the need for drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel and disables the nag feature that prompts drivers to resist the steering wheel at frequent intervals.
Lack of Self-Driving Vehicles from Tesla
Despite CEO Elon Musk's promises to deliver a self-driving car as early as 2016, Tesla currently only offers driver assistance systems that require a human driver to remain attentive. When a driver uses Autopilot or FSD, a visual signal prompts them to apply torque to the steering wheel at regular intervals. If the driver does not apply torque, the nag escalates to a beep, and if still not responded to, the vehicle can temporarily disable Autopilot for up to several weeks.
"Elon Mode" and Future Recalls
The setting known as "Elon Mode" is currently not widely available, and there is no way to know how many cars have this setting activated. The hacker who discovered the setting has reported several bugs to Tesla over the years and earned thousands of dollars in bug bounties. He anticipates that future recalls may relate to how well FSD Beta automatically stops for certain traffic-control devices.
Tesla's Safety Record
Tesla has reported 19 incidents of at least one fatality involving their driver assistance systems that were in use within 30 seconds of the collision. Overall, Tesla has reported 21 such incidents where their driver assistance systems were used. Tesla has not yet commented on the discovery of "Elon Mode."
Although Tesla vehicles do not have fully self-driving capabilities yet, "Elon Mode" provides a glimpse into future possibilities for Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems. Tesla has faced challenges related to the safety of their driver assistance systems, including several voluntary recalls, but has continued to push forward with their goal of creating self-driving vehicles.
As Tesla continues to develop its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems, the discovery of "Elon Mode" provides a glimpse into what the future of autonomous driving may look like. However, the safety concerns surrounding Tesla's driver assistance systems, including reported fatalities and incidents, cannot be ignored, and companies looking to enter the autonomous driving market should take note.
New businesses in this field should prioritize safety and compliance as they pursue their goals of creating fully self-driving vehicles. They should also monitor Tesla's progress and address any potential safety issues with their own technology before they escalate. As the demand for autonomous driving technology increases, so will the need for safety measures and regulations that ensure public safety.
Overall, the discovery of "Elon Mode" highlights the continued development of Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems, but also reminds us of the importance of safety in the pursuit of self-driving vehicles. New businesses entering this market should take a long-term view and prioritize safety in order to establish themselves as leaders in autonomous driving technology.
