New hardware components, such as a new all-in-one “Superhorn” that combines a horn, alarm, and loudspeaker, could be included in Tesla’s future Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in 2022. A leaked whitepaper on the German-speaking Tesla forum TFF disclosed this functionality and more (via Electrek).
The document’s specified component changes appear to be intended for European regulators’ scrutiny. Tesla does not always match new features to model years as closely as other manufacturers do. In April 2019, for example, the business began installing its new full self-driving computer (HW3) in automobiles. Then, in September of that year, an external speaker was added to Model 3 bumpers (to comply with legislation requiring electric vehicles to be equipped with a pedestrian warning system).
Tesla’s Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), which generates noises to warn nearby inattentive pedestrians, included an external speaker add-on (due to electric vehicles being relatively quiet compared to internal combustion engine vehicles). The firm, which is recognized for its oddities, later added various sounds, such as goat bleats and fart rips, that blast from the exterior speaker after blowing the horn.
The new part will replace the present system, which is described as a “Super horn (3-in-1 horn, alarm, speaker) AVAS version,” which references the car’s use of fewer speaker elements. The component may have a single speaker or a group of speakers that can play the Sentry Mode alert, AVAS noises, and horn.
It may also deter hazardous modifications: some electric vehicle owners, such as Nissan Leaf and Tesla owners, prefer silence in motion and have unplugged pedestrian warning speakers. Disconnecting the new all-in-one AVAS speaker may result in the horn being disabled as well.
The Model 3 and Model Y will also ditch their legacy lead-acid batteries in favour of 15.5V lithium-ion equivalents, according to the list (along with refreshed accessories like a new windshield pump compatible with the new voltage).
Tesla made a similar adjustment to the new Model S and Model X for 2021. A new cabin radar and infrared camera for Model Y, laminated rear door windows, and a new infotainment computer are among the other noticeable modifications.
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