Electric vehicle giant Tesla has finally equipped the facelifted Model 3 Highland with a Blind Spot Indicator, which is necessary for improving the electric sedan’s safety.
Tesla included the safety feature in the Owner’s Manual in the EU to guide customers on how to activate it.
“Your vehicle is equipped with a blind spot indicator located in the upper speaker grill of the driver door. You can turn it on or off by touching Controls > Lights > Blind Spot Indicator.”
Tesla
How does it work?
As soon as the driver activates the blind spot indicator, it will blink/flash when there are other vehicles in the blind spot of the Tesla Model 3 Highland.
Simply put, it offers a visual indication if another vehicle is beside the owner’s car in a blind spot when changing lanes.
This safety feature warns the drivers about the presence of another vehicle beside the Highland. It is worth noting that a Blind Spot Detection system has already been used by many automakers for years.
Teslarati noted that the first model to use such a system was the 2001 Volvo SCC Concept Car, followed by the 2003 XC90 SUV.
However, Tesla did not adopt this safety feature as it leveraged its Autopilot camera system and other indicators related to blind spots.
Finally, Tesla introduced this long overdue safety system that can further improve the Highland’s safety. As mentioned, it is located inside the model’s speaker grille beside the A-pillar.
Electrek observes that Tesla does not add other new sensors to the Highland. Therefore, it may be using the autopilot cameras to detect vehicles in its blind spot, and then its light activates when there is actually another vehicle when the driver is changing lanes.
Other safety features
Apart from the Blind Spot Indicator, Tesla’s European manual indicated two other features under the new Blind Spot Assist technology of the Model 3 Highland. It includes the Automatic Blind Spot Camera and the Blind Spot Collision Warning Chime.
Below are the Blind Spot Assist details, as displayed by Tesla:
| Activation | Limitations | |
| Automatic Blind Spot Camera | Controls > Autopilot > Automatic Blind Spot Camera | Automatic Blind Spot Camera does not eliminate the need to drive attentively and manually perform shoulder checks when changing lanes. |
| Blind Spot Collision Warning Chime | Controls > Autopilot > Blind Spot Collision Warning Chime. | Blind Spot Camera does not eliminate the need to drive attentively and manually perform shoulder checks when changing lanes. Blind Spot Collision Warning Chime cannot detect every collision. It is the driver’s responsibility to remain alert and perform the appropriate shoulder checks when changing lanes. |
| Blind Spot Indicator | Controls > Lights > Blind Spot Indicator. | – |
Key specs
Presented below are the key specs of the Tesla Model 3 Highland in Europe:
| Tesla Model 3 Highland | RWD | AWD |
| Battery | Standard range | Maximum range |
| Range (WLTP) | 513 km | 629 km |
| Acceleration | 6.1 seconds 0 – 100 km/h | 0 – 100km/h in 4.4 seconds |
| Drive | rear wheel drive | Four-wheel drive with dual motor |
| Energy consumption | 13.kWh per 100 km (62 miles) | 14 kWh per 100 km (62 miles) |
| Weight | 1,765kg | 1,828kg |
| Rims | 18 or 19 inch | 18 or 19 inch |
| Displays | 15.4″ central touchscreen at the front 8″ touchscreen at the rear | 15.4″ central touchscreen at the front 8″ touchscreen at the rear |
| Total Width | Mirrors folded: 1,933 mm Mirrors unfolded: 2,089 mm | Mirrors folded: 1,933 mm Mirrors unfolded: 2,089 mm |
| Overall Length | 4,720mm | 4,720mm |
| Luggage | 682 liters | 682 liters |
| Seats | 5 adults | 5 adults |
| Ground Clearance | 138mm | 138mm |
| Total Height | 1,441mm | 1,441mm |
| Track-front and rear | 1,584mm & 1,584mm | 1,584mm & 1,584mm |
| Supercharger Max. / Payment method | Max. 170kW; Payable per use | Max. 250kW; Payable per use |
| Loading speed | Up to 282km in 15 minutes* | Up to 282 km in 15 minutes |
See Also:
- Tesla returns to Munich Auto Show with the facelifted Model 3 Highland
- Tesla launches Model 3 Highland in Australia, revokes initial orders for Performance variants
- Tesla finally offers Model 3 Highland in several European markets
- Tesla to finally launch the Model 3 Highland in China, local reports suggest
- Tesla starts Model 3 Highland’s trial production in China
Tesla has a reputation for employing its own unique approach to vehicle standard features. As mentioned, it has been refusing to adopt this detection feature in recent years. That said, the move is surprising, which indicates Tesla’s strong determination to improve vehicle safety.
