X

New Tesla feature will let cars park themselves, Elon Musk says

Thanks to a "reverse summon" feature of sorts, a Tesla could drop passengers off and then park itself, according to Musk.

2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance
Enlarge Image
2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance

More neat tricks coming later this year.

Nick Miotke/Roadshow

Tesla created a sensation with the release of Smart Summon last year, which allows a Tesla to pick an owner up in some instances and the watchful eye of the owner to ensure everyone's safekeeping. However, the Summon feature could get even smarter by the end of 2020.

According to comments Tesla CEO Elon Musk made on Twitter this Thursday, the company is working to include a "Reverse Summon" feature as part of an expanded "Full Self-Driving" option numerous owners previously paid for. Passengers would be able to exit their Tesla and the car would find a parking spot all by itself. Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment on more information.

Musk said the company's working "super hard" to roll out stop sign and traffic light recognition first, which some owners with early access to the Autopilot software have already shown off. Next on deck is the Reverse Summon that will be included in a "core" software upgrade later this year.

When Smart Summon rolled out, we watched numerous instances of close calls as Teslas did their best to reach owners and pick them up from a parking lot or other areas. While novel, neat and a fun party trick, it's really not intended for public use with numerous other cars zipping around and pedestrians walking. We'll have to wait and see if the latest software update irons things out, especially if Musk foresees Teslas parking themselves without any guidance.

Tesla's Model 3 Performance subtly adds the power

See all photos
Watch this: Tesla Model 3 Performance lives up to its name, but still falls short of perfect

First published April 16.

Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.

Article updated on April 17, 2020 at 11:38 AM PDT

Our Experts

Written by 
Sean Szymkowski
CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid. Reviews ethics statement
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Why You Can Trust CNET
174175176177178179180+
Experts Interviewed
030405060708091011121314+
Companies Reviewed
108109110111112113+
Products Reviewed

We thoroughly evaluate each company and product we review and ensure our stories meet our high editorial standards.