Should you buy a Tesla Model Y without ultrasonic sensors (USS) before Tesla Vision is finished?

Tesla has been making waves in the automotive industry for years now, and the Tesla Model Y, is no exception. The Model Y is a mid-size SUV that offers a range of features and performance that make it an attractive option for those looking for a reliable and efficient electric vehicle. However, one of the most talked-about features of the Model Y is its lack of ultrasonic sensors (USS), as of late 2022. This has caused some potential buyers, including myself, to hesitate before making a purchase, as they are unsure if they should buy a Tesla Model Y without ultrasonic sensors before Tesla Vision is released.

To understand why this is such an important question to consider, it’s important to first understand what ultrasonic sensors are and how they work. Ultrasonic sensors are devices that use sound waves to detect objects in their environment. They are used in many different applications, including automotive safety systems like lane departure warning systems and automatic emergency braking systems. These sensors can detect objects up to several meters away and can be used to help drivers avoid collisions with other vehicles or obstacles on the road.

The lack of ultrasonic sensors on the Tesla Model Y means that it does not have access to these safety features that many other cars have, and Tesla owners were used to before they were removed. This could potentially put drivers at risk if they were to unexpected hit an obstacle that they didn’t see. However, Tesla has stated that they plan on releasing an updated version of “Tesla Vision” sometime in 2023, which will deliver better results than the ultrasonic sensors. This system will use cameras and radar instead of ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles on the road and alert drivers accordingly.

Unfortunately some drivers have already reported online that they have had accidents while manovering at low speeds. Now you could argue that they could take more care, and utilise the cameras, but these could have been prevented if the sensors were there and in other vehicles with ultrasonic sensors. I’m sure Tesla Vision will be good, but I’m not sure how it will handle distances at the front of the car, since the camera is mounted in the windscreen, but hopefully they’ll release it soon and we will find out.

So should you buy a Tesla Model Y without ultrasonic sensors before Tesla Vision is released? Well I’m no expert, and this article just expresses my opinion. Ultimately, this decision comes down to your personal preference and your appetite for risk. If you are someone who values safety and looking after your car, perhaps because you know that ultrasonic sensors have saved you before, then it may be best to wait until Tesla Vision is released before making your purchase so you can take advantage of its advanced safety features. On the other hand, if you are comfortable with some risk in exchange for having access to the latest technology from Tesla right away, then buying a Model Y without ultrasonic sensors may be worth considering.

Personally, I’m waiting a little, as I have had incidents where I didn’t notice an obstacle and the ultrasonic sensors have saved me, plus when test driving the Model Y, I loved the display showing how close you are to the side of the road etc, and for me that was a big part of the draw to a Tesla. I may change my mind though, as waiting is hard too 😉

AI generated images, produced by the Wonder AI app

3 Comments

  1. I think removing ultrasound sensors before launching Tesla Vision is the most stupid decision Tesla ever made. I delivered my 2023 Model Y last week. After 800km drive, I think it’s still worth to buy Tesla cars if you are experienced driver.

    • I’m really torn, as I liked what the sensors gave you whilst driving and whilst I consider myself an ok driver, sensors have saved me (if I’m being honest) and I’ve probably become a bit lazy after having them for so many years.

      One other things I wish the Tesla could do, is to allow two mobile phones to be connected at the same time. I’ve been used to having both my personal and work phones connected for approximately 10 years

  2. I purchased a 2023 Model Y without USS and am sorry now. I backed into an object with no warning and there are no alerts for crossing traffic when backing. Dangerous. Not sure what an update to the camera system will accomplish. A painful wait while Tesla makes up their mind, and if they start the reintroduction of USS, will they retrofit the models produced after October 2022?

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