Yahoo Autos 21 interesting features that make Teslas unlike any other car
Tesla vehicles are engineered with a plethora of interesting add-ons and easter eggs.
The features reflect Elon Musk's unique sense of humor and have added to Tesla's cult following.
From sentry mode to dog mode or "caraoke," here are 21 features that put Teslas in a league of their own.
1. Autopilot
All Tesla models are equipped with a driver assistance system called Autopilot.
The feature enables a car to steer, accelerate, and brake automatically within its lane. The function does not replace the role of a driver, but is intended to make driving easier and cut down on accidents.
New Tesla models have eight cameras and 12 sensors that provide a 360-view of the vehicle's surroundings, per the carmaker's website. In the past, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has compared the cameras to the human eye.
The system also features a $15,000 or $199 per month Full-Self Driving add-on which can change lanes, as well as recognize stop lights and stop signs. The feature is currently in beta testing.
Source: Tesla
2. Caraoke
In 2019, Tesla's got a new "caraoke '' function which allows Tesla owners to choose from a vast selection of music and song lyrics.
The feature became especially popular in China. In January, the carmaker's $188 in-car karaoke microphones sold out within an hour of the initial launch in China. The TeslaMic is currently only available in China.
The "caraoke" music selection also features music in different languages. But don't get the idea that you'll be able to sing caraoke while driving, in order for this feature to work, the car has to be parked.
Source: Tesla
3. Bioweapon defense mode
Tesla's Model X and Model Y, as well as more recent versions of the Model S and Model 3, are equipped with a HEPA filtration system that prevents toxic chemicals from getting into the cabin of the car.
The filtration system targets anything from pollution and bacteria to pollen, Tesla has said.
In January, Tesla released a demo video to show how the filter can protect its drivers from biodefense weapons.
Source: Tesla
4. Touchscreen
All Tesla models feature a unique touchscreen that comes with an array of features including video games, streaming services, and live traffic updates.
The screens are also home to standard features like climate control and navigation but look nothing like anything else on the market.
Source: Tesla
5. Streaming and video gaming
Tesla is constantly updating its infotainment system with apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu.
The system also has several options including Theater, Arcade, Toybox, and Browser. With the Arcade setting, drivers can use the steering wheel buttons or a USB controller to play full games.
The majority of the entertainment features are only available when the car is parked, but drivers have said it has helped them pass time when Teslas are charging or stuck in major traffic jams. Earlier this year, a Tesla driver said he watched Netflix while stuck in a 14-hour traffic jam in snowy weather.
6. Web browser
With Tesla's premium connectivity you can access various websites while your car is parked, including Hulu, Spotify, and PLEX media player.
Source: Tesla
7. Easter eggs
Each Tesla is programmed with virtual Easter eggs that can range anywhere from Santa in a sleigh, a rainbow-like road, and even the port of your supercharger lighting up with colors of the rainbow.
Source: Insider
8. Air suspension
Tesla's are equipped with a smart auto raising air suspension system that changes based on the GPS coordinates of your vehicle.
Users also have the option to change the firmness of the suspension manually through the Tesla control panel. This feature could really come in handy if you're traveling across the country, and experience changes in the road.
Source: Tesla
9. Sentry mode
Sentry mode allows you to keep a close eye on your parked vehicle from anywhere in the world.
Let's say someone hits your car with a shopping cart, your Tesla will start recording from the outside cameras and alert you that your vehicle has been hit through the Tesla app. This feature eliminates the stress of ever wondering where that mysterious dent came from.
Source: Tesla
10. Superchargers
There are more than 35,000 Tesla supercharging stations in the world -- a number that the company continues to grow.
Tesla says that you can charge your car for as little as 15 minutes for up to 200 miles of travel.
In the past, EV drivers have said that the fast-charging stations give Tesla owners an advantage over others due to their speed, as well as the wide availability of Tesla chargers.
Tesla Superchargers make up about 58% of fast-charging plugs in the US, according to the Department of Energy.
