On May 22nd, Consumer Reports published that they wouldn’t be recommending the Tesla Model 3 due to long braking distances and a difficult-to-use touchscreen. Following a recent software update, however, the magazine is now giving Tesla its approval.
Shortly after Consumer Reports gave the bad recommendation, Elon Musk took to Twitter to claim that the issues could be fixed with software updates.
Braking & UI upgrades apply to all Model 3s. Improved windshield for aero noise & suspension for ride comfort are major ops. Unless you’re really bothered by them, don’t replace. Best way to improve ride is drop tire pressure to ~39 psi. 45 psi is best range, but lower comfort.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 30, 2018
The magazine’s main issue was that the Tesla Model 3’s stopping distance when going 100km per hour was 46 metres. This distance was considerably worse than even full sized pickup trucks like the Ford F-150.
Since Tesla has applied the update, the car’s stopping distance has reached roughly 40 metres, meaning that a single software update has shaved six metres off of the car’s stopping distance.
“I’ve never seen a car that could improve its track performance with an over-the-air update,” said Jake Fisher, the director of auto testing at Consumer Reports.
The magazine also took issues with a stiff back seat and and wind noise that Musk further claimed to be fixing in the factory, according to Bloomberg.
Source: Consumer Reports, Bloomberg
