Tesla's 'smart summon' function is unleashing chaos in car parks
Tesla’s Smart Summon is a neat feature that allows users to “summon” their Tesla car via the app, and have it drive to them autonomously, like whistling for an obedient hound.
But the new feature, which rolled out to Tesla drivers this week via a software update, isn’t without glitches.
Videos captured by Tesla users have shown the car nearly bumping into others – and in one video, nearly hitting its owner (although he does severely provoke it).
So, @elonmusk - My first test of Smart Summon didn't go so well. @Tesla #Tesla #Model3 pic.twitter.com/yC1oBWdq1I
— Roddie Hasan - راضي (@eiddor) September 28, 2019
The autonomous parking function allows a Tesla to move out of a parking space and drive around obstacles towards its owner.
It is available as part of the Full Self-Driving option on Tesla cars.
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It has a maximum range of 200 feet and the car needs to be within line of sight.
Tesla's site says: “You are still responsible for your car and must monitor it and its surroundings at all times and be within your line of sight because it may not detect all obstacles.
“Be especially careful around quick moving people, bicycles and cars.”