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Tesla rolls out 2020 Holiday Update: New Driving Visualizations, Supercharger Display Improvements and more (Release Notes)

(Credit: @teslacn/Twitter)

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Tesla is beginning to roll out its highly anticipated over-the-air 2020 ‘Holiday Update’ that includes new driving visualizations for Full Self-Driving, new games, and an improved display for Supercharger and Vehicle Information, among others.

The following are some of the most notable aspects of Tesla’s 2020 holiday update as part of Firmware 2020.48.25.

Arguably, the Tesla community fan-favorite comes in the form of a new “Boombox” feature that enables the much-talked-about Snake Jazz and Goat easter eggs

Vehicle Information

Tesla has removed the Tesla “T” from the top menu, which provides better use of the touchscreen display’s real estate. Display improvements can be seen throughout much of the 2020 Tesla Holiday Update.

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“The Tesla ‘T’ has been removed from the top status bar. Tap Controls > Software for the same information.”

Release Notes Improvements

Release notes can be accessed under the controls menu. Each feature has been itemized into a tabular left menu that provides quick access to the description for previous and current features.

“Release notes now include improved browsing and access. To view current and previous release notes, tap controls > Software > Release Notes.”

2020 Tesla Holiday Update - Release Notes (Credit: Reddit/JCannonTech)

2020 Tesla Holiday Update – Release Notes (Credit: Reddit/JCannonTech)

Driving Visualization Improvements

Improved driving visualizations to support Full Self-Driving capabilities take center stage in this year’s highly-anticipated Tesla Holiday Software Update. 

“The driving visualization has been refreshed and now offers a larger visualization to allow drivers to view more details of the road surroundings. The next turn will now appear above the visualization if the navigation turn list is covered by another app.

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Additionally, select items have slightly moved but will continue to look and behave the same. Some notable differences include the following:

  • Quick access to the backup camera and wipers has moved to the bottom bar.
  • Indicator lights have been moved to the side of the touchscreen.
  • Autopilot set speed, Autopilot availability, and detected speed limit are now displayed next to the driving speed.”
2020 Tesla Holiday Update - Driving Visualizations (Credit: Reddit/JCannonTech)

2020 Tesla Holiday Update – Driving Visualizations (Credit: Reddit/JCannonTech)

Scheduled Departure Improvements

A refreshed look for the “Scheduled Departure” feature, previously known as “Smart Preconditioning” and released in October 2019, puts more emphasis on a simple design for easier control of charging costs and interior comfort when ready to drive. Tesla notes that Scheduled Departure can operate even when the vehicle is unplugged.

The previous language of not being functional below a 20% battery state of charge is no longer visible.

“Schedule departure can now precondition your battery and cabin even when your car is unplugged. To account for different utility rate plans, you can now set the time when your off-peak rates end to save on charging costs. To access, tap SCHEDULE from the climate control or charging panel when parked.”

2020 Tesla Holiday Update – Scheduled Departure (Credit: Reddit/JCannonTech)


Supercharger Display Improvements

Real-time Supercharger occupancy information was rolled out nearly 4 years ago (see version 1.0), and since then Tesla has continued to make user experience improvements for drivers looking to quickly access information from their touchscreen for distraction-free driving. This includes the ability to see available charging stalls at-a-glance and without the need for unnecessary taps of the touchscreen. 

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“Supercharger pins on your touchscreen will now display the number of available stalls at charging sites. Quickly search for nearby amenities by tapping an amenity icon on the Supercharger popup display.”

Tesla has replaced the iconic Tesla Supercharger lightning bolt icon with a number that denotes the number of currently available chargers at the location. 

Emissions Testing Mode Improvements

How can one improve upon Tesla’s famed “Emissions Testing Mode”, better known as “Fart Mode”? Fart at strangers.

“Emissions Testing Mode can be used outside the car. To setup, select your desired sound and place the cushion on the external speaker. When ready, play selected sound by pressing the left scroll wheel button or using the turn signal. To access, tap the Application Launcher > Toybox > Emissions Testing Mode.”

2020 Tesla Holiday Update – Emissions Testing Mode (Credit: Reddit/JCannonTech)

Boombox

Elon Musk has made good on his promise to give Tesla owners the ability to entertain crowds and passersby through honking-fart and goat sounds, plus more.

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In addition to several new out-of-the-box sound clips that blast out of Tesla’s exterior speaker, the latest Boombox feature enables the upload of five custom sounds.

“Turn your car into a boombox and entertain a crowd with your media player when parked. You can also customize the sound your car makes when you press the horn, drive the car or when your car is moving with Summon. Select an option from the dropdown menu or insert your own USB device and save up to five custom sounds.”

2020 Tesla Holiday Update - Boombox (Credit: Reddit/JCannonTech)

2020 Tesla Holiday Update – Boombox (Credit: Reddit/JCannonTech)

Tesla Arcade: New Games

Tesla launched a series of new games for its Tesla Arcade collection, including The Battle of Polytopia, Cat Quest, Solitaire, and Boombox.

  • The Battle of Polytopia
  • Cat Quest
  • Solitaire

Last month, Elon Musk teased the community when he tweeted about this year’s holiday software update. Musk hinted that 2020’s holiday update would be “lit.” He also mentioned that the highly-anticipated update would include features that customers wanted, and some that they didn’t even know they wanted.

Last year, Elon Musk and the Tesla team outdid themselves with the holiday software update. Tesla’s 2019 holiday update included a sneak preview of the company’s Full Self Driving suite, TRAX v0.1, and introduced new games to the arcade, such as Stardew Valley and Lost Backgammon.

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Maria--aka "M"-- is an experienced writer and book editor. She's written about several topics including health, tech, and politics. As a book editor, she's worked with authors who write Sci-Fi, Romance, and Dark Fantasy. M loves hearing from TESLARATI readers. If you have any tips or article ideas, contact her at maria@teslarati.com or via X, @Writer_01001101.

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Tesla Cybercab launch is imminent after latest sighting at Giga Texas

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Credit: Joe Tegtmeyer | X

Tesla just gave what is perhaps its biggest signal yet that the launch of the Cybercab, its autonomous ride-hailing-geared car, is imminent.

The Cybercab has been spotted outside of Gigafactory Texas in massive numbers over the past few days, with hundreds of units being stored on property just days after the vehicle received a Certificate of Conformity from the EPA.

Today, things were a bit different.

Cybercabs spotted on Giga Texas property today had an addition: a Cybercab decal on the side, reminiscent of the “Robotaxi” ones that were placed on Model Ys just as the company launched its ride-sharing platform about a year ago.

Giga Texas drone operator Joe Tegtmeyer noticed the change today:

Tesla could be signaling that the Cybercab is preparing to enter the Robotaxi fleet in the coming weeks or months with this move. It seems more symbolic than anything; Tesla is ready to throw Cybercabs in the ride-hailing platform just as it did with Model Ys last year.

The addition of the Certificate of Conformity awarded to the Cybercab is another major factor working to Tesla’s advantage. The company now has permission from the EPA to allow the vehicle to operate on public roads and enter the chain of commerce. It’s officially street legal.

Tesla Cybercab specs revealed: range, curb weight, range ratings, and more

The big question that remains is whether Tesla will be able to operate the car without a safety monitor, especially considering it plans to put the car out there without a steering wheel or pedals. With the Cybercab only having a seating capacity of two, it is hard to believe Tesla will even consider putting a Safety Monitor in the car.

It did recently self-certify as Level 4 and has the ability to operate driverless vehicles in the State of Texas under a law that took effect on May 28. You can read more about that here:

Tesla’s Robotaxi dreams just took a massive step toward reality

We’d imagine Cybercabs will be on the roads as soon as July, but August will likely be a better estimate of when the car will be entered into the Cybercab fleet. It all depends at where Tesla is, as they’ve truly prioritized safety with the rollout of the Robotaxi platform.

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Elon Musk says this part of Tesla ‘makes no sense’

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Justin Pacheco, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Elon Musk has publicly questioned Moody’s credit assessments following the rating agency’s decision to assign SpaceX a Baa1 investment-grade rating, two notches above Tesla’s Baa3. The comments came amid discussions comparing the two companies’ financial profiles.

SpaceX earned its first-time Baa1 rating with a stable outlook from Moody’s. The agency highlighted the company’s leadership in orbital launches, the growing recurring revenue from its Starlink satellite network, strong vertical integration, U.S. government contracts, and emerging opportunities in AI infrastructure.

These factors were cited as supporting robust cash flows, margin expansion, and financial flexibility.

Musk responded directly: “Tesla’s credit rating is ridiculously low tbh,” and added, “Yeah, makes no sense. Tesla has over $40B in cash, no debt, and is consistently profitable!” His remarks underscored Tesla’s balance sheet strength and profitability at a time when many traditional automakers continue to report losses in the shift to electric vehicles.

Tesla maintains a leading position in the global EV market, with diversification into energy and storage, battery technology, and robotics through projects like Optimus. Recent financial updates show the company generated positive free cash flow of $1.4 billion in Q1 2026, supported by operating cash flow of $3.9 billion. Cash and short-term investments stood at approximately $44.7 billion.

Moody’s has affirmed Tesla’s Baa3 issuer rating with a stable outlook in periodic reviews, acknowledging the company’s EV leadership, technology strengths, including AI for autonomous vehicles, solid profitability, and strong liquidity.

Tesla (TSLA) scores Baa3 Moody’s rating for ‘stable’ outlook

However, the agency has also noted challenges in the automotive segment and expectations for margin pressures.

Musk’s critique highlights a common debate about how traditional rating methodologies apply to high-growth, capital-intensive technology companies. SpaceX benefits from long-term government-backed contracts and diversified, recurring revenue streams, while Tesla’s valuation reflects heavy investment in future technologies such as autonomy and robotics.

Both ratings remain investment-grade, yet the one-notch difference has fueled online discussion about potential inconsistencies in evaluating innovative firms.

The exchange comes as SpaceX explores financing options following its recent valuation milestones, while Tesla continues executing on its multi-year roadmap. Musk’s pointed response serves as a reminder that credit ratings, though influential for borrowing costs, represent one lens through which markets assess corporate strength—and that company leaders often view their financial positions through the lens of long-term innovation and cash generation rather than short-term risk metrics alone.

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Tesla Full Self-Driving faces major pushback in Europe

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Credit: Tesla

A new report from Reuters claims that a transport authority in Sweden is pushing back against the approval of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving suite because it will travel over speed limits.

The report says the Swedish Transport Administration (TRV) recommends the European Union votes against FSD’s approval. TRV believes it should not be approved until Tesla disables FSD’s ability to speed.

TRV sent a letter to the European Union’s Technical Committee on Motor Vehicles (TCMV), which is set to meet on June 30 to discuss the potential approval of the Tesla FSD suite in the country. Tesla, which has received various approvals in Europe over the past two months, has not provided a comment.

Tesla Full Self-Driving gets first-ever European approval

Teslas operating on FSD do travel over the speed limit, depending on the Speed Profile that is chosen. Drivers have the ability to disengage FSD at any point; Tesla specifically states that those supervising the suite are responsible for its actions.

Let’s cut to the chase: humans operating any vehicle speed almost daily in the United States. Realistically, speed limits in the U.S. are more frequently treated as speed minimums. However, other countries are different, and driving behaviors are less aggressive.

TRV believes that “allowing automated systems to systematically exceed legal speed limits…risks undermining both the legal framework and the expected safety benefits of ​vehicle automation,” the report stated. It’s surprising that Tesla has not received this claim from other countries previously.

This could be a good argument to bring Max Speed back, the setting that previously allowed the driver to choose the absolute fastest the car would travel.

This would still put the responsibility of supervision in the hands of the driver. It would allow the driver to choose whether the car would travel over the speed limit or not, acknowledging that they set the speed, and if they get pulled over, there would be no ability to argue it.

However, it does not seem as if this is something Tesla will do, especially considering many U.S. drivers have requested the feature in an effort to eliminate speeding or at least tone it down. The company has not shown any interest in bringing it back.

Tesla has approvals for FSD in Europe in Estonia, Lithuania, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

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