Elon Musk said Tesla vehicles will be able to find open parking spots without driver assistance by next year

Tesla Model 3Hollis Johnson/Business Insider

  • Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Wednesday via Twitter that by next year the automaker will expand the capabilities of a feature that allows Tesla vehicles to park with limited driver assistance.
  • "By next year, a Tesla should be able to drive around a parking lot, find an empty spot, read signs to confirm it's valid & park," Musk said.
  • While the AutoPark feature identifies possible parking spots for drivers to choose, Musk suggested that it will eventually be able to both find and choose a parking spot without driver assistance.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Wednesday via Twitter that by next year the automaker will expand the capabilities of a feature that allows Tesla vehicles to park with limited driver assistance.

"By next year, a Tesla should be able to drive around a parking lot, find an empty spot, read signs to confirm it's valid & park," Musk said.

The feature, called AutoPark, comes with Autopilot, Tesla's semi-autonomous driver assistance system. When prompted by a driver, the feature can move a vehicle into a parking spot. While Autopark identifies possible parking spots for drivers to choose, Musk suggested that it will eventually be able to both find and choose a parking spot without driver assistance.

Read more: I tried Tesla's Autopilot for the first time - and it was nerve-racking at first

On Thursday, Tesla began to roll out a new Autopilot feature, called Navigate on Autopilot, that can recommend lane changes, navigate transitions between highways, and take exits, with driver supervision. Autopilot can also keep a car in its lane and adjust its speed based on surrounding traffic, among other features.

In early October, Consumer Reports released its rankings of four semi-autonomous driver assistance systems. The publication ranked Autopilot second, behind Cadillac's Super Cruise. Autopilot received the highest rating for capability and performance and ease of use but received the lowest rating for keeping drivers engaged.

Have a Tesla news tip? Contact this reporter at mmatousek@businessinsider.com.

Get the latest Tesla stock price here.

NOW WATCH: The science behind the viral videos of mounting tires with a controlled explosion

{{}}
Add Comment()
Comments ()
Characters Remaining: 3000
X
Sort By:
Be the first one to comment.
We have sent you a verification email. This comment will be published once verification is done.
Next StoryTruck drivers detest a new law that forces them to take a 10-hour rest break - and they're getting support from an unlikely source
Related Stories
Latest Stories

Apple and Goldman Sachs are being picky about who gets an Apple Card

Lions players blast NFL officials after phantom calls cost them a win over the Packers

A new radar system will track 250,000 tiny pieces of space junk. It may help prevent snowballing collisions that could cut off our access to orbit.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass review: If you want Hilton perks with a low annual fee, this is the card for you

Disney just shook up its $2-plus billion ad business as it prepares to battle Apple, Netflix, and Amazon for streaming audiences