For city drivers, an invaluable feature is the Green Light Traffic Chime. This function notifies you when a traffic light turns green, a subtle but effective aid, especially if your attention is momentarily diverted. It's a prime example of Tesla's design philosophy that aims to integrate technology seamlessly into everyday driving. Activating this feature is straightforward: navigate to Controls > Autopilot on your car's touchscreen and simply toggle on the Green Traffic Light Chime. This convenient alert operates when the vehicle's Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is not engaged, ensuring you're always responsive to changing traffic conditions.
Another highly recommended feature is the Walk-Away Door Lock. This automates the locking and unlocking process of your Tesla, leveraging your phone as a digital key. As you move away from the vehicle, it securely locks itself, and similarly, it unlocks as you approach. This hands-free operation adds a layer of convenience and peace of mind. To manage this setting, access Controls > Locks > Walk-Away Door Lock on your Tesla's display. While incredibly practical, it's prudent to be aware of the nuances of electronic latch systems, as Tesla has seen instances where occupants have experienced challenges with door operation under specific circumstances.
The Autosteer function, often overlooked by many Tesla owners, is a cornerstone of the vehicle's advanced driver-assistance systems. When active, Autosteer provides steering assistance by recognizing lane markings and detecting surrounding vehicles and obstacles. This intelligent system helps maintain the car's position within its lane, contributing to a safer and more relaxed driving experience. It's a fundamental component of the basic autopilot capabilities. To enable this feature, go to Controls > Autopilot > Autosteer. While broadly available, certain models, like the Cybertruck, may have distinct functionalities or limitations regarding Autosteer.
A point of discussion among Tesla enthusiasts is the Energy Display feature, which allows drivers to choose how their vehicle's remaining power is shown. While the default setting might display estimated driving distance, a popular alternative is to show the battery charge as a percentage. This preference often boils down to individual driving habits and comfort levels, with some drivers preferring the directness of a percentage similar to a smartphone battery indicator, while others find the estimated range more practical. You can easily switch between these display modes by accessing Controls > Display > Energy Display. This customization reflects Tesla's commitment to user-centric design, allowing owners to tailor their dashboard information to their liking.
The choice between displaying battery life as a percentage or an estimated distance has generated considerable discussion within the Tesla community. Many owners express a strong preference for the percentage display, viewing it as a more reliable and consistent indicator of remaining charge, akin to how they monitor their mobile devices. They argue that distance estimates can be less accurate, influenced by driving conditions, terrain, and climate, potentially leading to range anxiety. Conversely, a minority of drivers find the distance projection more intuitive for trip planning. This ongoing debate highlights the diverse needs and expectations of Tesla drivers, underscoring the importance of customizable vehicle settings to cater to individual preferences and ensure optimal user satisfaction.
Anticipation builds as Hyundai prepares to unveil its compact electric vehicle, the Concept THREE, which serves as a clear indication of what the upcoming IONIQ 3 will embody. This pioneering EV showcases a truly distinctive and progressive design, hinting at a new era for compact electric mobility. With its striking silhouette and innovative styling, the Concept THREE promises to capture attention and set new benchmarks in the automotive world.
After a period of speculation regarding Hyundai's next entry-level EV, the company has officially confirmed the Concept THREE, unveiling a fresh teaser image that offers a more detailed look. This new electric model embraces an almost sports car-like profile, designed under Hyundai's 'Art of Steel' philosophy. This unique design approach draws inspiration from the pliability and fluidity of steel, promising a vehicle that is not only visually appealing but also dynamically conceived.
Hyundai describes the Concept THREE's 'Aero Hatch' side profile as a pioneering typology that reinterprets the traditional compact EV shape. This innovative design element, along with other new features, suggests a departure from conventional automotive aesthetics. The rear spoiler, for instance, appears to mirror the updated IONIQ 6, potentially featuring a full-length LED light bar, emphasizing a coherent and forward-thinking design language across the IONIQ range.
In line with its successful IONIQ lineup and the Kia EV series, Hyundai's latest concept is expected to be built upon the advanced Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). This dedicated EV platform is renowned for its versatility and efficiency, enabling optimal performance, spacious interiors, and flexible battery configurations. The use of E-GMP underscores Hyundai's commitment to delivering high-performance and future-proof electric vehicles.
The IONIQ 3 is strategically positioned to bridge the gap between Hyundai's Inster EV and Kona Electric models, addressing a specific market segment. This new addition reaffirms Hyundai's dedication to strengthening its presence in the European market and showcasing its leadership in developing sustainable transportation solutions. By offering a diverse range of electric vehicles, Hyundai aims to cater to a broader audience and accelerate the transition to electric mobility.
Inside, the IONIQ 3 is anticipated to feature a significant upgrade in its infotainment system, surpassing Hyundai's current offerings. Powered by the advanced Pleos OS, this system promises a user experience akin to that of a smartphone, indicating a focus on intuitive interfaces and seamless connectivity. This enhancement highlights Hyundai's commitment to integrating advanced technology and digital convenience into its electric vehicles.
While official pricing, range, and final specifications for the IONIQ 3 are yet to be announced, estimations suggest a competitive price point, possibly around £25,000 ($33,700), positioning it similarly to the Kia EV2. Furthermore, the IONIQ 3 is likely to offer battery options of 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh, potentially delivering a WLTP range of 260 miles and an impressive 365 miles respectively, making it a compelling choice in the compact EV segment.
The world premiere of the new Hyundai EV is scheduled to take place at the prestigious Munich Motor Show in Germany, running from September 9th to September 14th. This global debut will be a pivotal moment for Hyundai, as it aims to captivate the audience and demonstrate how the IONIQ 3 will revolutionize the compact EV sector. The event will provide a detailed look at the Concept THREE, showcasing its potential to reshape the future of urban electric transportation.
At the upcoming IAA Munich motor show, Hyundai plans to introduce its 'Concept Three' compact electric vehicle, a strategic move to tackle critical industry questions concerning the accessibility and sustained consumer interest in electric cars, particularly in light of waning tax incentives in major markets. This concept is expected to transition into the Ioniq 3 production model, which promises not only a groundbreaking design but also the advanced integration of Apple CarPlay Ultra, signaling a significant leap in in-car technology for affordable electric vehicles. Unlike its sibling, the Kia EV3, the Ioniq 3 is envisioned to boast a more adventurous aesthetic, characterized by a sleek 'aero hatch' design that incorporates aerodynamic enhancements for improved performance.
A key highlight of the Ioniq 3 will be its utilization of Pleos, Hyundai's cutting-edge software division, to power the vehicle's next-generation operating system and connected features. This strategic shift towards a zonal architecture, minimizing reliance on multiple domain controllers, aims to streamline the vehicle's electrical systems, accelerate data transfer, facilitate frequent over-the-air updates, and simplify maintenance procedures. The most compelling technological advancement, however, is the potential inclusion of Apple CarPlay Ultra. This enhanced version of CarPlay extends its dominion beyond the central infotainment screen, integrating with the gauge cluster to offer a comprehensive iOS experience throughout the vehicle's display ecosystem. This means essential vehicle information, from battery range to speed readings, would be seamlessly presented within the familiar Apple interface, offering unprecedented customization options for users.
While specific details regarding the Ioniq 3's powertrain and battery remain under wraps, insights from the Kia EV3 suggest a promising range, potentially targeting around 300 miles for the U.S. market. The Ioniq 3 represents Hyundai's ambition to sustain its competitive edge in the evolving electric vehicle landscape, especially as the industry navigates shifts in government incentives. By merging innovative design with sophisticated software and integrating a highly anticipated feature like Apple CarPlay Ultra, Hyundai aims to position the Ioniq 3 as a compelling and accessible option for mainstream EV adoption, addressing the market's need for both affordability and cutting-edge technology.
This pioneering approach by Hyundai with the Ioniq 3 underscores a future where advanced technology and sustainable mobility are not exclusive but universally accessible, inspiring broader adoption of electric vehicles and fostering a more connected, efficient, and forward-thinking automotive ecosystem for all.