Tesla 8.1 software lets users take their hands off the steering wheel at higher speed

Tesla has released version 8.1 of its software, which allows users of cars newer than October 2016 to take their hands off the wheel at up to 130 kilometers per hour. Until now, this was possible up to about 70 kilometers per hour.

You can take your hands off the wheel with Autosteer, a feature where the Model X or Model S automatically stays in the lane and maintains speed and position. The function is not intended for fully autonomous driving, but for short distances. The changelog, which a Reddit user posted online, lacks a new situations function to automatically brake in emergency situations.

Tesla has been equipping Model X and Model S models with more sensors and newer hardware since October 2016, but the software has lagged behind older models so far. With the update to 8.1, that is much more equal, although the new hardware offers little advantage in the software for the time being.

In addition to Autosteer, there is a warning system in the update, where the steering wheel gives a vibration if users change lanes without blinking. Also, cars can automatically exit a parking space without a driver in the car when users press a button in Tesla’s smartphone app. The update will be available from Wednesday.