Tesla Autopilot updates could bring fully autonomous functions "in weeks"

Tesla looks ready to launch Autopilot 2.0 as its first fully autonomous self-driving system in a wave of new software updates that are on their way in the coming weeks.

The company's boss Elon Musk tweeted yesterday: "Major improvements to Autopilot coming with V8.0 and 8.1 software (std OTA update) primarily through advanced processing of radar signals".

His tweet confirms that the first wave of updates will be applied to customer cars via over-the-air (OTA) updates for V8.0 and will therefore not include a fully autonomous function. However, the mention of V8.1 suggests fully autonomous Autopilot software could be on its way in the very near future.

The new software, which will likely be called Autopilot 2.0, will require additional hardware to be fitted to new models. Previous reports suggest that aside from new software, the changes will include extra sensors in each corner of the car, as well as a front-facing ‘triple’ camera system which Tesla has already started implementing in production of the latest Model S.

Autopilot 2.0 will almost certainly enable SAE Level 4 fully autonomous driving without a driver in control, something Ford has announced its new car with no steering wheel or pedals will be capable of by 2020.

Tesla's new insurance product

Tesla has also taken its first steps into the insurance market by launching a new bespoke scheme for Tesla cars in Australia. It joins insurance policies already available in Hong Kong and Mexico in partnership with bigger insurance firms.

The manufacturer says InsureMyTesla was launched because those country's insurance policies didn't cater for electric cars, leaving out aspects like cover for the wall connector to charge the car.

"We identified an opportunity to improve the owner experience and affordability by working directly with insurance companies, taking the time to educate them," a spokesperson told Autocar UK.

Tesla UK has not commented on the chances of a similar insurance scheme being offered in this country.

Tesla came under fire earlier this year following a fatal crash in the US involving a Model S driver using the firm’s Autopilot system.