Tesla 2019.24.4 update: Model 3 CHAdeMO support, better Sketchpad, more

The Palo Alto-based Tesla Inc. has finally made the needed changes to the Model 3 software (2019.24.4 update) that enables the use of CHAdeMO adapter — just late last year we broke the news that the CHAdeMO adapter will ultimately come to the Tesla Model 3 as we found it in the Model 3 parts catalog (download PDF).

The latest 2019.24.4 software update brings more stuff packaged besides the CHAdeMO support — like the improvements to the Tesla Sketchpad (finger art software on the center touchscreen), in-car Owner’s Manual is now searchable bringing better UX to the user, wide release of the Beach Buggy Racing 2 video game, and further enhancements to the Application Launcher that includes the new Toybox launcher icon.

An accomplished artist and illustrator Goro Fujita asked for a few new features for the Tesla Sketchpad and Tesla announced last month that these features will be rolling out in the next software update, so here they are (see the video demo and full release notes below).

Tesla Model 3’s newly gained ability to access the CHAdeMO charging network further weakens the ‘range anxiety’ narrative against electric vehicles — the Tesla CHAdeMO adapter is available at the Tesla online store for $450 which can be used with the Model S and Model X as well.

Actually, the Tesla Model 3 only needed a proper software update to unlock the ability to use the CHAdeMO charging network and now Tesla has enabled it with the 2019.24.4 firmware release.

The CHAdeMO charging capability will mainly benefit the North American Tesla Model 3 owners as the European owners already get their cars with a CCS charge port for which the charging options are widely available in Europe.

Tesla Software 2019.24.4 Update Release Notes

CHAdeMO Adapter Support

You can now charge your car at CHAdeMO charging stations with the CHAdeMO Adapter which is available for purchase from Tesla. To charge, connect the adapter to the charging station’s charge cable and then plug into your car. Once complete, follow the instructions on the CHAdeMO charging station to start the charging session.

Sketchpad Improvements

Sketchpad has been improved to make it easier to create your next masterpiece. The color picker now supports color saturation and in the case, you make a mistake, you can now undo multiple changes. To access Sketchpad, tap on the Application Launcher > Toybox > Sketchpad

Owner’s Manual Improvements

Search the Owner’s Manual by typing search terms. Quickly move through the search results by tapping the arrow buttons. To access the Owners’ Manual, tap the Tesla T > Owner’s Manual

Beach Buggy Racing 2: Tesla Edition

Beach Buggy Racing 2: Tesla Edition is a fanciful kart racer where you drive your own actual car in an action-packed race to the finish. Careen through Egyptian pyramids, dragon-infested castles, pirate shipwrecks, and experimental alien bio-labs. Blast your opponents with an arsenal of fun and wacky Powerups. Recruit a colorful cast of new drivers – including SpaceX’s Starman!

As with all games, you can play by tapping the Tesla “T” at the top center of the touchscreen, then tap the Tesla Aracade icon in your Easter Egg tray and select your desired game from the drop-down menu

Application Launcher

The Application Launcher has been updated to include the Toybox to access Easter Eggs and the Arcade to access games. As usual, the Arcade can only be launched your car is in PARK

Video: 2019.24.4 Tesla Software Update Walkthrough

The YouTube channel ‘ALL Electric ⚡️‘ has posted the following video which demonstrates the new and improved features Tesla has deployed in the 2019.24.4 software update, especially for the CHAdeMO adapter support and the new Sketchpad’s ability to perform multiple ‘Undo’ commands and the new color picker allowing multiple levels of color saturations.

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