A Tesla Model Y is showcased on a Tesla car lot in Austin, Texas on May 31, 2023.
Brandon Bell | Getty Images
A security researcher, known as “@GreentheOnly,” recently made an intriguing discovery regarding Tesla vehicles. There exists a hidden setting that Tesla can activate, allowing drivers to utilize Tesla’s advanced driver assistance systems, also known as Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, without having to keep their hands on the steering wheel for extended periods of time.
Enabling this mode in a Tesla vehicle eliminates what owners often refer to as the “nag.” Although the researcher has playfully named this feature “Elon Mode,” it is not the official term used within the company.
It’s important to note that Tesla’s current offering does not provide a fully self-driving vehicle. Despite CEO Elon Musk’s promise dating back to 2016 that a self-driving car would be available, Tesla’s driver assistance systems still require human drivers to remain attentive and ready to intervene if needed.
Typically, when using Autopilot or Full Self-Driving, a Tesla driver receives visual prompts on the car’s touchscreen to regularly apply resistance to the steering wheel. Failure to do so results in escalating alerts, including beeping noises. In cases of continued inaction, Autopilot may be disabled for a temporary period of time, lasting several weeks.
Last December, Elon Musk mentioned on Twitter his intention to remove the “nag” for some Tesla owners in January. However, this plan was never implemented. By April 2023, Musk stated in a tweet that they were gradually reducing the alerts in proportion to improved safety.
The security researcher who revealed the existence of “Elon Mode” has chosen to remain anonymous, but both Tesla and CNBC are aware of their identity. Privacy concerns prompted their decision to remain pseudonymous.
The Verge previously reported on the “Elon Mode” discovery.
Having tested various features of Tesla’s vehicles for years and also being an owner of a Tesla Model X, this white hat hacker has consistently reported bugs to the company. Their efforts have resulted in earning tens of thousands of dollars through Tesla’s bug bounty program.
During an interview conducted via direct message, the hacker mentioned that it is currently impossible to determine the number of cars with “Elon Mode” enabled unless one works at Tesla or has access to relevant company databases.
In February, Tesla issued a voluntary recall in the U.S. for 362,758 vehicles due to potential issues with their Full Self-Driving Beta system, which could lead to accidents. This was the second recall of its kind, but Tesla addressed the problems with an over-the-air software update.
According to the safety recall report, the FSD Beta system at that time had the potential to cause crashes by behaving unsafely at intersections, such as incorrectly navigating turn-only lanes, failing to come to a complete stop at stop signs, or disregarding yellow traffic signals without adequate caution.
The hacker, GreentheOnly, believes that future recalls may be necessary as Tesla continues to improve the FSD Beta system’s ability to automatically recognize and respond to traffic-control devices like traffic lights and stop signs.
Based on the most recent data available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Tesla has reported 19 incidents resulting in at least one fatality in situations where their driver assistance systems were active within 30 seconds of the collision. There have been a total of 21 reported incidents resulting in fatalities where Tesla vehicles were equipped with driver assistance systems.
As of now, Tesla has not provided a comment on this matter.
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