Tesla Software Hacker Obtains 'Elon Mode' Feature, Enabling Hands-Free Driving

A Tesla software hacker discovered a hidden feature named "Elon Mode", which might be Tesla CEO Elon Musk's very own supersecret driver mode. This enables hands-free driving in vehicles and will not require any attention while using the FSD Software.

Discovering "Elon Mode"

Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk might have his own secret driver mode as a software hacker known online as @greentheonly discovered a hidden feature named "Elon Mode." According to a report from The Verge, the hacker ventured out to test the system, posting some rough footage of the actual usage.

The hacker found that the feature will not require drivers to monitor their vehicle while using Tesla's Full Self-Driving software, which is the company's vision-based advanced driver-assist system that is currently in beta. The newly-obtained feature solves the problem for owners who often complain about the frequency of the system's checks, leading to "nagging."

Tesla's first-generation driver-assist system for highways called Autopilot System requires a certain driver to nudge the steering wheel to confirm their attentiveness during use. FSD users are also required to have enough force as they are subject to frequent nudging. However, this could inadvertently shut off the whole system.

Exclusive for Company-Owned Vehicles Only?

GreentheOnly clarified that the test for Elon Mode' was conducted using a company-owned vehicle as they could not get a non-Tesla vehicle to try it on. "Unless you work at Tesla, or otherwise have access to relevant databases at the company," the hacker stated. Based on the video posted by the hacker, it seems like the early Model X was used for the test.

As the hacker tests the Elon Mode for 600 miles, nagging was not found. The system also still seems to change lanes randomly and ends up driving slowly on the highway. No confirmation from the company on whether this version will be available to regular owners.

In December, Musk hinted to release a nag-free driving soon. Months later after that tweet, Musk was asked for an update regarding this and said that the company is gradually reducing it, proportionate to a much-improved safety of the vehicle and the drivers.

Reported Incidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released a Safety Recall Report for the FSD Beta system, saying that it could cause crashes as it allows a vehicle to travel straight in a turn-only lane, enter a stop sign-controlled intersection without stopping, and proceed to the intersection during steady yellow traffic signals.

Tesla already reported 19 incidents to the agency, resulting in at least one fatality. CNBC reported that the driver assistance systems were in use within 30 seconds of the collision. Meanwhile, 21 total incidents were reported by the company that resulted in fatalities where the vehicles were equipped with driver assistance systems.