Key Takeaways
1. The 2026 Tesla Model Y introduces a “4D” cabin radar that improves occupancy detection for enhanced safety.
2. This radar can measure characteristics like size, height, weight, and heart rates, aiding in safety measures for unattended pets or children.
3. All Tesla vehicles with cabin radar will receive the Child Left Alone Detection feature through a software update.
4. Tesla uses in-cabin radar for Child Presence Detection, allowing it to detect physical changes like breathing, unlike many competitors using ultrasonic sensors.
5. Future features may include automatic air conditioning adjustments and emergency service notifications if there’s no response to alerts.
The 2026 Tesla Model Y has introduced a new “4D” cabin radar, which engineers claim will enhance occupancy detection related to safety.
Enhanced Safety Features
This advanced radar, placed beneath the headliner, can measure various characteristics of people inside the vehicle, including their size, height, weight, and even heart rates. According to Lars Moravy, the lead engineer at Tesla, this data could help in implementing more sophisticated safety measures, such as identifying if pets or children are left unattended in the vehicle without activating the appropriate mode. The radar can detect alterations in breathing patterns and heart rates, triggering the car’s computer to open windows or adjust the air conditioning. Additionally, it can notify the car owner via the Tesla app. In the future, the Model Y might even be capable of dialing 911 if there is no response to these alerts.
Features Across Tesla Models
These occupant safety features are being rolled out to all Tesla cars that have a cabin radar. While these older models may not feature the “4D” radar technology of the new Model Y, they do have a similar radar system that has been inactive behind the rearview mirror since 2022. This includes models like the refreshed Model 3, the Cybertruck, along with the Model S and Model X, which have been equipped with cabin radar since 2021.
With the recent update to software version 2025.14.12, all Tesla vehicles will now gain access to the Child Left Alone Detection feature. While Tesla is not yet at the stage of alerting authorities regarding forgotten children in cars, the system will activate hazard lights and produce beeping sounds periodically until someone arrives to unlock the vehicle with the child inside.
Regulatory Compliance and Competitors
The alert sent to the Tesla app may be a helpful addition, even though many automakers have already established similar Child Presence Detection (CPD) systems, which are increasingly required by law. For instance, the Euro NCAP crash test program, which recently awarded the Model 3 a 5-star safety rating, now considers certain CPD features when determining the highest safety scores.
Tesla, alongside companies like Hyundai, opts for in-cabin radar instead of ultrasonic sensors for CPD functionality. This method allows the radar to detect minute physical changes, such as breathing, through seats and other barriers. It can also differentiate between adults, children, and pets, even if they are seated in the back.
It’s still uncertain when Tesla will incorporate additional CPD features that their engineers have discussed, such as activating the air conditioning or contacting emergency services if there is no response to alerts, sounds, or app notifications.
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