Understanding the Difference between Basic Autopilot (AP) and Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) - Is Reverting to Basic AP Worth It?
Tesla vehicles come with several Autopilot (AP) options, including Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) and Full Self-Driving (FSD). Last year, a driver experienced the basic AP in a rental Model 3 SR and found it to be much better than their own EAP and FSD. This raises the question: is it possible to request that Service replace EAP and FSD with just basic AP?
The answer is yes – you can request it from Service. However, whether or not they will do it remains to be seen. It’s worth considering what makes basic AP different from EAP. On highways, both are similar except for lane change with blinker (unless activating NOA). But EAP also has auto stop, NoA, summon, as well as issues like phantom braking, red steering wheel alarms, “pings-ponging” between lanes, and freaking out when cars merge from an on-ramp. Basic AP seems to perform traffic-aware cruise control and autosteer without these problems.
If you have EAP and ping-ponging isn't something you've experienced before, then recalibrating the cameras may help. Merging cars from an on-ramp is something many drivers experience at times; one solution is to stick to the middle lane whenever possible. With V11 software update, all three AP versions will share the same logic from the bottom up.
In conclusion, while it is possible to request replacing EAP and FSD with just basic AP from Service, it’s important to consider the differences between them first. If you experience any of the issues associated with EAP such as phantom braking or pings-ponging between lanes, reverting to basic AP may be beneficial. Otherwise, if your current system works fine for you there may not be much point in switching over.
Is it possible to request Service to revert a Model 3 LR to basic AP?
Yes, you can request it, but whether they will do it is uncertain.
What is the difference between EAP and AP?
On the highway, EAP adds lane change with blinker (unless you're activating NOA which is completely optional). EAP also boasts "auto lane change," as well as "auto stop," "NoA," and "summon," but it also suffers from phantom braking, red steering wheel alarms, "pings-ponging" between lanes, and freaking out when cars merge from an on-ramp. Basic AP seemed to perform both traffic-aware cruise control and autosteer just fine —but without those unpredictable quirks.
How to turn off FSD, NOA and Autosteer?
You can turn off FSD, NOA and Autosteer in the settings.
Does EAP suffer from ping-ponging between lanes?
Generally speaking, EAP does not suffer from ping-ponging between lanes. However, at times the car may get a bit too close to the center line when taking a curve.
Does EAP have issue with merging cars from an on-ramp?
It is something that some people experience at times. To avoid these "encounters", try to stick to the middle lane whenever possible when driving on a 3+ lanes highway.
Do AP, EAP and FSD use the same logic when driving on a major highway?
At present time, AP, EAP, FSD all use the same logic when driving on a major highway. With the upcoming V11, it is believed that all three will be sharing the same logic from the bottom up.