Tesla awaits approval for 'Summon' driving app

A new software update from Tesla introduces extended Autopilot functionality in the company's Model S and Model X product ranges, but it's not known when local Tesla owners will be able to access the smartphone parking function that's the major element.

Version 7.1, as the software update has been termed, includes the new feature, named 'Summon' – basically a remote auto parking facility – but it won't be available here immediately, says Heath Walker, Marketing and Communications Manager for Tesla in Australia.

"The Summon element of the update isn't actually available in the Australian update, but the rest of the features will be available," Walker told motoring.com.au earlier today.

"So perpendicular self parking – or auto parking – will be the biggest feature besides Spotify being added to vehicles in our market.

"It's the first time the software updates have been slightly different, market to market. But Europe and Australia I don't believe will be getting Summon; it will just be China and the US..."

Summon allows the Tesla owner to start and drive the car out of a garage or down the driveway without actually being seated inside. It's technology that's similar to the remote control parking system that's available in the BMW 7 Series in other markets – but not Australia.

Tesla stresses that Summon is in Beta development and the manufacturer asks customers to restrict their use of the system to private property – driveways, garages and other off-street parking spots. In the fullness of time Tesla intends for each car with Summon installed to be called to the owner's location from anywhere – on public roads with the occasional stop to recharge if necessary.

For the moment, autonomous motoring in Australia is not feasible with our existing infrastructure, but Walker says that there is a regulatory hurdle to overcome as well.

"The driver must have control of the vehicle at all times. That's the overarching statement..." he explained.

"From what I've read, and I'm no lawyer... there's no direct definition of what control is."

According to Walker, the Summon software already provides the driver with control of the vehicle via the application itself and "the ability to stop the car at anytime via the controller". The issue at hand beyond the actual definition of control is whether there lurks deep within legislation somewhere else an insistence that the driver must actually be seated within the vehicle to be deemed in control.

"We won't commentate on law," Walker said; "we just put out technology that falls within [the law]. [For] Autopilot... auto steering and auto lane change, we recommend people keep their hands on the steering wheel at all times, so that it does work within the bounds [of current legislation].

"It's making sure that we define 'use' within those current laws."

Tesla in Australia is currently pushing ahead with Summon as part of the Version 7.1 update. According to Walker the company has applied for "regulatory approval". As yet it hasn't been denied approval by the powers that be. Walker didn't care to offer an opinion as to when Summon might be made available, but he noted that Tesla had gone through the same process gaining approval for Autopilot.