To creep or not to creep? That is the question.
As many hardened electric car fans will tell you, unlike gasoline cars with automatic gearboxes, not all electric cars move forward -- or creep -- when you release the foot brake.
When Tesla launched the 2012 Model S, it, like unlike the two-seat Tesla Roadster which preceded it, did not come with creep function enabled.
But after numerous requests from its customers, Tesla has announced it will soon be offering a remote software update to all 2012 Tesla Model S cars which will enable the function.
Without visiting their local service center, Tesla customers will be notified of the update to their Model S’ operating system.
Once installed, it will add a new option to the car’s preferences, allowing customers to enable or disable automatic creep.
2012 Tesla Model S, brief test drive, New York City, July 2012
Tesla’s creep function upgrade was quietly announced in a recent webpage update covering its 2012 Model S servicing plans.
“By default, Model S does not slowly move forward when you release the brake pedal like cars equipped with automatic transmissions,” Tesla says on its webpage. “With an electric motor there’s no need for this, but some early customers miss it. Using software updates, we can upgrade every Model S with a ‘creep’ option which customers can enable using the 17 inch touchscreen.”
Tesla hasn’t detailed how long Tesla owners will have to wait for the update, or if it will come standard on Model S cars which have yet to leave the factory, but we assume the additional optional feature will be made available to existing customers shortly.
For those who are used to driving gasoline automatic cars, the option of creep simulation will be a welcome addition to first-time electric car drivers.
But would you like to choose if your electric car has it or not?
Let us know in the Comments below.
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