Tesla removed the ultrasonic sensor, and the analysis said that each car saved about $114USD.
CTOnews.com, October 13, Tesla announced earlier this month that he is replacing ultrasonic sensors (USS) with Tesla Vision vision solutions and removing USS from Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. According to Munro Live's Mike Lane cost analysis, Tesla estimated that each car could save $114 by removing ultrasonic sensors.
CTOnews.com learned that in the cost analysis, Mike Lane provided the estimated cost of Tesla's installation of USS on his vehicle. Note that these figures are estimates. Tesla is said to have installed 12 USS in each of his cars at an estimated cost of $8 each, totaling $96. The cost of spare parts and installation of Tesla's hot stent is estimated to be $0.15 each, or $1.80. The fascia board wire sensor harness is estimated at $2.20 each and the two total $4.40.
Tesla used two wiring connectors under the hood at an estimated cost of $0.40 each, for a total of $0.80. Tesla also used wires and connectors for dashboards and body harnesses, estimated at $0.50 each, for a total of $1. Tesla also used two integrated circuits at an estimated cost of $5 each. Overall, the total cost of these parts per car is $114.
Tesla has always been a supporter of pure vision solutions. Elon Musk, its CEO, believes that roads are designed for humans who use "eyes" and "brains", and that cars are better off using cameras and artificial neural networks to replicate this pattern of behavior, rather than letting radar data interfere with the process. Tesla assured consumers that the removal of the sensors would not affect the safety of drivers. "compared with traditional radar-equipped vehicles, Model 3 and Model Y equipped with Tesla Vision systems maintain or improve their active safety levels in the United States and Europe, and perform better in automatic pedestrian emergency braking (AEB) intervention."
