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Wattscharging EV Newsletter

Tesla takes away Autopilot... right as FSD gets good?

Published about 2 months ago • 2 min read

WattsCharging
Weekly EV Newsletter

January 27, 2026 l Past Issues​

WattsCharging This Week:

(3 min read)

  • Tesla's new charging cable release feature
  • New Teslas ship with basic cruise control only. Autopilot is no longer included.
  • ​Out of Spec Reviews take FSD v14.2.2.3 onto the ice!
  • For the first time ever, Europe sold more EVs than gas cars

Let's dive in.

Top Charging News

​Tesla Rolls Out Handy Charging Cable Release Feature in North America​

Tesla just dropped a small but practical update in its latest software release. The new Unlatch Charge Cable feature gives drivers another way to unlock the charging cable by pulling and holding the rear left door handle for 3 seconds.

For most drivers using the Tesla charging network, this feature is not necessary. But it can be helpful for people using third-party or destination chargers that often lack a dedicated unlatch button.

The feature is available now in North America via update 2026.2.3, and honestly, it's one of those features you didn't know you needed until you have it. Read more here.

Other EV News

​New Teslas No Longer Come With Autopilot—Now Only Include Basic Cruise Control​

Tesla has quietly removed Autopilot as a standard feature on new vehicles, replacing it with basic cruise control. The timing is ironic. Just as FSD is hitting its stride and getting positive feedback from users, Tesla is pulling the free Autopilot safety features that used to come standard. If you want Autosteer and Traffic-Aware Cruise Control now, you'll need to pay up, and people are not happy about it. Full details here.

​EVs Just Outsold Gas Cars In Europe For The First Time​

Despite a proposed loosening of the upcoming 2035 gas car ban, Europeans bought over 300,000 EVs in December of last year, boosting the year-over-year figures by a solid 50% and overtaking gas cars.

​Tesla FSD vs Snow​

Out of Spec's Kyle and Logan put Tesla's Full Self-Driving (version 14.2.2.3) through the ultimate winter stress test on a snowy and icy track. The FSD system handled low-friction surfaces better than expected, even in situations where humans might struggle.

The full video is on Out of Spec Reviews.

Before you go…

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See you next Tuesday!

WattsCharging Editorial Team ⚡️

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