Tesla questioned over hidden crash test code

13/09/2022 04:57

A Tesla expert has unearthed hidden computer codes that detect when the electric-car specialist’s vehicles are about to be subject to a scientific crash test rather than involved in a real-world collision.

The suggestion is that Tesla could be gaming independent crash test authorities because its cars know exactly what they are coming up against when slammed into a wall or deformable barrier.

Last week, the Tesla Model Y SUV scored among the highest safety marks ever recorded for a motor vehicle.

Now some experts are questioning whether this is a fair reflection of how the vehicle performs in a real-world crash, or if Tesla gamed the system by maximising its test results,

Independent crash test bodies such as Euro NCAP and Australasian NCAP were established to provide consumers with a guide to the varying levels of occupant protection across a range of vehicles.

However, if Tesla can maximise its result, it casts a cloud over the score because it may not reflect how the vehicle performs in more random scenarios.

Well-known Tesla decoder Green (@atgreentheonly on Twitter) has been a consistent researcher of the US brand, reporting everything from new features to safety.

Just days after the Tesla Model Y achieved the highest Euro NCAP score on record, he found unusual details that could point to a program to allow the electric car maker to detect safety testing programs.

Over the weekend, Green posted onTwitter about “ANCAP support” in the code of Tesla vehicles, which may involve the car identifying safety testing locations.

Other online observers have speculated this code could allow the vehicle’s electronic safety systems to be optimised, if it was in one of those locations.

Green’s post has already triggered a response from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), the body responsible for providing independent safety ratings in Australia and New Zealand.

“We’re aware of the claims made on Twitter and are looking into it,” a spokesperson told Drive.

There is no direct allegation of cheating, either by Green or Drive, but the user is asking why Tesla would bother with the special codes to identify safety testing locations.

“Tesla just added ANCAP support in their code. This is in addition to already existing ‘I VISTA’ (Chinese testing grounds) EuroNCAP and Korea NCAP,” Green posted.

“One wonders why do it (they also give testing houses one-off builds with the testing house in the name (with tweaked settings?)”.

Green said he is not directly accusing Tesla of wrongdoing, but some fans have questioned the brand’s previous aggressive behaviour in defending its technology.

It’s the “tweaked settings” reference which has rung alarm bells for many, as it suggests Tesla could be doing something to optimise its vehicles’ performance in safety tests.

This could involve a change as simple as sharpening the response of electronic anti-collision systems, which would make a difference during scientific NCAP safety testing.

Volkswagen did something broadly similar in what became the ‘Dieselgate’ scandal, using a special program to cheat emissions testing on its diesel vehicles when driven.

Certain Volkswagen cars were able to identify when it was being analysed in laboratory conditions – and switched to a low-emissions engine management setting to cheat the test.

Green has not identified any specific functions of Tesla vehicles which could be modified by the code, but has indicated the ability to geofence some features – headlined by the company’s self-driving programs – based on a car’s location.

As this article was published, there has been no reaction from Tesla CEO Elon Musk to Green’s Tweet, although his most-recent Tweet is about the FSD Beta autonomous software which includes geofencing.

“FSD Beta 10.69.2 rolling out now. Please note that top priority is safety, so expect it to be overly cautious, especially around pedestrians,” Mr Musk Tweeted.

Drive has contacted Tesla for comment on the findings reporting on Twitter and will update this story if we receive a response. However, it is Tesla’s policy to not respond to media requests for comment.

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