A Tesla Model 3 was spotted with a different setup than usual while driving on the freeway in Palo Alto, California. It had Texas manufacturer plates and some important parts seemed to be missing or changed, according to a tweet from Nic Cruz Patane.
In this test mule, there were no side mirrors at all. Instead, the repeater cameras stuck out a bit more than usual. This change could provide a better view along the side of the car, which might make them a good replacement for traditional mirrors.
The idea of removing side mirrors isn’t new. Tesla showed off its Cybertruck without side mirrors initially, but had to add them later to meet safety rules. Ditching them could prevent accidental damage and improve the car’s aerodynamics, which could increase its range.
There are a couple of possibilities with this Model 3. Tesla might be working on eliminating side mirrors for future models, using external cameras to show images on screens inside the car. Automakers have been working on this tech for a while to make it safe and effective.
This setup usually involves screens inside the car, often near the front pillar, but they weren’t visible in the Model 3 images. The display might be on the center screen instead. Another option is that this setup could be for Tesla’s upcoming robotaxi, which would need cameras to see around it but wouldn’t need a display for a driver.
Besides the modified repeater cameras, the exterior B-pillar cameras are now inside the car looking out through the back windows, and the trunk camera is slightly higher. There are a lot of changes happening with this Model 3. Elon Musk has mentioned that removing side and rearview mirrors is a company goal, but he didn’t say when it might happen. This Model 3 could be a step in that direction.
