Tesla updates side repeater camera with passive airflow design
New camera uses geometry to shed water without added cost, improving vision system performance.
Tesla has updated the side repeater camera on its vehicles with a design refinement aimed at keeping the lens clearer during driving. According to an engineer's post on X, "the version on the left is the newer part which uses passive geometry to create airflow disturbance that better keep water off the lens while driving."
The improvement leverages passive aerodynamic principles rather than active systems or additional components. The update carries no cost penalty, the engineer noted, making it a straightforward performance gain for the vision system that supports both driver assistance and autonomous driving features.
The side repeater cameras are part of Tesla's vision-based approach to vehicle sensing. Keeping these lenses clear of water and road spray is a practical concern for maintaining reliable image capture in wet conditions.
"The side repeater camera was updated - the version on the left is the newer part which uses passive geometry to create airflow disturbance that better keep water off the lens while driving. No cost penalty, just pure vision improvement."— X · @wmorrill3