tesla smart cruise control

I tried adaptive cruise control on these EVs — and it changed the way I drive

Drivers may be surprised trying it out for the first time

Three EVs and one PHEV in, there’s one feature I’ve been constantly leaning on my quest to drive the best electric cars around. It’s adaptive cruise control (ACC), which is also commonly referred to as dynamic cruise control and smart cruise control depending on the car maker. They all basically follow the premise of maintaining your vehicle’s speed while driving, but with the ability to steer the wheel for you as well so that you stay centered in your lane.

I can’t tell you how it’s the single thing that’s changing my habits, which I explained in detail when I test drove the Lexus TX550H+ and let it take over the wheel for me . This feature isn’t just exclusive to EVs because it’s been in many gas-powered vehicles and hybrids for a long while now, leveraging different technologies, such as LiDAR, sonar, radar, and even the cameras around the car.

For those still driving much older vehicles, say 10+ years old, they could find the experience of using adaptive cruise control a bit jarring when they upgrade — which could dissuade them from using it entirely. After driving multiple EVs with adaptive cruise control, I realize it serves its purpose more often than not. Here’s when you should and shouldn’t use it.

Perfect for highways

Cruise control has always been a driver’s best friend for those long trips on highways. Adaptive cruise control makes it even better because today’s vehicles can intelligently identify other moving vehicles — especially the one right in front of you.

When I test drove the Hyundai Ioniq 6 for a week , I was impressed by its ability to distance itself from the car in front of me while driving the speed limit on highways. When it senses it’s getting too close to the vehicle in front of me, or when an adjacent vehicle enters my lane, the Ioniq 6’s adaptive cruise control system automatically applies the appropriate amount of braking.

Even when the highway’s making a bend further up in the road, the Ioniq 6’s driver assist mode moves the steering wheel accordingly for me — all while maintaining my lane and speed.

Even great when switching lanes

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Taking things to the next level, I was astounded by the lane change assist feature while test driving the Kia EV9. My colleague Kate Kozuch also tried this helpful driving feature out when she test drove the Mustang Mach-E GT very recently, which performed a lane change on its own thanks to Ford’s BlueCruise self-driving technology .

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I tried out a similar lane changing assist feature with the Kia EV9 , and when paired with adaptive cruise control, I’m impressed by how it makes driving even easier (and safer too). Again, I think it works well on highways when you want to change lanes because adaptive cruise control continues to maintain the car’s speed — while also detecting other vehicles while it’s making a lane change.

Less burden with congestion driving

During my commute back home from New York City, congestion on the roads eventually brought traffic on the highway to its usual stop-and-go flow. With adaptive cruise control and driver assist enabled on the Kia EV9, it’s the perfect pairing for congestion driving on the highway.

That’s because the EV9’s able to apply the appropriate amount of braking and acceleration to keep its distance with the vehicle in front of me. Gridlock traffic is already a burden for all drivers on the road, but I love how this makes it less of a hassle. Even when the vehicle in front of me comes to a complete stop, adaptive cruise control automatically gets the vehicle moving once it clears up.

Although, I always kept my foot lighting over the brake because you just never know . I recommend that you do the same when using adaptive cruise control because it's the fail-safe method to instantly give back complete control of your vehicle.

Tough on local roads with faint lines

Now, one of the times I found it challenging to use adaptive cruise control was on city streets with faintly painted lines on the road. That’s because both the Ioniq 6 and EV9 struggled to keep their respective driver assist modes on to keep me centered in the lane. I’m able to recognize this because the dashboard display would normally show green lines alongside the car to indicate that it can stay centered in the lane.

Of course, it would go green whenever it can reestablish those lines on the road, but I wouldn’t lean on adaptive cruise control a whole lot when they’re indistinct.

Winding roads are troublesome

And finally, I would absolutely tell you to disengage adaptive cruise control on those long, winding roads that have you hitting steep inclines and tight turns. One of the challenges I encountered while driving with it on winding roads is that it wants to maintain the vehicle’s rate.

Naturally, this works wonderfully on straightaways and such, but it’s jarring when it encounters an incline because adaptive cruise control lacks human perception to anticipate road changes. For example, I found adaptive cruise control accelerating a little after going up a hill to maintain its speed — rather than anticipating the incline and accelerating beforehand to help sustain the vehicle’s momentum.

Furthermore, tight turns are nearly impossible for adaptive cruise control because it doesn’t adjust the vehicle’s speed ahead of time. It’s jarring when it’s cruising at 35 mph and wants to take a bend in the road at the same speed, rather than dialing down as the speed limit sign suggests.

While it’s not perfect for all driving conditions, I still find more benefits with using adaptive cruise control. Even though some parts of the technology help to propel fully automated vehicles, I need to remind everyone using this that it’s still an assistive feature — so it’s not meant to replace you entirely as the driver.

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What Is Hyundai Smart Cruise Control, and Is It the Same as Adaptive Cruise Control?

Adaptive cruise control , optional on many new vehicles today, is one of the latest advanced car safety features. It’s very similar to cruise control, which allows you to set your car to a certain speed. However, the systems offered by automakers like Hyundai use radars to determine when neighboring cars get too close.

Hyundai vehicles also have their own version of adaptive cruise control named Hyundai Smart Cruise Control. Is there anything that makes it better than regular adaptive cruise control? Here’s what the folks at Rosen Hyundai have to say.

All the Hyundai Smart Cruise Control’s features

Since it’s a cruise control system, you can set Hyundai Smart Cruise control at a specific highway speed. It doesn’t mean the car can drive itself, but that’s less pressure that you have to apply to the accelerator. It’s a useful feature to have for road trips, especially if you easily get sore limbs.

Hyundai Smart Cruise Control also has the same elements of adaptive cruise control. The radar system emits waves that reflect off of the car in front of yours, detecting its speed. If the preceding car speeds up or slows down, the Smart Cruise Control adjusts your vehicle’s speed accordingly. It also has a Stop and Go setting, which tracks the driving behaviors of cars around you during traffic.

If the car ahead of you stops unexpectedly, the Smart Cruise Control brakes itself as well. The radar waves are so fast that there’s no delay between the data received from the radars and the resulting functions. Oftentimes, humans can’t react as quickly in emergency situations, resulting in fender benders or collisions. The Cruise Control button is located on the steering wheel, so it’s easy to engage or disengage at a moment’s notice.

The Smart Cruise Control’s radars also won’t be limited by hazardous weather conditions, such as heavy rain or fog. Rosen Hyundai also boasts that Smart Cruise Control is highly reliable, even inspiring some new lunar excursion technology.

What makes Hyundai Smart Cruise Control different?

Our latest evolution of Smart Cruise Control, the Hyundai SCC-Machine Learning, makes autonomous driving a lot less awkward. Learn from its creators how #AI technology helps make this happen here: https://t.co/28HGpDSD63 pic.twitter.com/KtDUDMaKZH — Hyundai Worldwide (@Hyundai_Global) August 6, 2020

Many of the functions offered on Smart Cruise Control can be found on any adaptive cruise control system. However, the Hyundai software offers one really useful perk: the front-mounted radars can still work when the vehicle’s grille gets dirty. Wintery conditions can cause your car’s grille to become covered in snow and slush, which can be hard to remove.

If you’re driving during a blizzard, you can’t really keep your grille clean as you’re driving. Adaptive cruise control is essential in severe weather conditions, especially when drivers around you might struggle to see clearly. Hyundai Smart Control is also usually included in its cars’ standard features, whereas other automakers might make you pay extra.

Which vehicles have Hyundai Smart Cruise control?

Many of the latest Hyundai vehicles have Smart Cruise control, including the 2021 Hyundai Sonata . It also has a nice collection of other standard safety features, like driver drowsiness monitoring, forward automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims can have blind-spot monitors, sensing any vehicle driving above 20 mph.

The Hyundai Sonata also benefits from two engine options, with great gas mileage for the base trim. The cabin feels luxurious, but taller passengers in the backseat might not have enough legroom.

The Hyundai Palisade is more spacious, able to seat up to eight riders. The first two rows are incredibly roomy, and even the third row can accommodate some adults. It only has one engine choice, but it packs enough horsepower to keep this SUV moving quickly.

Critics also report it handles well despite the added weight over its sedan siblings. Like the Sonata, the Palisade includes Hyundai Smart Cruise control in its generous library of standard driver’s aids. 

Is Adaptive Cruise Control Worth It? Absolutely

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Cruise FAQs

How to turn on cruise control tesla model 3.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Cruise control enhances the driving experience by reducing fatigue and increasing comfort during long drives.
• Tesla Model 3’s autopilot features, such as collision avoidance and blind spot monitoring, provide additional safety measures.
• It is important to stay alert and maintain control while using cruise control, as it is not a fully autonomous system and requires driver awareness.
• While cruise control can provide convenience and relaxation, drivers should remain attentive to the road and avoid complacency.

Familiarize Yourself with the Controls

Access the Cruise Control Settings

Engage the autopilot function, set your desired speed, adjust the following distance.

Use the Steering Wheel to Navigate

Disengage cruise control when necessary, utilize additional autopilot features, stay alert and maintain control of the vehicle, enjoy the benefits of cruise control on your tesla model 3, frequently asked questions, can i use cruise control on my tesla model 3 in all driving conditions, how do i adjust the sensitivity of the cruise control on my tesla model 3, can i use cruise control on my tesla model 3 while driving in heavy traffic, does cruise control on my tesla model 3 work in stop-and-go traffic, can i override the cruise control settings on my tesla model 3 if i need to make a sudden maneuver.

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With a lifelong fascination for exploring new horizons, Alfons discovered his love for the ocean and cruising at a young age. From sailing across pristine Caribbean waters to embarking on daring expeditions to far-flung destinations, he has amassed a treasure trove of first-hand experiences in the world of cruising.

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Alfons is the visionary leader and driving force behind Voyager Info’s success. As the Editor in Chief, he brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for travel to the helm of our cruise-centric platform. With a lifelong fascination for exploring new horizons, Alfons discovered his love for the ocean and cruising at a young age. From sailing across pristine Caribbean waters to embarking on daring expeditions to far-flung destinations, he has amassed a treasure trove of first-hand experiences in the world of cruising.

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Tesla Cruise Control vs. Autopilot (Detailed Comparison)

If you are going to purchase a Tesla vehicle you must be familiar with Tesla Cruise Control as well as Tesla Autopilot. Cruise Control will provide you with many features. While the Autopilot feature set adds a new capability to your Tesla that makes driving safer and less stressful.

In this article, I will discuss the main features and comparison between Tesla Cruise Control and Tesla Autopilot.

Let’s Get Started…!!!

Table of Contents

What is Tesla Cruise Control?

When you are enjoying the Tesla cruise control feature your vehicle may automatically change its speed to keep a safe following distance from the car in front of it. By using sensors, cameras, and radar it can detect the speed of the vehicle in front of you. In this way, it can modify the speed of your vehicle appropriately.

Cruise control helps you to keep a safe following distance, and allows your Tesla to automatically slow down or accelerate up. It will help you to detect a car which is in your same lane. It will allow your vehicle to keep moving at a predetermined speed.

While driving and enjoying the Tesla cruise control feature you have to keep an eye in front of you and manually apply the brakes when necessary.

What is Tesla Autopilot?

The complete semi-autonomous driving functions present in your Tesla vehicle are referred to as “Autopilot”. Tesla Autopilot is one of Tesla’s most ambiguous properties. There are four distinct hardware variants and four distinct software packages that have been introduced throughout the years.

Every component present in your Tesla autopilot will perform a particular function, for example maintaining speed, steering, or parking of your Tesla vehicle. There are a total of four distinct Autopilot software packages that combine these elements in various ways.

The main thing that you must keep in mind is that Tesla’s Autopilot is not autonomous, so you must maintain concentration, keep your hands on the wheel, and be prepared to take over at any moment.

To monitor your participation, Tesla has put in place several safety mechanisms for you. If Autopilot is used improperly, it may be warned about or its functionality may be restricted.

Following are some advanced features offered by Tesla Autopilot:

1)     Tesla Autopilot includes the Traffic Aware Cruise Control to lock on to and match the speed of the car in front of it. It will completely stop and restart your Tesla vehicle without the need for your action as compared to Tesla cruise control.

2)     The autopilot helps you to monitor lane markings. Your vehicle will make the appropriate steering adjustments. Tesla steers proactively to handle reasonably major curves in the road.

3)     You can automatically change the lane by using Auto Lane Change. When you begin to change lanes, you must have to use the turn signal to signal the chosen lane. When Tesla autopilot is confirmed, your car will automatically move over.

4)     The most advanced feature of your Tesla Autopilot is Stop Sign and Traffic Light Control (beta). With this function, your Tesla vehicles can view and react to stop signs and traffic signals.

Your automobile will slow down at stop signals even if it’s green. You have to give a confirmation tap on the accelerator pad to proceed with your vehicle again.

5)     Tesla autopilot provides you with two different kinds of summons named Basic Summon and Smart Summon. This summons will allow you to move your vehicle without your presence.

When you are using the basic summon feature you can only move forward and backward. Smart Summon will help your Tesla to independently find its way to the driver in a parking lot.

6)     On the highway by using navigate on autopilot (beta) semi-autonomous driving and navigation is possible. When you are travelling on a highway the option to navigate on Autopilot will be available.

This will help your Tesla vehicle to change lanes to pass other vehicles, move out of the passing lane, make exits, and navigate through highway interchanges.

Tesla Cruise Control vs. Autopilot

1)     Cruise control in your Tesla vehicle is similar to the cruise control present in many other automobiles. When you activate the cruise control feature, it will enable your vehicle to keep the specified constant speed.

Advanced driving assistance systems like Tesla’s Autopilot provide cutting-edge features as compared to standard cruise control.

2)     Your Tesla cruise control is not able to change the speed of your car in response to traffic ahead. In contrast, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which is one of the elements of Autopilot, can change your vehicle’s speed according to traffic conditions. By using this feature, you can completely halt your vehicle and then start moving again if the flow of traffic permits.

3)     Tesla cruise control does not offer you any aid with steering or lane-keeping. But, your Tesla autopilot will offer you some self-steering capabilities along with auto steering. Your vehicle will be in its lane when your Tesla vehicles use the autopilot feature.

Which option should be considered in the future?

When you talk about Tesla cruise control you should keep in your mind that your Tesla cannot have cruise control without the driver-assist technology package Autopilot installed. 

The Traffic-Aware Cruise Control feature of your Tesla Autopilot package allows your Tesla to keep its cruising speed while the road in front of you is clear. It will also slow your vehicle according to the behavior of the car that is in front of you.

While using cruise control, you must always maintain your hands on the wheel and be ready to brake or take control of the car at any time. 

You can avail the autopilot package as a subscription for $99 per month or you may also enjoy the Enhanced Autopilot package for $199 per month. To subscribe to these packages, you can use your Tesla app or Tesla account.

The following points should be kept in mind:

1)     The top cruising speed is 150 km/h or 90 mph. You must maintain a safe speed according to the posted speed limit.

2)     Always keep an eye on the road in front of you. You should be ready to make adjustments whenever necessary.

3)     When you are using Tesla cruise control you should be careful about your routes. Avoid using the feature during harsh weather conditions.

4)     You should clean your Tesla cameras and sensors from any type of debris before activating the Autopilot features.

5) You must get familiar with Autopilot’s restrictions and the circumstances that can call for driver intervention.

Final Thoughts

So far, I have discussed all the features related to your Tesla cruise control and Tesla autopilot along with their comparison. The difference may include:

• Cruise control will provide you with a specified speed while Autopilot will give you more advanced features.
• As compared to Tesla Autopilot, cruise control will not be able to change the speed.
• Steering and Lane keeping features are not present in cruise control.

We went over in detail each of these and answered some quires that you might have in your mind.

If you have some information to share with us about this topic, feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you.

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Most Common Problems With New Tesla EVs

• Tesla's reliability issues stem from the fact that they are learning as they go, just like other carmakers in the EV market.
• Finding a place to repair a Tesla can be difficult and wait times can be long due to the limited number of certified shops.
• Tesla's autopilot failures, power steering issues, and software updates can all pose safety concerns for drivers.

Through numerous vehicle owners reporting to Consumer Reports, it has been shown that even though electric vehicles do not have as many moving parts as an internal combustion engine (ICE) car, they can be much less reliable . For years the new Tesla EVs being introduced to the market have had below-average reliability and customer satisfaction ratings , except for the Model 3, which has exceptional ratings compared to all the other Tesla models to date. The problems plaguing new Teslas are expected within the EV industry. Let's face it, even though the technology has been around for years, dating back to 1832, when the first crude electric vehicle was built by Robert Anderson, it still has a long way to go. The main reason that Tesla has had so many problems with its models is simply that it is learning as it goes, just like all the other carmakers that have stepped foot into the EV market.

Unlike the classic ICE vehicles, new EVs are a whole new generation of cars without any past models to take notes from. To compare, go back in time to when the first vehicles were being built. They all had problems at first that needed to be worked out. Just like back then, when a Tesla had an issue, it was hard to find help because not many people were even certified to work on it. Thankfully, Tesla does have roadside assistance if a driver should ever break down on the side of the road. However, getting it fixed properly may become a problem, and service wait times can be ridiculous.

With all that in mind, let's take a quick look at some of the top problems that will be run into when owning a Tesla. Keep in mind, however, that as the world moves into the future, all these issues will be solved by the company as well as any new problems that are bound to come up as the technology is perfected.

Updated August 27, 2023: Tesla has been in and out of the news since its first EV was produced in 2008, some good and a lot of bad. Tesla will always have a place in our hearts, so instead of letting this article get buried with the multitudes of other outdated articles, we have decided to update it with some new and refreshing information!

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Tesla Needs A Broader Dealership Support System

Most car dealerships in the country have some type of maintenance shop attached to them, but they also have separate entities around the globe that are certified to work on their vehicles. Since Tesla has taken this task upon itself , it is hard to find a place to have a Tesla repaired. When one is found, the wait to have the vehicle worked on can be extensive because the popularity of the Tesla has shot through the roof, meaning that Tesla issues will spill over and need more shops available to take them to. A more efficient dealership support or maintenance and repair system needs to be set up by Tesla if it wants to continue dominating the world of EVs.

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Every new car has a maintenance schedule that needs to be followed, including Teslas that do not have traditional engine issues. Once a certified shop has been located, the owner will have to set up times for routine maintenance checks and repairs, which can cost more than consumers are used to simply because the parts for an EV cost more than ICE parts. They may take a while to get to the shop because many things need to be ordered, which means a rental car until the Tesla is ready. The parts will not be the only inflated expense, though, because since Tesla problems can only be fixed by certified and properly trained technicians, the average bill will be substantially higher than a typical vehicle maintenance schedule. According to RepairPal, Teslas have an average annual repair cost of $832 , about 25% higher than most ICE-powered cars.

Tesla Warning Lights And Cruise Control Can Be Problem Areas

The more technology a car has, the more the owner relies upon dashboard warning lights to avoid potential Tesla problems. The thing with the warning lights on a Tesla is that sometimes they will come on as an actual warning, while other times they will come on just because the system tells them to. There is also the other side of that coin when the dash lights do not even come on when there is a problem. This has become a significant problem with Tesla's reliability issues because since repair shops are so few and far between, many consumers do not plan to have their vehicle in the shop unless there is a reason, which would generally come through the warning lights built into the dashboard.

Cruise control is much different than Autopilot, which every person who has driven a car is familiar with. For the most part, new vehicles have this setting attached to the steering wheel to ensure the driver can still maintain eyes on the road. Tesla decided to change this up and add it into the console of other features, turning it into a setting that needs to be adjusted through a touchscreen. This idea may seem like a good one because technology has led the world towards touchscreen everything, but the only way to set and adjust it is to take eyes off the road, drastically decreasing the safety of the distracted driver.

Related: 5 Automakers That Will Destroy Tesla (And, 5 That Don't Stand A Chance)

Autopilot Failures And Power Steering Issues Can Be Life-Threatening

Every person in the world looks forward to the idea of having a car that can drive itself. At one time, this notion was strictly science fiction. Something that could be seen in cartoons or in a good movie. Over the past decade, this technology has been building up to be a viable option for people buying cars, but Tesla shows that the innovations are not quite there yet. One of the biggest issues that modern cars have is centered on the autopilot systems, causing some serious safety concerns. Tesla is one of the leading companies pushing for a full-driving car, so Tesla recalls can be expected to be higher than the other carmakers that have not gone much above a level 2 self-driving vehicle. Though it should be noted that a recent report showed that Tesla's FSD beta is, in fact, impressively safe .

Most of the Tesla quality issues are found in the actual construction of the car, but one thing that brings up serious safety concerns is the failure of the power steering units. Unlike the average ICE vehicle, Tesla's power steering system is electric, offering a ride similar to a high-end sports car. The system is supposed to do that, anyway, but things do not always go as planned. The power steering system has been known to lock up, hesitate, or even go in and out of sync. These Tesla problems make driving less stable and put the people in the car at serious risk of injury from an accident.

Tesla Updates Make Things Worse

Many Tesla problems can be fixed with a software update because most of the car is based on technology. Just like when updating a computer, though, the update may cause more issues . More glitches and more frustration. If the owner of the problem car calls the service center, they will turn around and say that the update needs to be downloaded. But of course, since that caused the current issues, the bugs must be dealt with until the next update comes out. An update that may fix the current problem but cause something else to come up, starting the circle all over again.

Related: 10 Things Ford And Chevy Could Learn From Tesla

Batteries And Tires Will Cost You A Pretty Penny

For decades, changing a battery, except for cars like the classic Dodge Stratus , was as simple as popping the hood and removing two battery cables. That was all that there was to it other than pulling the old battery out and putting the new one in. That is no longer true with Tesla brands because the battery is no longer found at the top of the front engine compartment. Most EV batteries are under the floorboard between the front tires along the axle. It is not even suggested that you attempt to switch the EV battery out without the proper training. So, unless you are a Tesla mechanic or engineer, you may want to take it to a shop when it is time for a replacement.

Tire wear is expected out of every vehicle, some more than others. As a general rule, the cheaper the tire is, the faster it will wear. Another general rule that can be allowed is that the heavier the car or truck is, the more wear and tear the tire will have to handle. The tires on the Tesla will wear down faster than you are used to unless you have had other EVs. The reason for this is not because of bad quality tires or because of the lack of enough rubber. What causes the excessive wear and tear on the Tesla tires is the vehicle's weight and the excess amount of torque that the electric car has. Even changing the brand of tires cannot help, so until a new type of tire is designed, tire replacement is something you will need to allow for when you own a Tesla.

Tesla Has Large Blind Spots And Unwanted Braking

Every driver has undergone training before attempting to get out on the road. One of the main things that every driver is taught is to use mirrors at all times, not just when turning or stopping. It is a great way to increase driver awareness, reducing the number of road accidents. Modern cars have sensors that watch for hidden objects in blind spots, letting the driver know through a message on the side mirror. Tesla changed this up and decided to put the notifications on the touchscreen in the console , which means that since the driver is watching the mirrors, as they should be, they do not see the warning pop up telling them that something is in the blind spot.

Automatic braking is handy when a child jumps off the curb in front of you or a car suddenly slams on its brakes, and you only have seconds to react. That is what automatic braking is all about, which is activated through the sensors and cameras placed around the vehicle in strategic locations. However, when things go wrong like they have been known to do in the Tesla, the brakes can activate for no apparent reason. This may be funny the first time or two that it happens, as long as it does not cause an accident, but eventually, it will be a serious problem that will need to be addressed by the company and each individual Tesla owner.

Related: Is Tesla's Autopilot Really The Best ADAS Currently?

Tesla Cannot Haul As Many Passengers As You May Think

The maximum payload of Tesla may be a little misleading because most of you look at how many people can comfortably ride in the car. For example, if the spec sheet claims that the Tesla Model Y will hold up to seven people, that is the only number considered. But the important thing that needs to be factored in is the weight of those people because the equations used to figure this out assume that each adult weighs less than 150 pounds.

• 2023 Tesla Model Y: 747 to 1,157 pounds, holds up to 7 adults
• 2023 Tesla Model X: 1,065 pounds, holds up to 7 adults
• 2023 Tesla Model 3: 679 to 1,024 pounds, holds up to 5 adults

Do the math with any model and add a couple of adults that are the average weight, which in the United States currently averages around 200 pounds for men and 170 pounds for women . You can see how easy it is to exceed the maximum safe payload amounts. When that happens, the safety of everyone in the car is at risk, as well as everyone else on the roads that you may pass by. So, before climbing into your Tesla, do the math for the sake of everyone involved.

Tesla Is High In Class, Low In Build Quality

It may be hard for most people to understand why Tesla's quality issues have been debated for some time . It all boils down to that because of the sticker price, and the idea that they are high-end luxury cars, things do not match up. The interior is constructed of cheaper materials that should only be found in entry-level vehicles. The exterior parts and pieces seem to come loose or get out of alignment as soon as the Tesla is driven off the lot. That is not to mention that many owners have stated that the paint peels long before it should.

Related: 15 Solid Alternatives To The Tesla Model 3

Tesla Models Are Not Great In The Snow

Ignore the fact that the electric battery cells degrade in cold weather. Ignore the fact that Tesla is built and tested in the warmer climates found in California. What cannot be ignored is that the average Tesla model is not good in the snow or on icy roads. The tires that come stock on the car are meant for clear and dry roads. Of course, there is always the option available to put new tires on the Tesla that are more suited to the environment that it is driven in, but since the tires wear down faster due to the weight of the vehicle, it may get beyond the budget more quickly than you realize.

Tesla Owners Have Privacy... Or Do They?

Technology can do some amazing things but can also infringe on your right to privacy, especially when people take advantage of pictures and videos taken through in-car cameras. When designing their EVs, the company wanted to ensure that the people inside the vehicle were as safe as possible. If something should happen, Tesla wanted its consumers to know that the company had their backs. In-car cameras would take pictures and record the accidents, or even movements when the vehicle is parked, to get footage of any wrongdoing that can not be disputed. It's a great idea, but the employees at Tesla took the technology a little too far and used the images they collected from cars for personal use , including posting on social media sites.

Model 3 Owner's Manual

Autopilot features.

• Traffic-Aware Cruise Control: Like traditional cruise control, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control maintains a set driving speed. However, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control also slows down or accelerates Model 3 as needed to maintain the following distance from the vehicle in front of you. While Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is engaged, you are still responsible for steering Model 3 (see Traffic-Aware Cruise Control ).
• Autosteer: Like Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, Autosteer maintains a set speed (if there is not a vehicle in front of you) or a set following distance (if there is a vehicle in front of you). In addition, Autosteer detects lane markings, road edges, and the presence of vehicles and objects to intelligently keep Model 3 in its driving lane (see Autosteer ). Informational Purposes An informational icon, calling your attention Note Autosteer is a BETA feature.
• Auto Lane Change : When you engage a turn signal while Autosteer is active, Auto Lane Change moves Model 3 into the adjacent lane in the direction indicated by the turn signal (see Auto Lane Change ).
• Navigate on Autopilot: Navigate on Autopilot builds on the features of Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer. While Autosteer is active, Navigate on Autopilot allows Model 3 to suggest and, if configured, automatically change lanes to pass other vehicles and follow the navigation route (see Navigate on Autopilot ). Informational Purposes An informational icon, calling your attention Note Navigate on Autopilot is a BETA feature.

Autopilot Settings

• Set Speed : Choose whether Autopilot engages at the currently detected speed limit or your current driving speed. Touch Controls > Autopilot > Set Speed and choose either Speed Limit or Current Speed .
• Offset : If you choose Speed Limit , you can specify an offset by touching Set Speed Offset . You can choose Fixed (the cruising speed adjusts by a specific amount on all roads) or Percentage (the cruising speed is adjusted as a percentage of the road's detected speed limit).
• Autopilot Activation : Choose how to activate Autosteer. If set to Single Click , both Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer engage when you single-press the right scroll wheel. If set to Double Click , you must double-press the right scroll wheel to engage Autosteer. Informational Purposes An informational icon, calling your attention Note Autopilot Activation must be set to Double Click if you want to use Traffic-Aware Cruise Control independently of Autosteer.
• Green Traffic Light Chime : If on, a chime will sound when you are waiting at a red traffic light and the light turns green. If you are not actively using Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and are waiting at a red light with a car in front of you, the chime sounds when the car ahead of you advances.

Traffic-Aware Cruise Control

Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is always enabled.

If you want a chime to sound when you engage or cancel Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, touch Controls > Autopilot > Traffic-Aware Cruise Control Chime .

To enable Autosteer:

• Touch Controls > Autopilot > Autopilot Features > Autosteer (Beta) .
• After carefully reading and understanding the popup window, touch Yes .

Autosteer confirms activation with an audible chime and briefly displays a message on the touchscreen reminding you to pay attention to the road and have your hands on the steering wheel .

When Autosteer is able to detect lane markings, it displays the edges of the driving lane in blue on the touchscreen .

Whenever Autosteer is active, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is active as well.

In situations where the speed limit cannot be detected when Autosteer is engaged, Autosteer reduces your driving speed and limits the set cruising speed to 45 mph (70 km/h) . Although you can manually accelerate to exceed the limited speed, Model 3 will not brake for detected obstacles as long as you are applying the accelerator pedal. Autosteer slows down to the limited speed when you release the accelerator pedal. When you leave the road or disengage Autosteer by using the steering wheel , you can increase your set speed again, if desired.

Auto Lane Change

If you engage a turn signal while Autosteer is active, Model 3 moves into the adjacent lane in the direction indicated by the turn signal, provided the following conditions are met:

• The turn signal is engaged.
• Lane markings indicate that a lane change is permitted.
• Auto Lane Change detected your hands on the steering wheel .
• Midway through the lane change, Model 3 must detect the target lane's outside lane marking. If this lane marking is not detected, the lane change is aborted and Model 3 returns to its original driving lane.
• The view of the camera(s) is not obstructed.
• Model 3 does not detect a vehicle in its blind spot, or a vehicle or obstacle up to the center of the target lane. If a vehicle or other obstacle is detected in the target lane, it is shown in red in the visualization on the touchscreen and Model 3 does not complete the lane change until it is safe to do so.

The minimum speed at which Autopilot changes lanes may vary depending on region, adjacent lane speeds, and other factors. Always be ready to manually steer and change lanes as necessary. When an automatic lane change is in progress, Overtake Acceleration is activated, allowing Model 3 to accelerate closer to a vehicle in front (see Overtake Acceleration ).

When you engage a turn signal, Autopilot moves Model 3 one lane at a time. Moving into an additional lane requires you to engage the turn signal a second time after the first lane change is complete.

As Model 3 changes lanes, it is important to monitor its performance by watching the driving path in front of you and the surrounding area. Stay prepared to take over steering at any time. As you are crossing over into the adjacent lane, the touchscreen displays the location in the lane that Model 3 is moving into.

Navigate on Autopilot

To enable Navigate on Autopilot, touch Controls > Autopilot > Navigate on Autopilot (Beta) . Then, to customize how you want Navigate on Autopilot to operate, touch Customize Navigate on Autopilot :

• Enable at Start of Every Trip : Choose whether to automatically enable Navigate on Autopilot for every navigation route. When enabled, the Navigate on Autopilot button on the turn-by-turn direction list is already enabled at the start of every trip.
• Speed Based Lane Changes : Navigate on Autopilot is designed to perform both route-based and speed-based lane changes. Speed-based lanes changes are optional. You can use this setting to disable speed-based lane changes or to specify how assertively you want Navigate on Autopilot to change lanes to achieve the set cruising speed ( Mild , Average , or Mad Max ).

If Enable at Start of Every Trip is turned on, Navigate on Autopilot engages automatically when:

• Autosteer is active.
• You are navigating to a destination.
• You are on a controlled-access highway.

Once enabled, the Navigate on Autopilot button appears on the map’s turn-by-turn direction list whenever a navigation route is active and the route includes at least one controlled-access highway.

If Enable at Start of Every Trip is turned off, touch the Navigate on Autopilot button above the turn-by-turn directions to enable it. Once the Navigate on Autopilot is selected, it will engage whenever you engage Autosteer.

Whenever Navigate on Autopilot is active, the Navigate on Autopilot button is blue and the touchscreen displays the driving lane as a single blue line in front of Model 3 :

The turn-by-turn directions display the Autosteer icon next to the maneuvers (such as off-ramps) that Navigate on Autopilot will handle.

When Navigate on Autopilot is engaged Model 3 makes both speed-based and route-based lane changes after driver confirmation .

• Speed Based Lane Changes: Navigate on Autopilot changes lanes to reduce driving time to your destination. For example, if Model 3 is behind a vehicle going below the set cruising speed, Navigate on Autopilot will move into the passing lane to pass it. Speed-based lanes changes are optional.
• Route Based Lane Changes: Navigate on Autopilot changes lanes to route you to your destination. For example, Navigate on Autopilot will move into the exit lane as Model 3 approaches the off-ramp specified by the navigation route.

When the touchscreen displays a message asking you to confirm the lane change, engage the appropriate turn signal. If you do not confirm the lane change within 3 seconds, a chime sounds to remind you that Navigate on Autopilot requires your confirmation to change lanes. Auto Lane Change cancels if the lane change cannot be completed in 5 seconds.

If you ignore a route-based lane change suggestion (for example, you are driving in the left lane while approaching an off-ramp on the right side of the highway), Navigate on Autopilot is unable to maneuver onto the off-ramp and as a result, you are re-routed to your destination.

Navigate on Autopilot activates and deactivates based on the type of road you are driving on. When Navigate on Autopilot is active and you approach an off-ramp or interchange along your navigation route, the appropriate turn signal engages and Autosteer maneuvers Model 3 onto the off-ramp or interchange.

When you leave a controlled-access highway Navigate on Autopilot reverts to Autosteer—a chime sounds and the touchscreen displays the driving lane lines in blue (instead of the single blue in front of Model 3 ). When Navigate on Autopilot deactivates, Autosteer remains active. Always be prepared to take appropriate action.

Canceling Autopilot

Traffic-Aware Cruise Control cancels when:

• You press the right scroll wheel on the steering wheel .
• You press the brake pedal.
• You exceed 90 mph (150 km/h) .
• You shift into Reverse, Park, or Neutral.
• A door is opened.
• An Automatic Emergency Braking event occurs (see Collision Avoidance Assist ).
• The driver's seatbelt is released, and/or the driver gets out of their seat.

When Traffic-Aware Cruise Control cancels, the cruising speed icon on the touchscreen turns gray to indicate that Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is no longer active.

Autosteer cancels when any of the above actions are taken. In addition, Autosteer cancels when:

• You exceed 85 mph (140 km/h) .
• You apply rotational force to the steering wheel (even a slight amount). Warning Icon A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Warning If Autopilot Activation is set to Double Click and Autosteer cancels because you applied rotational force to the steering wheel , Traffic-Aware Cruise Control remains active. If Autopilot Activation is set to Single Click and Autosteer cancels because you applied rotational force to the steering wheel , Traffic-Aware Cruise Control also cancels.
• You do not respond to repeated reminders to keep your hands on the wheel and subsequent messages on the touchscreen (see Driver Attentiveness ).

When Autosteer cancels, a chime sounds and the Autosteer icon either turns gray to indicate that Autosteer is no longer active, or disappears to indicate that it is not currently available.

• You touch the Navigate on Autopilot button on the map’s turn-by-turn direction list. In this case, Autosteer is still active.
• You leave a controlled-access highway. When this happens, Autosteer is still active.

When Navigate on Autopilot cancels but Autosteer remains active, a chime sounds and the visualization goes from a single blue line in the driving lane to two blue lines on either side of the lane.

When Traffic-Aware Cruise Control or Autosteer cancels, Model 3 does not coast. Instead, regenerative braking slows down Model 3 in the same way as when you move your foot off the accelerator when driving without Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (see Regenerative Braking ).

While Using Autopilot

When Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is active and Autopilot is maintaining a set speed, the speed is highlighted with blue text on the touchscreen .

When Autosteer is active, the steering wheel icon is blue and the lane markings are highlighted in blue on the visualization. If Navigate on Autopilot is also active, the Navigate on Autopilot button is blue and the touchscreen displays the driving lane as a single blue line in front of Model 3 .

To display more details about the roadway and its surroundings, such as road markings, stop lights, and objects (such as trash cans and poles), touch Controls > Autopilot > Full Self-Driving Visualization Preview .

If unable to detect lane markings, Autosteer may determine the driving lane based on a vehicle you are following. In most cases, Autosteer attempts to center Model 3 in the driving lane. However, there may be situations in which Autosteer follows a driving path that is offset from the center of the lane (for example, if guard rails are detected).

Maintaining the Set Speed

When Autopilot is active, Model 3 maintains your set cruising speed whenever a vehicle is not detected in front of it. When cruising behind a vehicle, Model 3 accelerates and decelerates as needed to maintain a chosen following distance (see Adjusting the Following Distance ), up to the set speed.

You can manually accelerate at any time by pressing the accelerator pedal, but when you release the pedal Model 3 resumes cruising at the set speed.

Model 3 also adjusts the cruising speed when entering and exiting curves.

When Model 3 is actively slowing down to maintain the selected distance from the vehicle ahead, brake lights turn on. You may notice slight movement of the brake pedal. However, when Model 3 is accelerating, the accelerator pedal does not move.

Changing the Set Speed

Roll the right scroll wheel up to increase, or down to decrease, the set speed.

It may take a few seconds for Model 3 to reach the new cruising speed.

Adjusting the Following Distance

To adjust the following distance you want to maintain between Model 3 and a vehicle traveling ahead of you, press the steering wheel's right scroll button to the left or right.

The closest following distance is 2.

Each setting corresponds to a time-based distance that represents how long it takes for Model 3 , from its current location, to reach the location of the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead of you. Autopilot retains your setting until you change it again.

As you adjust the following distance, the touchscreen displays the current setting.

Stopping and Slowdowns

When moving significantly faster than vehicles in adjacent lanes, Model 3 automatically reduces the driving speed. This is especially helpful in heavy traffic situations or when vehicles are constantly merging into different lanes. When Model 3 detects other vehicles driving significantly slower, the touchscreen highlights the adjacent lanes with arrows and detected vehicles in gray, and Model 3 reduces the driving speed as appropriate. To temporarily override this feature, press the accelerator pedal.

When following a vehicle, Autopilot remains active at low speeds, even when Model 3 comes to a full stop. For example, Autopilot remains active even if Model 3 slows down to a complete or near-complete stop in heavy, stop-and-go traffic on a highway. When traffic starts moving more rapidly, Autopilot again accelerates up to the set speed.

Sometimes when Model 3 is at a full stop, Autopilot goes into a HOLD state. If this happens, briefly press the accelerator pedal to resume cruising.

Model 3 goes into HOLD state while Autopilot is active in the following circumstances:

• Model 3 has been at a standstill for 5 minutes.
• Model 3 detects a pedestrian (the HOLD state may clear when the pedestrian is no longer detected).
• Model 3 suddenly loses visibility of the vehicle in front of you.
• An obstacle is detected in front of Model 3 .

Cruising Near or On Exits

When you are cruising near an exit on a controlled-access highway and engage the turn signal toward the off-ramp, Autopilot assumes you are exiting and begins to slow down Model 3 . If you do not drive onto the off-ramp, Autopilot resumes cruising at the set speed.

In a region with right hand traffic, this occurs only when you engage the right turn signal when driving in the right-most lane within 164 ft. (50 meters) of an exit. Likewise in regions with left hand traffic, this occurs when engaging the left turn signal when driving in the left-most lane within 164 ft. (50 meters) of an exit.

When enabled while on a highway interchange or off-ramp in some regions , Traffic-Aware Cruise Control may reduce your set speed in 5 mph (5 km/h) increments – to as slow as 25 mph (40 km/h) – to better match the reported speeds of other Tesla vehicles that have driven at that specific location. To override this and continue cruising at your set speed, tap the accelerator pedal. The new set speed is maintained for the duration of the interchange or off-ramp (unless you override it or cancel Autopilot). After the interchange or off-ramp, the set speed may revert or change as necessary based on the new location. For example, if you merged onto a different highway, the set cruising speed reverts to what it was before driving on the interchange.

When cruising onto an on-ramp to a controlled-access highway, Autopilot automatically adjusts the set cruising speed to the speed limit of the highway, plus any offset you have specified. If Navigate on Autopilot is engaged, it disengages as you leave the controlled-access highway (see Canceling Autopilot ). In this case, Autosteer remains active.

Overtake Acceleration

Engage the turn signal momentarily to accelerate Model 3 towards the vehicle ahead of it. By momentarily holding the turn signal, you can quickly accelerate up to your set speed without having to press the accelerator pedal as long as:

• Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is operating and detects a vehicle in front of you.
• No obstacles or vehicles are detected in the target lane.
• Model 3 is traveling below the set speed, but over 45 mph (72 km/h) .

Model 3 stops accelerating when you reach your set cruising speed, if changing lanes takes too long, or if Model 3 gets too close the vehicle ahead. Model 3 also stops accelerating if you disengage the turn signal.

When cruising 50 mph (80 km/h) or faster, Model 3 must be in a passing lane to pass a vehicle. If you are in a non-passing lane (to the right of a vehicle in right-hand traffic, or to the left of a vehicle in left-hand traffic), Traffic-Aware Cruise Control prevents you from passing other vehicles. Instead, Model 3 slows down to match the vehicle’s speed as if it were in the same lane. If you press the accelerator pedal to pass a vehicle, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control allows you to continue passing vehicles when cruising in the non-passing lane, until you either change lanes or cancel and resume cruising (it then prevents you from passing vehicles in a non-passing lane again). You are responsible for complying with all local laws regarding passing other road users and using non-passing lanes.

Stop Light and Stop Sign Warning

While Autopilot is in use, Model 3 displays a warning on the touchscreen and sounds a chime if it detects that you are likely to run through a red stop light or stop sign. If this happens, TAKE IMMEDIATE CORRECTIVE ACTION!

The visual and audible warnings cancel after a few seconds or when you press the brake pedal, whichever comes first.

Stop Light and Stop Sign Warning provides warnings only. It does not slow down or stop Model 3 at red traffic lights, stop signs, road markings, etc. If equipped with Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control, you can enable this feature to automatically stop Model 3 at traffic lights and stop signs (see Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control ).

Emergency Vehicles

If available in your market region, Model 3 automatically reduces driving speed when lights from an emergency vehicle are detected when using Autosteer at night on a high speed road. When this happens, the touchscreen displays a message informing you of the slowdown. You will also hear a chime, and see a reminder to keep your hands on the steering wheel . When the light detections pass by or cease to appear, Autopilot resumes your cruising speed. Alternatively, you may tap the accelerator to resume your cruising speed.

Never depend on Autopilot features to determine the presence of emergency vehicles. Model 3 may not detect lights from emergency vehicles. Keep your eyes on your driving path and always be prepared to take immediate action.

Driver Attentiveness

Autosteer determines how best to steer Model 3 . When active, Autosteer requires you to hold the steering wheel. If it does not detect your hands on the steering wheel for a period of time, a flashing blue light appears at the top of the vehicle status section of the touchscreen and the following message displays:

When your hands are detected, the message disappears and Autosteer resumes normal operation. Autosteer detects your hands by recognizing slight resistance as the steering wheel turns, or from you manually turning the steering wheel very lightly (without enough force to take over steering). Autosteer also qualifies your hands as being detected if you engage a turn signal or use a button or scroll wheel on the steering wheel.

Autosteer requires that you pay attention to your surroundings and remain prepared to take control at any time. If Autosteer still does not detect your hands on the steering wheel, the flashing light on the vehicle status section of the touchscreen increases in frequency and a chime sounds.

If you repeatedly ignore Autosteer's prompts to apply slight force to the steering wheel, Autosteer disables for the rest of the drive and displays the following message requesting you to drive manually.

For the rest of the drive, you must steer manually. Autosteer is available again on your next drive (after you stop and shift Model 3 into Park).

If you don't resume manual steering, Autosteer sounds a continuous chime, turns on the warning flashers, and slows the vehicle to a complete stop.

Autosteer Suspension

Use of Autosteer will be suspended if improper usage is detected.

When you or another driver of your vehicle receives five forced Autopilot disengagements, use of Autosteer is suspended for a week. A forced disengagement is when the Autopilot system disengages for the remainder of a trip after the driver receives several audio and visual warnings for inattentiveness. Driver-initiated disengagements do not count as improper usage.

You can see how many disengagements are remaining before Autosteer access is suspended by touching Controls > Autopilot .

Take Over Steering Immediately

In situations where Autosteer is unable to steer Model 3 , Autosteer sounds a warning chime and displays the following message on the touchscreen .

When you see this message, TAKE OVER STEERING IMMEDIATELY .

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: Moscow warns it could go to war with NATO over US move - as Germany follows Washington in approving strikes inside Russia with its weapons

Germany has followed the US in approving strikes inside Russia using its weapons - as Moscow warns the moves could cause a war with NATO. Meanwhile, Ukraine reportedly launched a large missile and drone attack overnight.

Saturday 1 June 2024 08:31, UK

• Biden partially lifts ban on Ukraine using US arms to attack Russia, US officials say - with cross-border strikes allowed  
• Moscow warns it could go to war with NATO over US move - as Putin ally says Russia 'not bluffing' over nuclear threats
• Germany follows US in announcing Ukraine can now use its weapons to strike targets in Russia
• At least four dead in Kharkiv from overnight Russian missile strikes
• Watch: Freed Ukrainian prisoners weep as they sing on way home after two years in captivity
• Analysis: Sharp change of US policy increases chance of direct confrontation with Russia
• The big picture : What you need to know about the war right now
• Live reporting by Lauren Russell and Dylan Donnelly

We'll be back with live updates soon.

Scroll down to read today's news.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has wrapped up a flurry of negotiations in Sweden and signed long-term security deals with Norway and Iceland.

Earlier, we reported that the Ukrainian president had struck an agreement while in Stockholm (see 13.26 post).

Now, Mr Zelenskyy has signed a 10-year deal with Norway, through which Oslo will focus on supporting Ukraine's maritime and air defence needs.

Norway would be "open" to the Norwegian defence industry localising production in Ukraine under the deal. Iceland has also committed to a 10-year pact.

The new agreements mean Mr Zelenskyy now has 15 written pacts with Western nations, including all five Nordic countries - which are all NATO countries.

He previously agreed security pacts with Denmark and Finland in February and April respectively.

Sweden's agreement means Stockholm will transfer two ASC 890 surveillance aircraft as well as its entire stock of armoured tracked personnel carriers.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said earlier: "You are literally fighting not only for your own freedom but also for our freedom and our security."

A Russian-American journalist will be detained until at least 5 August ahead of an investigation and trial.

Alsu Kurmasheva, an editor for the US government-funded Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty’s Tatar-Bashkir service, was taken into custody on 18 October.

She's been charged with failing to register as a foreign agent while collecting information about the Russian military.

Later, she was also charged with spreading "false information" about the Russian military.

Ms Kurmasheva told reporters she suffered from various health conditions which could not be properly treated in detention. 

She also said she had last heard her children's voices in October, and held up two children's drawings for reporters which she said had been sent to her and had lifted her spirits.

She was the second American journalist detained in Russia last year, after Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.

He was arrested on espionage charges in March. A year later, President Joe Biden said  the US was "working every day"  to secure his release.

Read more about her charges  here...

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Russia is trying to disrupt Ukraine's peace summit in June by blackmailing world leaders.

Speaking in Stockholm after signing a security pact with Sweden, the Ukrainian president said: "The most important thing right now is the peace summit. It should become a truly global summit.

"At this moment, we already have about 100 states and international organisations that will participate in the summit, but Russia is blackmailing some leaders and trying to block the participation of some countries."

Earlier, China's foreign ministry spokesperson defended Beijing's refusal to attend the summit - held 15-16 June in Switzerland - which Russia is not invited to.

Mao Ning insisted its demands for an international peace conference that is recognised by both Russia and Ukraine are "fair" and "impartial" (see 10.53 post).

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov later said China's decision shows Beijing understands that holding a peace summit without Russia would be futile.

Mr Zelenskyy also said it's "a question of time" before Ukraine uses Western weapons to strike targets inside Russia (see 13.26 post).

The Kremlin has dismissed France's refusal to invite Russian officials to events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in the Second World War.

Yesterday, the French presidency said Russia would not be invited next week over what Paris called "Moscow's war of aggression" against Ukraine.

Despite Vladimir Putin and officials accusing the West of trying to "erase" Russia's contributions to the war effort, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow was planning for next year's Victory Day.

He said "next year, you know, is an extremely important year for us", as it marks 80 years since the Soviet Union defeated Nazi Germany.

"This is our main priority in terms of memorial actions."

Earlier this week, Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Western countries of presenting D-Day as "the main event that decided the outcome of World War Two".

She said: "Of course, nothing is said in the West about the fact that no landing in Normandy would have been possible without the successes of the Red Army. 

"They are trying not only not to remember, but to erase it."

Kremlin officials have today been issuing various statements - including dire threats of war with NATO - in response to Western powers' decisions to let Ukraine use weapons they have supplied to attack inside Russia.

But Jens Stoltenberg, the military alliance's secretary-general, has dismissed the threats and insisted NATO was simply helping Kyiv defend itself.

"This is nothing new. It has… been the case for a long time that every time NATO allies are providing support to Ukraine, President Putin is trying to threaten us to not do that," he said in Prague.

"And an escalation – well, Russia has escalated by invading another country."

Citing Russia's northern offensive against the Kharkiv region in Ukraine, Mr Stoltenberg added: "Ukraine has the right for self-defence, we have the right to help Ukraine uphold the right for self-defence, and that does not make NATO allies a party to the conflict.

"That was the case back in February 2022, that was the case last year, that remains the case."

Ten foreign ministers, including Lord Cameron, are demanding North Korea stop supplying weapons to Russia.

Earlier this month, Russia dismissed claims it was working with Pyongyang on military matters and said the relationship between the countries was not a threat to others.

But the ministers say Russia is using North Korean arms transfers "to strike Ukraine's critical infrastructure, prolonging the suffering of the Ukrainian people".

They also called for North Korea to end its nuclear weapons programme.

Yesterday, North Korea fired a barrage of ballistic missile to show it is willing to strike South Korea's "gangsters' regime" pre-emptively.

Meanwhile, some of the officials are in Prague for a two-day NATO summit, where they've discussed allowing Ukraine to use weapons they have supplied to strike inside of Russia.

Germany announced it will allow Kyiv to do so, to the anger of Russian officials (see 10.30am post).

Earlier, we reported that Ukraine and Russia had carried out their first prisoner swap since February (see 13.05 post).

Now, Ukraine's defence ministry has shared a video of freed prisoners singing Ukraine, originally by Taras Petrynenko, as they're brought back home.

Leading the sing-along is Kostyantyn Myrhorodskyi, who was in Russian captivity for more than two years.

Some of the men with him on the coach can be seen weeping as they are overcome with emotion by the moment. 

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has confirmed Joe Biden approved for US weapons to be used inside Russia. 

Speaking to reporters in the Czech Republic following a meeting of NATO foreign ministers, Mr Blinken said Ukraine asked for authorisation to allow its forces to defend itself against Russian attacks, particularly in the city of Kharkiv.

The meeting of NATO foreign ministers comes before a summit in Washington from 9 -11 July. 

Mr Blinken said during the summit, "concrete steps" will be taken to bring Ukraine closer to NATO and the US will "ensure there's a bridge for Ukraine to NATO membership".

He said the summit is happening at a "pivotal time" when Russia is intensifying its attacks against frontline regions in Ukraine.

After last night's missile strike on a block of flats, Russia's defence ministry says it has carried out 25 attacks in Kharkiv.

According to the Interfax news agency, the strikes were carried out between 25 May and 31 May with precision-guided weapons, and targeted Ukrainian military facilities.

The ministry adds Russian troops are advancing in several directions - and have captured two villages - Berestove and Ivanivka - in the Kharkiv region.

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5 smart thermostats under $100 that work with Alexa

If you buy through a BGR link, we may earn an affiliate commission, helping support our expert product labs.

When it comes to controlling the HVAC systems in my home, I needed a smart thermostat with Alexa . That’s part of the reason I got a Nest Learning Thermostat. I absolutely love it, but there are so many more smart thermostat options these days than there were when I bought my Nest .

The Nest Learning Thermostat is sleek, it’s smart, and it definitely helps me save money on my energy bills. It’s also so awesome to be able to control the temperature in my home with my iPhone or even with simple voice commands. Thanks to the integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, it’ll work with any smart home system.

That said, the Nest Learning Thermostat is pretty pricey at $250, and it’s still a little too expensive for some budgets even while it’s discounted . Sure, it’ll pay for itself over time in savings on your energy bills thanks to all the smart features. But the less money you spend on a smart thermostat with Alexa, the less time it takes to recoup your investment.

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Any decent model will pay for itself over time, as I mentioned. But why not spend less upfront so you make your money back as fast as possible? There are some fantastic options out there these days, like the Vine TJ-560 touchscreen thermostat, which is currently on sale for just $79.19 .

Top pick with Alexa: Vine TJ-560 Smart Thermostat

Vine’s sleek smart thermostat has so many great features at such an affordable price. It might not have the “Learning” mode that made Nest famous, but not everyone uses it anyway. That’s especially true for people who now work from home because of the pandemic. You’re almost always around your house during the day now.

The updated Vine TJ-560 Smart Thermostat packs plenty of smart features into a nice modern design. You can set up flexible schedules and then change things on the fly from anywhere.

This model retails for $110, but it’s down to $79.19 when you clip the coupon on the listing.

Four more great options

First up, you also obviously can’t go wrong with the newest Nest Thermostat. It’s probably the most popular smart thermostat out there with support for Alexa and Google.

In addition to the TJ-560, people love another Vine model: the Vine TJ-550. It has a great design and a compact display. Thanks to a double discount, this model is available for just $55.84 .

You really can’t go wrong with any of these awesome smart thermostats. You’ll spend $100 or less no matter which model you choose, and you’ll save money on your energy bills each month.

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Maren Estrada has been the Editor of BGR Deals since it launched in 2013. She has more than 20 years of experience testing more than 1,500 products, and reviewing a wide range of consumer electronics including mobile devices, smart home products, computers, and home appliances.

Previously, she was a leading consultant specializing in copywriting, product development, and new product launches.

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