Tesla’s Summon Feature Lets Your Car Come to You

From navigating tight parking spots to emerging from garages autonomously, this technology transforms everyday driving into a glimpse of the future. With the introduction of Actually Smart Summon (ASS), Tesla continues to blend convenience, automation, and cutting-edge safety features, making hands-free parking a real-world experience for Tesla drivers.

Musk tweeted on X (formerly Twitter), “It just works. You can summon your Tesla from your phone,” showcasing the convenience of Tesla’s Summon feature.

It just works. You can summon your Tesla from your phone. https://t.co/oHCqWjAcga

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 28, 2025

Available through Tesla’s mobile app, the Summon function allows owners to call their car from a distance, enabling it to navigate out of tight parking spots or garages. In a real-world example shared by writer Tim Urban, he recounted a trip to the mall where he forgot where he parked. Using the app, he summoned his Tesla, and within 30 seconds, the car autonomously drove from its lane and stopped in front of him.

Delicious. Technology turns into magic when a single tap makes the car drive up on its own. pic.twitter.com/xp4LLcWvUv

— Avi.Marius (@RobotecAvi) September 28, 2025

Tesla has also introduced an enhanced version called Actually Smart Summon (ASS), which relies on the vehicle’s cameras rather than ultrasonic sensors to navigate parking lots. This update allows the car to autonomously drive to a nearby location within the driver’s line of sight, further increasing convenience

While this technology demonstrates Tesla’s commitment to convenience and automation, safety considerations remain important. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating the Actually Smart Summon feature following reports of crashes where vehicles failed to detect obstacles

The Summon function is part of Tesla’s broader driver-assist suite, including Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD), designed to reduce the hassle of everyday driving while gradually moving toward more autonomous mobility. As these features continue to evolve, Tesla owners can experience a glimpse of the future of driving—while still staying attentive to safety.