It's not as simple as 8-bit grayscale vs 24-bit color because there are compression algorithms to consider. I'd also guess they're using 12-bit grayscale and 16-bit color palettes.Wait a minute... so we are saying that Tesla changed the map colours to save bandwidth? Really?
Unless it is indeed 8 bit grayscale rather than 24bit color then here is no benefit. If that is the case, why don’t we just do 8 bit color instead? The map can do very well with a 256 color pallet.
The last time I contemplated 8 vs 24 bit color was in the late 90’s
Regardless, my guess is yes... They did it to save bandwidth. In fact, they've likely reduced the bandwidth requirements for the maps by at least a third.