Tesla locks battery range behind paywall - Revision history

Reform: Link update

2026-03-31T18:40:46Z

Link update

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:40, 31 March 2026
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	*[[Mazda remote-start subscription]]		*[[Mazda remote-start subscription]]
	*[[BMW's heated seat subscription]]		*[[BMW's heated seat subscription]]
	*[[~~Software locks~~]]		*[[Activation]]
	*[[Audi Basic HVAC "Sync" Function Paywalled]]		*[[Audi Basic HVAC "Sync" Function Paywalled]]
	*[[Mercedes-Benz locks horsepower behind paid subscription]]		*[[Mercedes-Benz locks horsepower behind paid subscription]]

Trinity at 17:42, 14 January 2026

2026-01-14T17:42:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:42, 14 January 2026
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	==How it works==		==How it works==
	This has been the case for all Model Y RWD vehicles sold prior to May 2024, now superseded by the RWD Model Y Long Range. The first was advertised and sold with a 260-mile range, the second with a 320-mile one. The two vehicles have same nickel battery, weight, and charging curves, but customers who purchased the non-Long Range model have to pay $1600 to unlock the full capacity.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Davis \|first=Wes \|date=5 May 2024 \|title=Tesla plans to charge some Model Y owners to unlock more range \|url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/5/24149447/tesla-model-y-software-locked-battery-capacity \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505164053/https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/5/24149447/tesla-model-y-software-locked-battery-capacity \|archive-date=5 May 2024 \|access-date=22 Aug 2025 \|website=The Verge}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Ali \|first=Iqtidar \|date=18 Jul 2024 \|title=Tesla Model Y RWD owners can unlock 50 miles of extra range for $1,600 via an OTA update \|url=https://www.teslaoracle.com/2024/07/18/tesla-model-y-rwd-owners-can-unlock-50-miles-of-extra-range-for-1600-via-an-ota-update/ \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718210100/https://www.teslaoracle.com/2024/07/18/tesla-model-y-rwd-owners-can-unlock-50-miles-of-extra-range-for-1600-via-an-ota-update/ \|archive-date=18 Jul 2024 \|access-date=22 Aug 2025 \|website=teslaoracle.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=7 May 2024 \|title=Model Y Update: Current Tesla RWD Model Y Owners Can Pay to Unlock Extra Range \|url=https://electrifynews.com/news/auto/existing-tesla-rwd-model-y-owners-can-pay-to-unlock-extra-range/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=22 Aug 2025 \|website=electrifynews.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Poultney \|first=Leon \|date=7 May 2024 \|title=Want more range on your Tesla Model Y? You might have to pay extra to unlock it \|url=https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/want-more-range-on-your-tesla-model-y-you-might-have-to-pay-extra-to-unlock-it \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/~~20240525143800~~/https://~~electrifynews~~.com/~~news~~/~~auto~~/~~existing~~-tesla~~-rwd~~-model-y-~~owners~~-~~can~~-pay-to-unlock-~~extra-range/~~ \|archive-date=25 May 2024 \|access-date=22 Aug 2025 \|website=techradar.com}}</ref> Below the details:		This has been the case for all Model Y RWD vehicles sold prior to May 2024, now superseded by the RWD Model Y Long Range. The first was advertised and sold with a 260-mile range, the second with a 320-mile one. The two vehicles have same nickel battery, weight, and charging curves, but customers who purchased the non-Long Range model have to pay $1600 to unlock the full capacity.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Davis \|first=Wes \|date=5 May 2024 \|title=Tesla plans to charge some Model Y owners to unlock more range \|url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/5/24149447/tesla-model-y-software-locked-battery-capacity \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505164053/https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/5/24149447/tesla-model-y-software-locked-battery-capacity \|archive-date=5 May 2024 \|access-date=22 Aug 2025 \|website=The Verge}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Ali \|first=Iqtidar \|date=18 Jul 2024 \|title=Tesla Model Y RWD owners can unlock 50 miles of extra range for $1,600 via an OTA update \|url=https://www.teslaoracle.com/2024/07/18/tesla-model-y-rwd-owners-can-unlock-50-miles-of-extra-range-for-1600-via-an-ota-update/ \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718210100/https://www.teslaoracle.com/2024/07/18/tesla-model-y-rwd-owners-can-unlock-50-miles-of-extra-range-for-1600-via-an-ota-update/ \|archive-date=18 Jul 2024 \|access-date=22 Aug 2025 \|website=teslaoracle.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=7 May 2024 \|title=Model Y Update: Current Tesla RWD Model Y Owners Can Pay to Unlock Extra Range \|url=https://electrifynews.com/news/auto/existing-tesla-rwd-model-y-owners-can-pay-to-unlock-extra-range/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525143800/https://electrifynews.com/news/auto/existing-tesla-rwd-model-y-owners-can-pay-to-unlock-extra-range/ \|archive-date=25 May 2024 \|access-date=22 Aug 2025 \|website=electrifynews.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Poultney \|first=Leon \|date=7 May 2024 \|title=Want more range on your Tesla Model Y? You might have to pay extra to unlock it \|url=https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/want-more-range-on-your-tesla-model-y-you-might-have-to-pay-extra-to-unlock-it \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507134720/https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/want-more-range-on-your-tesla-model-y-you-might-have-to-pay-extra-to-unlock-it \|archive-date=7 May 2024 \|access-date=22 Aug 2025 \|website=techradar.com}}</ref> Below the details:

	*Full range was not available as a factory option		*Full range was not available as a factory option

Trinity: Added archived reference links

2026-01-14T17:37:44Z

Added archived reference links

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:37, 14 January 2026
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	All rear-wheel-drive (RWD) '''[[Tesla, Inc.\|Tesla]]''' Model Y vehicles sold before May 2024 were advertised with a 260-mile range, despite being equipped with battery hardware capable of approximately 320 miles. Tesla offers a paid software update for $1,600 to unlock this additional capacity.		All rear-wheel-drive (RWD) '''[[Tesla, Inc.\|Tesla]]''' Model Y vehicles sold before May 2024 were advertised with a 260-mile range, despite being equipped with battery hardware capable of approximately 320 miles. Tesla offers a paid software update for $1,600 to unlock this additional capacity.

	== Background ==		==Background==
	Tesla has been the pioneer car manufacturer of over-the-air (OTA) software updates, being the first ever to send one in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Newcomb \|first=Doug \|last2=Lugo \|first2=Ryan \|date=11 Apr 2025 \|title=Still Loading: The Slow Roll of Automotive Over-the-Air Updates \|url=https://www.motortrend.com/features/what-are-over-the-air-updates-ota-technology-rollout \|access-date=22 Aug 2025 \|website=motortrend.com}}</ref> While having full control of the software and being able to send updates can benefit customers in many ways, it enables the manufacturer to software-lock certain features and hardware that are present and otherwise functional in the car.		Tesla has been the pioneer car manufacturer of over-the-air (OTA) software updates, being the first ever to send one in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Newcomb \|first=Doug \|last2=Lugo \|first2=Ryan \|date=11 Apr 2025 \|title=Still Loading: The Slow Roll of Automotive Over-the-Air Updates \|url=https://www.motortrend.com/features/what-are-over-the-air-updates-ota-technology-rollout \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411131734/https://www.motortrend.com/features/what-are-over-the-air-updates-ota-technology-rollout/ \|archive-date=11 Apr 2025 \|access-date=22 Aug 2025 \|website=motortrend.com}}</ref> While having full control of the software and being able to send updates can benefit customers in many ways, it enables the manufacturer to software-lock certain features and hardware that are present and otherwise functional in the car.

	== How it works ==		==How it works==
	This has been the case for all Model Y RWD vehicles sold prior to May 2024, now superseded by the RWD Model Y Long Range. The first was advertised and sold with a 260-mile range, the second with a 320-mile one. The two vehicles have same nickel battery, weight, and charging curves, but customers who purchased the non-Long Range model have to pay $1600 to unlock the full capacity.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Davis \|first=Wes \|date=5 May 2024 \|title=Tesla plans to charge some Model Y owners to unlock more range \|url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/5/24149447/tesla-model-y-software-locked-battery-capacity \|access-date=22 Aug 2025 \|website=The Verge}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Ali \|first=Iqtidar \|date=18 Jul 2024 \|title=Tesla Model Y RWD owners can unlock 50 miles of extra range for $1,600 via an OTA update \|url=https://www.teslaoracle.com/2024/07/18/tesla-model-y-rwd-owners-can-unlock-50-miles-of-extra-range-for-1600-via-an-ota-update/ \|access-date=22 Aug 2025 \|website=teslaoracle.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=7 May 2024 \|title=Model Y Update: Current Tesla RWD Model Y Owners Can Pay to Unlock Extra Range \|url=https://electrifynews.com/news/auto/existing-tesla-rwd-model-y-owners-can-pay-to-unlock-extra-range/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=22 Aug 2025 \|website=electrifynews.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Poultney \|first=Leon \|date=7 May 2024 \|title=Want more range on your Tesla Model Y? You might have to pay extra to unlock it \|url=https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/want-more-range-on-your-tesla-model-y-you-might-have-to-pay-extra-to-unlock-it \|access-date=22 Aug 2025 \|website=techradar.com}}</ref> Below the details:		This has been the case for all Model Y RWD vehicles sold prior to May 2024, now superseded by the RWD Model Y Long Range. The first was advertised and sold with a 260-mile range, the second with a 320-mile one. The two vehicles have same nickel battery, weight, and charging curves, but customers who purchased the non-Long Range model have to pay $1600 to unlock the full capacity.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Davis \|first=Wes \|date=5 May 2024 \|title=Tesla plans to charge some Model Y owners to unlock more range \|url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/5/24149447/tesla-model-y-software-locked-battery-capacity \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505164053/https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/5/24149447/tesla-model-y-software-locked-battery-capacity \|archive-date=5 May 2024 \|access-date=22 Aug 2025 \|website=The Verge}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Ali \|first=Iqtidar \|date=18 Jul 2024 \|title=Tesla Model Y RWD owners can unlock 50 miles of extra range for $1,600 via an OTA update \|url=https://www.teslaoracle.com/2024/07/18/tesla-model-y-rwd-owners-can-unlock-50-miles-of-extra-range-for-1600-via-an-ota-update/ \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718210100/https://www.teslaoracle.com/2024/07/18/tesla-model-y-rwd-owners-can-unlock-50-miles-of-extra-range-for-1600-via-an-ota-update/ \|archive-date=18 Jul 2024 \|access-date=22 Aug 2025 \|website=teslaoracle.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=7 May 2024 \|title=Model Y Update: Current Tesla RWD Model Y Owners Can Pay to Unlock Extra Range \|url=https://electrifynews.com/news/auto/existing-tesla-rwd-model-y-owners-can-pay-to-unlock-extra-range/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=22 Aug 2025 \|website=electrifynews.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Poultney \|first=Leon \|date=7 May 2024 \|title=Want more range on your Tesla Model Y? You might have to pay extra to unlock it \|url=https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/want-more-range-on-your-tesla-model-y-you-might-have-to-pay-extra-to-unlock-it \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525143800/https://electrifynews.com/news/auto/existing-tesla-rwd-model-y-owners-can-pay-to-unlock-extra-range/ \|archive-date=25 May 2024 \|access-date=22 Aug 2025 \|website=techradar.com}}</ref> Below the details:

	* Full range was not available as a factory option		*Full range was not available as a factory option
	* It can be added to all RWD Model Y sold prior to May 2024		*It can be added to all RWD Model Y sold prior to May 2024
	* It can only be bought outright for a $1600 one time fee		*It can only be bought outright for a $1600 one time fee
	* The range will be unlocked by an OTA software update		*The range will be unlocked by an OTA software update

	== See also ==		==See also==

	* [[BMW feature lockout scandal]]		*[[BMW feature lockout scandal]]
	* [[Mazda remote-start subscription]]		*[[Mazda remote-start subscription]]
	* [[BMW's heated seat subscription]]		*[[BMW's heated seat subscription]]
	* [[Software locks]]		*[[Software locks]]
	* [[Audi Basic HVAC "Sync" Function Paywalled]]		*[[Audi Basic HVAC "Sync" Function Paywalled]]
	* [[Mercedes-Benz locks horsepower behind paid subscription]]		*[[Mercedes-Benz locks horsepower behind paid subscription]]
	* [[Volkswagen locks horsepower behind paid subscription]]		*[[Volkswagen locks horsepower behind paid subscription]]
	* [[Mercedes-Benz EQS rear-wheel steering requires subscription]]		*[[Mercedes-Benz EQS rear-wheel steering requires subscription]]

	== References ==		==References==
	<references />		<references />
	[[Category:Incidents]]		[[Category:Incidents]]
	[[Category:Tesla]]		[[Category:Tesla]]
	[[Category:Tesla Model Y]]		[[Category:Tesla Model Y]]

Bythmusters: Added cargo template

2026-01-14T00:31:08Z

Added cargo template

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:31, 14 January 2026
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			{{IncidentCargo
			\|Company=Tesla
			\|StartDate=2024
			\|EndDate=
			\|Status=Active
			\|ProductLine=RWD Model Y
			\|Product=
			\|ArticleType=Product
			\|Type=Digital Restrictions, Firmware, Ownership, Rent-seeking
			\|Description=Pre-2024 RWD Model Y electric cars require a $1,600 payment to unlock the full battery range.
			}}
	All rear-wheel-drive (RWD) '''[[Tesla, Inc.\|Tesla]]''' Model Y vehicles sold before May 2024 were advertised with a 260-mile range, despite being equipped with battery hardware capable of approximately 320 miles. Tesla offers a paid software update for $1,600 to unlock this additional capacity.		All rear-wheel-drive (RWD) '''[[Tesla, Inc.\|Tesla]]''' Model Y vehicles sold before May 2024 were advertised with a 260-mile range, despite being equipped with battery hardware capable of approximately 320 miles. Tesla offers a paid software update for $1,600 to unlock this additional capacity.

Emanuele: Created page with "All rear-wheel-drive (RWD) '''Tesla''' Model Y vehicles sold before May 2024 were advertised with a 260-mile range, despite being equipped with battery hardware capable of approximately 320 miles. Tesla offers a paid software update for $1,600 to unlock this additional capacity. == Background == Tesla has been the pioneer car manufacturer of over-the-air (OTA) software updates, being the first ever to send one in 2012.{{Cite web |last=Newcomb |first..."

2025-08-22T19:29:31Z

Created page with "All rear-wheel-drive (RWD) '''Tesla''' Model Y vehicles sold before May 2024 were advertised with a 260-mile range, despite being equipped with battery hardware capable of approximately 320 miles. Tesla offers a paid software update for $1,600 to unlock this additional capacity. == Background == Tesla has been the pioneer car manufacturer of over-the-air (OTA) software updates, being the first ever to send one in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newcomb |first..."

New page

All rear-wheel-drive (RWD) '''[[Tesla, Inc.|Tesla]]''' Model Y vehicles sold before May 2024 were advertised with a 260-mile range, despite being equipped with battery hardware capable of approximately 320 miles. Tesla offers a paid software update for $1,600 to unlock this additional capacity.

== Background ==
Tesla has been the pioneer car manufacturer of over-the-air (OTA) software updates, being the first ever to send one in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newcomb |first=Doug |last2=Lugo |first2=Ryan |date=11 Apr 2025 |title=Still Loading: The Slow Roll of Automotive Over-the-Air Updates |url=https://www.motortrend.com/features/what-are-over-the-air-updates-ota-technology-rollout |access-date=22 Aug 2025 |website=motortrend.com}}</ref> While having full control of the software and being able to send updates can benefit customers in many ways, it enables the manufacturer to software-lock certain features and hardware that are present and otherwise functional in the car.

== How it works ==
This has been the case for all Model Y RWD vehicles sold prior to May 2024, now superseded by the RWD Model Y Long Range. The first was advertised and sold with a 260-mile range, the second with a 320-mile one. The two vehicles have same nickel battery, weight, and charging curves, but customers who purchased the non-Long Range model have to pay $1600 to unlock the full capacity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Wes |date=5 May 2024 |title=Tesla plans to charge some Model Y owners to unlock more range |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/5/24149447/tesla-model-y-software-locked-battery-capacity |access-date=22 Aug 2025 |website=The Verge}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ali |first=Iqtidar |date=18 Jul 2024 |title=Tesla Model Y RWD owners can unlock 50 miles of extra range for $1,600 via an OTA update |url=https://www.teslaoracle.com/2024/07/18/tesla-model-y-rwd-owners-can-unlock-50-miles-of-extra-range-for-1600-via-an-ota-update/ |access-date=22 Aug 2025 |website=teslaoracle.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 May 2024 |title=Model Y Update: Current Tesla RWD Model Y Owners Can Pay to Unlock Extra Range |url=https://electrifynews.com/news/auto/existing-tesla-rwd-model-y-owners-can-pay-to-unlock-extra-range/ |url-status=live |access-date=22 Aug 2025 |website=electrifynews.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Poultney |first=Leon |date=7 May 2024 |title=Want more range on your Tesla Model Y? You might have to pay extra to unlock it |url=https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/want-more-range-on-your-tesla-model-y-you-might-have-to-pay-extra-to-unlock-it |access-date=22 Aug 2025 |website=techradar.com}}</ref> Below the details:

* Full range was not available as a factory option
* It can be added to all RWD Model Y sold prior to May 2024
* It can only be bought outright for a $1600 one time fee
* The range will be unlocked by an OTA software update

== See also ==

* [[BMW feature lockout scandal]]
* [[Mazda remote-start subscription]]
* [[BMW's heated seat subscription]]
* [[Software locks]]
* [[Audi Basic HVAC "Sync" Function Paywalled]]
* [[Mercedes-Benz locks horsepower behind paid subscription]]
* [[Volkswagen locks horsepower behind paid subscription]]
* [[Mercedes-Benz EQS rear-wheel steering requires subscription]]

== References ==
<references />
[[Category:Incidents]]
[[Category:Tesla]]
[[Category:Tesla Model Y]]