Tesla locks battery range behind paywall: Difference between revisions

== 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This has been the case for all Model Y RWD vehicles sold prior to May 2024, now superseded by the RWD Model Y Long Range.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 ==