Tesla locks battery range behind paywall
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 edit
Tesla has been the pioneer car manufacturer of over-the-air (OTA) software updates, being the first ever to send one in 2012.[1] 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 edit
This has been the case for all Model Y RWD vehicles sold prior to May 2024, now superseded by the RWD Model Y Long Range.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.[2][3][4][5] 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 edit
- 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 edit
- ↑ Newcomb, Doug; Lugo, Ryan (11 Apr 2025). "Still Loading: The Slow Roll of Automotive Over-the-Air Updates". motortrend.com. Retrieved 22 Aug 2025.
- ↑ Davis, Wes (5 May 2024). "Tesla plans to charge some Model Y owners to unlock more range". The Verge. Retrieved 22 Aug 2025.
- ↑ Ali, Iqtidar (18 Jul 2024). "Tesla Model Y RWD owners can unlock 50 miles of extra range for $1,600 via an OTA update". teslaoracle.com. Retrieved 22 Aug 2025.
- ↑ "Model Y Update: Current Tesla RWD Model Y Owners Can Pay to Unlock Extra Range". electrifynews.com. 7 May 2024. Retrieved 22 Aug 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ Poultney, Leon (7 May 2024). "Want more range on your Tesla Model Y? You might have to pay extra to unlock it". techradar.com. Retrieved 22 Aug 2025.