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.[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
This has been the case for all Model Y RWD vehicles sold prior to May 2024, now superseded by the RWD Model Y Long Range.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
- 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
- ↑ Newcomb, Doug; Lugo, Ryan (11 Apr 2025). "Still Loading: The Slow Roll of Automotive Over-the-Air Updates". motortrend.com. Archived from the original on 11 Apr 2025. Retrieved 22 Aug 2025.
- ↑ Davis, Wes (5 May 2024). "Tesla plans to charge some Model Y owners to unlock more range". The Verge. Archived from the original on 5 May 2024. 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. Archived from the original on 18 Jul 2024. 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. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 22 Aug 2025.