Is Tesla Significantly Going To Begin Charging For Heated Seats?

Useful hacker “Inexperienced” has uncovered extra new Tesla code in a software program replace. Maybe most notably, it seems that Tesla is making ready to cost drivers to activate the heated seats function — not only for the rear seats (already a factor) however for the entrance seats.

This appears a bit a lot. Whereas carmakers have made cash on further options for many years, there are some options which have grow to be customary or are customary at totally different ranges or automotive courses. Nobody has to pay further for computerized home windows any extra, or for a radio. Heated seats are clearly one thing which have price further in current a long time, however at sure automotive courses, they’re anticipated. Tesla has at all times been seen as a high-tech, premium-class automaker. As a part of that, it’s solely smart to me that heated entrance seats ought to be a part of the bundle. Beginning to cost — whether or not a one-time flat charge or a month-to-month subscription price — for heated seats feels scammy to me. It additionally lends credence to the argument that Tesla goes down-class to the detriment of its model. Is charging further for heated seats going to be make or break for the way individuals view Tesla and whether or not they get a Tesla, a Mercedes, a BMW, or a Volkswagen? I don’t know, however I don’t suppose it is going to assist the corporate make its case.

As we noticed just lately, BMW tried out this very same further cost. (Wish to be heat in winter? Pay further, on high of the premium you’re already paying.) There was a gentle uproar about this and BMW dropped the heated seat subscription price. Is Tesla actually going to observe BMW down a unclean tunnel that BMW simply pulled itself out of?

Oh yeah, and the code additionally means that Tesla will cost further — presumably through an non-compulsory software program improve — for heated windshield wipers. Significantly.

Is Tesla simply making an attempt to squeeze prospects to make extra income? Seemingly, sure.

Word that we don’t know but for certain if Tesla will implement these further expenses, and, in that case, which mannequin variations the additional price will apply to. Will the Tesla Mannequin 3 Lengthy Vary get heated seats by default? Will it’s important to pay further for them when proudly owning/shopping for any Mannequin 3 or Mannequin Y? Will the additional expenses solely apply to individuals who purchased the bottom Mannequin 3 or Mannequin Y? We’ll discover out in the end, however not immediately.

2023.38.8 brings us:
2024 base fashions
MY RWD SR (soft-range restricted to 260 mile sit appears)
UI for digital toll connector interface (wants bluetooth pairing to program)
Entrance heated seats and heated wipers are turning into paid options (for brand spanking new vehicles?)
FCW will get R152 mode

— inexperienced (@greentheonly) November 15, 2023

One other coming function primarily based on the brand new code “Inexperienced” uncovered appears to be some digital toll connector choice.

, however I feel, in idea, your Tesla account may robotically pay tolls for you when you find yourself driving on toll roads. Perhaps?

Final however not least, the brand new software program code implies that the Mannequin Y has the identical capability battery it doesn’t matter what the trim stage, however that the usual Mannequin Y RWD can be software program restricted to a decrease capability. Tesla has deployed this strategy previously many occasions. Then, 1) it could cost you at any level to replace to a longer-range model of the automotive with a easy click on of a button, and a pair of) if Tesla buys the automotive again from the client, the corporate can simply replace the software program and have a longer-range, higher-value automotive to promote once more.

What do you consider the adjustments? All’s honest in love and automotive subscriptions?