Is Tesla Seriously Going To Start 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 additional options for many years, there are some options which have change into commonplace or are commonplace at completely different ranges or automotive courses. Nobody has to pay additional for computerized home windows any extra, or for a radio. Heated seats are clearly one thing which have price additional in latest a long time, however at sure automotive courses, they’re anticipated. Tesla has all the time been seen as a high-tech, premium-class automaker. As a part of that, it’s solely wise to me that heated entrance seats ought to be a part of the package deal. Beginning to cost — whether or not a one-time flat price 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 additional for heated seats going to be make or break for a 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 assume it is going to assist the corporate make its case.

As we noticed lately, BMW tried out this very same additional cost. (Need to be heat in winter? Pay additional, on prime of the premium you’re already paying.) There was a light uproar about this and BMW dropped the heated seat subscription price. Is Tesla actually going to comply with BMW down a grimy tunnel that BMW simply pulled itself out of?

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

Is Tesla simply attempting to squeeze prospects to make extra income? Seemingly, sure.

Notice that we don’t know but for positive if Tesla will implement these additional expenses, and, if that’s the 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 additional 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 as we speak.

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 based mostly on the brand new code “Inexperienced” uncovered appears to be some digital toll connector possibility.

, however I feel, in idea, your Tesla account might mechanically pay tolls for you if you end up 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 degree, however that the usual Mannequin Y RWD will probably be software program restricted to a decrease capability. Tesla has deployed this strategy prior to now many occasions. Then, 1) it might probably 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 modifications? All’s truthful in love and automotive subscriptions?