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Useful hacker “Inexperienced” has uncovered extra new Tesla code in a software program replace. Maybe most notably, it seems that Tesla is getting ready to cost drivers to activate the heated seats characteristic — 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 change into commonplace or are commonplace at totally different ranges or automobile lessons. Nobody has to pay further for computerized home windows any extra, or for a radio. Heated seats are clearly one thing which have value further in current a long time, however at sure automobile lessons, 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 must be a part of the package deal. Beginning to cost — whether or not a one-time flat payment or a month-to-month subscription value — 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 a way folks 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’s going to assist the corporate make its case.

As we noticed not too long ago, 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 value. 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 further — presumably by way of an non-obligatory software program improve — for heated windshield wipers. Severely.

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

Observe that we don’t know but for positive if Tesla will implement these further costs, and, in that case, which mannequin variations the additional value will apply to. Will the Tesla Mannequin 3 Lengthy Vary get heated seats by default? Will you must pay further for them when proudly owning/shopping for any Mannequin 3 or Mannequin Y? Will the additional costs solely apply to individuals who purchased the bottom Mannequin 3 or Mannequin Y? We’ll discover out eventually, however not right now.

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 new automobiles?)
FCW will get R152 mode

— inexperienced (@greentheonly) November 15, 2023

One other coming characteristic based mostly on the brand new code “Inexperienced” uncovered appears to be some digital toll connector choice. I’m not clear what that is, however I feel, in idea, your Tesla account might mechanically pay tolls for you if you find yourself driving on toll roads.

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 shall be software program restricted to a decrease capability. Tesla has deployed this strategy prior to now many occasions. Then, 1) it may cost you at any level to replace to a longer-range model of the automobile with a easy click on of a button, and a pair of) if Tesla buys the automobile again from the client, the corporate can simply replace the software program and have a longer-range, higher-value automobile to promote once more.

What do you consider the adjustments? All’s truthful in love and automobile subscriptions?