Tesla Jabs Back Against Aftermarket Companies Offering Discounted “Back Door” Upgrades

Tesla has a unique way of offering upgrades to a car. in some instances, the hardware is there, it just takes a software update to unlock it. With popular features like full self-driving capabilities, users can simply log in to their account and buy the update. The car will then be updated wirelessly through a software update.

Theoretically, Tesla could charge multiple users for the same feature when the car changes hands. While some have voiced their concerns about a model like this, it’s not too difficult to see how it could be profitable for the electric car manufacturer.

Another feature is an unlockable “acceleration boost” coming with a $2,000 premium. Elecktrek reports that the feature unlocks about 50 hp in the Tesla Model 3 dual motor variation. While many have chosen to go through Tesla to get the upgrade, some have hit the aftermarket. In a natural progression of things, aftermarket companies have been popping up left and right to try and take advantage of the situation.

One example of this comes through a plug-in module that attempts to offer the unlocked features at a more competitive price. Instead of going through Tesla, buyers will use this aftermarket plug-in to gain access to the locked features. Tesla doesn’t seem too keen to just accept this, though. Instead, the company is fighting back through its most recent update.

From what Elecktrek reports, the notification stays on screen but the vehicle remains drivable. In the notification, Tesla relays the message that “Incompatible vehicle modification” detected by the system bears the risk of “Damage or shutdown.”

In response, the aftermarket modification company is working on a patch to combat the response from Telsa.

At the end of the day, it seems like both sides have a case here. As for gear heads, I think it was safe to say that we all saw a day where something of the like was coming. It was more of a question of “When?” than “If?”