Tesla is often referred to as the Apple of the automobile world, and for good reason — their approaches to doing business are very similar in many ways. And if anyone is able to compete with the Cupertino giant in the ability to make money on accessories, then this is Tesla.
Ever since Tesla launched the Model S in 2012 and the Model X in 2015, both of these electric vehicles have come to market with physical “keys” in the form of a little carpenter. Consequently, upon purchase, customers received a physical “key” to access their car in addition to a digital, branded mobile application. Now this has changed – from July 1, 2022, the new Tesla Model X and Model S arrive to customers without physical “keys” – key fobs.
Now such a “key” is an additional option for which you need to pay extra. The accessory is priced at the Tesla online store for $175 in the US and $225 in Canada.
As with the removal of the lumbar support from the Model 3 and Model Y passenger seats last year, and the recent removal of charging, Tesla explained in an internal email to employees that most owners use their mobile device as a key, and removing the key fob will allow reduce the amount of e-waste. That is, yes, in this case, too, concern for the environment.
Both premium electric vehicles, which cost over $100,000 in the US (the Model S starts at $104,990 and the Model X starts at $120,990), can also be unlocked in two more ways that you don’t have to pay for – a key card and a mobile app. Every new Tesla vehicle comes with two key cards.
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