A Closer Look at Tesla's Trip Planner Feature in the Tesla App

By Kevin Armstrong
Tesla adds a Trip Planner to the Tesla app in version 4.20.69
Tesla adds a Trip Planner to the Tesla app in version 4.20.69
Not a Tesla App

Tesla has updated their app to version 4.20.69, introducing a much-anticipated trip-planning feature. With this addition, Tesla owners can plan a trip through the app and send it directly to their car. This guide will walk you through the new features, limitations, and other updates in this release.

How to Use Tesla's New Trip Planner

To use the Trip Planner simply go to the location section of the Tesla app, tap on "navigate," and input your destination. The app will then find Superchargers along the route, give an ETA, show how much to charge at each charger, display the state of your car's battery, and plot the route on a map.

Customizing Your Trip

The trip planner offers customization options for your journey. You can set your beginning battery percentage, default to your car's current level, or input a custom value if you leave with a different charge level. The app also defaults to your car's current location, but you can change the start location if needed. When you're ready, send the trip to your car.

Limitations of the Trip Planner

Although the new trip planner provides a convenient way to plan your route ahead of time, it does come with some limitations:

  • It does not support waypoints (multiple destinations).
  • You cannot set your own charging stops.
  • The arrival battery percentage cannot be set.
  • Trips cannot be saved for later; they must be sent to your car after being planned.
  • The feature is available in most regions, but it's not available to everyone.
  • The app does not show Supercharger prices or total trip cost.

Other App Update Features

In addition to the trip planning feature, Tesla app update 4.20.69 brings other enhancements:

Phone Key pairing no longer requires your Key Card to complete, simplifying the process.

Customers with Tesla insurance can now schedule service for Tesla Insurance claims directly through the app.

You can now also tap and hold on a Supercharger's price and availability chart to see estimated chargers available at a given time, with labels such as "Most Chargers Available," "Some Chargers Available," or "Most Chargers in Use."

Future Enhancements

While the current version of the Tesla app's trip planner has limitations, it's reasonable to expect that Tesla will continue refining and expanding the feature in future updates. For now, Tesla owners can enjoy a more seamless and convenient electric vehicle experience with this latest app update.

Tesla Now Offers Windshield Protection Plan With Monthly Subscription — Must Enroll Within 30 Days

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

Tesla has quietly launched a new monthly subscription service in the United States for windshield protection. This is separate from the recently announced Extended Service Agreement, an extended warranty that is paid for monthly.

This new plan specifically targets one of the most common and costly repairs: windshield damage, which is not covered by the extended warranty.

This new plan is a nice addition for users who prefer peace of mind, but it comes with some very specific and time-sensitive eligibility windows that all new owners should be aware of.

Coverage & Cost

For a flat monthly fee that varies by model, the Windshield Protection Plan provides comprehensive coverage for the front windshield, including the use of Tesla OEM glass and any required Autopilot camera calibrations.

The benefits include:

  • One free windshield replacement every 12-month period with no deductible

  • Any additional replacements incur a $100 co-pay per replacement

  • Unlimited chip and minor crack repairs

Tesla varies the pricing based on your vehicle:

  • Model 3 / Model Y: $12 per month

  • Model S: $15 per month

  • Model X: $23 per month

Who is Eligible and When?

This is the most crucial part to take away here. 

You must enroll within 30 days of taking delivery of a new or used Tesla vehicle

This is a very tight window, so new owners interested in the plan will need to subscribe pretty quickly. However, Tesla does offer alternative ways to get into the program.

Alternative Ways to Join

If you paid for a replacement windshield at Tesla, you also have 30 days to join the program. Likewise, if your vehicle passes a complimentary vehicle inspection, Tesla will also offer you the ability to join the program.

Although the complimentary inspection isn’t available yet, Tesla expects to begin offering the program sometime around July 2025. For now, the plan is only available in the US, similar to the new Extended Service Agreement Subscription. However, Tesla has announced plans to roll it out to other regions shortly, starting with Canada and Mexico.

No Cybertruck Coverage

Just as with the ESA, the Cybertruck is left out. The new Windshield Protection Plan isn’t being offered on the Cybertruck.

This exclusion is particularly important given the high cost of replacing a windshield for the Cybertruck. Out-of-pocket replacement costs exceed $2,300 USD. For now, Cybertruck owners will have to rely on their standard auto insurance for coverage.

How to Subscribe

Enrolling in the Extended Service Agreement or the Windshield Protection plan is handled directly within the Tesla App. If your vehicle is eligible, you’ll be able to navigate to Upgrades > Service Plans > Windshield Protection to review the terms and subscribe.

Once the complimentary inspection is available, you’ll be able to subscribe in person at a Tesla service center as well.

This new plan offers an affordable way for owners to hedge against one of the most common, frustrating, and expensive repair costs, and is expected to be a popular add-on.

Tesla Launches New Monthly Extended Service Agreement With Longer Coverage

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

Tesla has introduced a new, more flexible and affordable way for owners to get peace of mind after their factory warranty ends. This new service is a monthly subscription that replaces the previous Extended Service Agreement (ESA) in the United States.

The new subscription model makes it more appealing to owners, as it avoids a large upfront payment. This new subscription also offers better coverage terms than before.

Longer Coverage, Better Flexibility

The biggest upgrade in this new format of the ESA is the length of the coverage. The old prepaid ESA was limited to just two years or 25,000 miles beyond the factory warranty, for a total of up to 75,000 miles.

The new monthly program doubles the potential coverage period, offering protection for up to four additional years beyond the factory warranty, or until the vehicle reaches 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Coming from a basic vehicle warranty of 4 years or 50,000 miles, this is a huge jump up in customer protection.

Pricing & Deductible

The monthly price is simple, but it varies depending on the model. The Model 3 is the most affordable at just $50 per month, while the Model X is the most expensive at $150 per month.

  • Model 3: $50 / month

  • Model Y: $60 / month

  • Model S: $125 / month

  • Model X: $150 / month

However, Tesla will also charge a $100 deductible for each service visit that covers an included repair, on top of the monthly subscription fee.

Exclusions

The ESA is an exclusionary warranty, meaning it covers the repair or replacement needed to correct a failure of most parts manufactured or supplied by Tesla. However, there are some parts not covered under the ESA, which include:

  • High Voltage Battery

  • Drive Unit

  • 12V/16V Low Voltage Battery

  • Bodywork

  • Paint

  • Glass

  • Charging Equipment

  • Wear & Tear Items (cabin air filters, brake pads, tires, etc.)

  • Issues arising from accidents, modifications, or environmental damage

Essentially, the ESA is designed to cover the components other than the drivetrain. That includes the touchscreen, computers, heat pumps, suspension, or other non-drivetrain electronics that aren’t covered after the 4-year basic warranty.

Tesla vehicles come with an extensive battery and drivetrain warranty that covers these items for up to 8 years. The maximum mileage varies by model. RWD Model 3 and Model Ys are covered for the first 100k miles, while Long Range Model 3s and Ys are covered up to 120k miles. The Model S and Model X are covered for up to 150,000 miles or 8 years.

Eligibility and Sign-Up

Eligibility for the new ESA subscription is pretty clear-cut.

Your vehicle must be within its 4-year / 50,000-mile Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty. Tesla will send customers whose basic warranty is about to expire a notification approximately 3 months before the time-based expiry.

The subscription is not available for leased vehicles or vehicles that were purchased used. Tesla plans to offer eligibility to customers who purchase their vehicle at the end of a lease by the end of 2025, and for used vehicle customers in the near future.

The Cybertruck, due to its relatively newness to the market, doesn’t have access to the ESA quite yet - but it will be coming “in the near future.” For Canada and Mexico in particular, the ESA is not yet available, but Tesla has confirmed plans to bring this subscription to other regions soon.

Subscribing is done through the Tesla App. Tap Upgrades > Service Plans > Extended Service Agreement. Once you review the terms and the monthly fee, you can then hit Subscribe and confirm your payment information.

If the ESA is not visible, your vehicle is not eligible for the subscription.

Payments for the ESA only begin once your original warranty has expired. However, you can sign up at any time, and payments will automatically start when your factory warranty expires.

Other Service Plans

Tesla also offers a Windshield Protection Plan and a Wheel and Tire Protection Plan, if you didn’t already know. Both of these plans are subscription-based and are currently only available in the United States. However, Tesla has indicated that it plans to expand to other regions in the near future.

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