Tesla starts offering official APIs for its vehicles and energy services
Not a Tesla App
Tesla's vehicles have long been a playground for tech enthusiasts. Through reverse engineering, developers have accessed Tesla's APIs for years, giving birth to third-party services that track vehicle metrics, deliver notifications and even help manage whole fleets of Teslas. However, this free-for-all is nearing its end, as Tesla has unveiled official API documents, signaling a more structured future.
APIs, or Application Programming Interfaces, serve as communication bridges between software applications. Think of an API as a waiter taking your order and bringing food to your table; it fetches data from one application and serves it to another. Developers leverage APIs to create applications and services that interact with platforms like Tesla or X, providing enriched or unique user experiences.
The Details So Far: A Glimpse into Tesla's API Plan
Tesla is being a bit cryptic. While all specifics aren't out, they're offering a Free Trial, with APIs being "temporarily free" during this period. The primary tier introduced is the "Discovery" tier. The current Discovery tier presents challenges for third-party services. Why? Because the Discovery tier allows one data request per car every 5 minutes. Many services pull data far more frequently, making this a potential bottleneck for context.
Moreover, Tesla has indicated that the Discovery tier is just a stepping stone and will evolve in 2024, but there's no word on limits or pricing of other tiers.
While more prominent third-party services may adjust, like Uber, smaller projects often set up by Tesla owners using open-source software, like TeslaMate — may bear the brunt. The new official API versions appear more restrictive than Tesla's existing ones and could introduce charges, making it hard for smaller services to operate in their current form.
Déjà vu: Remembering Twitter's API Overhaul
This move mirrors another of Elon Musk's ventures: X. After acquiring Twitter, before renaming it X, Musk revamped the API access to boost revenue for a social media platform that was headed for bankruptcy. Twitter's straightforward free access system was transformed to include tiered charges — some costing thousands a month. Developers, a bedrock of Twitter's ecosystem, were in a frenzy. Some had to shut down their projects, while others passed the added costs to users.
While it's still early for Tesla's API shift, it signals a broader trend in Musk-led ventures. Both Tesla and X's decisions underscore the business tug-of-war between enhancing profits and nurturing a community. While official APIs will introduce some benefits, such as users gaining more control over their data. Developers, the unsung heroes behind numerous tools and services, now find themselves on this tightrope, with end-users possibly facing the fallout of reduced features or higher charges.
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Tesla’s latest FSD update, version 2024.27.5 brings some improvements when parking your vehicle. This is another undocumented, but one we’re happy to see.
Most recently, the Cybertruck received the undocumented change for the Hands-Free Frunk opening (video below). The Cybertruck also recently received Vision Park Assist, which included steering wheel guides in the visualization showing the direction the front and rear wheels were turned. However, it turns out this isn’t just for the Cybertruck.
Update: We’ve updated this article to mention that this feature isn’t included in update 2024.32 yet.
Quick video on the auto frunk. It's literally 🧍♂️📐
Due to the Cybertruck’s unique rear-wheel steering and steer-by-wire design, Park Assist in the Cybertruck displayed the path of the front wheels, and how they would swing while reversing.
This enhancement is also coming to every Tesla vehicle in FSD 12.5.2 and later. It’s also expected to be available in a future update for non-FSD vehicles. However, it’s unclear whether it will be a later revision of update 2024.32 or the next major Tesla update. This is a neat little update, as it helps drivers better understand and predict the path their vehicle will take during a turn.
Brandon, going by @teslaflexx on X, originally spotted the new visuals recently on an AMD-based Model Y running 2024.27.5 and FSD V12.5.2.
Any vehicles who are on update 2024.27.5 or 2024.27.20 should have access to this new feature.
Looks like Cybertruck wasn’t the only vehicle to get the new guide visuals with park assist. Much better than the lines! pic.twitter.com/tF9ZsWCcWy
Tesla’s Cybertruck has been used as an awesome off-road vehicle so far, with some great videos from both Tesla themselves, as well as many owners who have been challenging difficult off-road obstacles.
One frequently requested feature, however, is additional armor for the Cybertruck to improve its off-road capabilities. Wes Morril, Program Manager for the Cybertruck, has confirmed that Tesla will be introducing Battery Armor and Rock Sliders as retrofit “options” by the end of 2024.
Battery Armor
The Cybertruck’s underbody plate, while not completely unarmoured, isn’t exactly super thick, and can leave the battery exposed if the weight of the truck is left on a high-center point or a sharp rock. This upcoming battery armor will be similar to the armored undersides offered by other companies specifically for off-roading.
Rivian, for example, sells armor as a single package for $3,950 USD, or $5,800 CAD, along with a 20” wheel upgrade, full-size spare, and a utility panel including an air compressor and enough hose to let you reach any of the tires when airing up or down your tires for off-road. Tesla’s upcoming Battery Armor will be a retrofit option, unlike Rivian’s – which can only be added when purchasing the vehicle.
Rock Sliders
The Cybertruck has a simple and clean bottom corner – but that also means that it exposes the plastic trim directly. Rock sliders go on the bottom edge of off-road vehicles between the wheels to protect the vehicle's body. Rock sliders are a pretty common modification, and some companies have already begun to offer them for the Cybertruck – but a first-party OEM option is always best.
This is especially true since most third-party options use the lift points of the vehicle to attach rock sliders, which can make replacing wheels or lifting the vehicle difficult without removing the third-party additions. This adds considerable time to what should be a quick job.
Release Date
We’re looking forward to Tesla bringing these options to the Tesla store in the coming months. Wes said they’d be available as retrofits before the end of 2024, along with the upcoming Winter Tire Package, which is arriving next month. The Winter Tire Package is already available to order for Cybertruck owners.
TeslaFi logs your drives and charging sessions, letting you keep a log of your vehice's activity. We highly recommend checking them out if you use your car for business trips and would like to keep track of reimbursements, if you like to see how much you spend on charging or if you just love statistics. Visit their site and see everything they have to offer!
Tesla Android Project enables you to run Android apps in your Tesla. The platform is Open Source and you can deploy it on your own Raspberry Pi 4. Consider supporting the initiative by donating or purchasing the Compute Module 4 Bundle that delivers the best experience. Get $20 off by using the code: NotATeslaApp
The official Tesla app only notifies you if your car is broken into. By installing Sentry Pro on your phone, you will be notified for all Sentry Mode events. Stay connected and avoid potential surprises by receiving notifications. Stop constantly checking the cameras to ensure safety. Check only when necessary, save battery and get peace of mind. Get a 7 day free trial here!
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Although we share official Tesla release notes, we are not affiliated with Tesla Motors. We are Tesla fans and supporters.
