Tesla adds myQ WiFi garage door support in 2022 holiday update

How MyQ will be integrated in Tesla vehicles

MyQ

Update: Be sure to check our article on how myQ integration works, what features it offers and how it compares to HomeLink.

Tesla is getting ready to introduce WiFi garage door support to their vehicles through MyQ.

Since our article yesterday additional details have emerged about how MyQ will operate, which vehicles will be supported and whether there will be a cost to use the service. This information is based on a page that appeared briefly on MyQ's website but has since been removed.

Vehicles Supported

MyQ's website stated that support for their garage door openers would be coming to the Model 3 and Model Y. While this makes a lot of sense because those vehicles don't include a HomeLink module, we'd be surprised if Tesla didn't also add support for the Model S and Model X.

Cost

Let's get cost out of the way. Although MyQ does not charge a fee today to remotely open and close their garage doors, they do plan on charging a fee to use their devices in vehicles. This could be looked at similarly to how some services are free to use on a PC but require a subscription to use on your mobile phone.

The price posted on MyQ's website was a five-year plan for $179, which is still cheaper than Tesla's $350 installation cost for HomeLink.

Unfortunately, this removes a big benefit we thought MyQ would have over buying a HomeLink module for the Model 3 or Model Y. For Model S and Model X owners who already have HomeLink included in their vehicles, it may not make as much sense.

However, MyQ does provide some advantages over HomeLink.

Integration

The good news is that MyQ integration will be very similar to HomeLink, and better in some ways. What appears to be a rendering of the feature working in a Tesla was also posted to their website which shows off a screen very similar to HomeLink.

On the MyQ settings screen, you'll have a list of supported devices on the left side, such as garage doors, gates and possibly lights, but we haven't see any evidence of the latter yet.

On the right side, you'll see options pertaining to the device selected, such as its current state, whether the garage door should auto-open or close and the distance when the device should be triggered.

You'll also be able to have the vehicle fold in its mirrors when reaching the target location.

If you've used HomeLink, this should all look very familiar since it's almost exactly the same. However, there are a couple of differences that give the advantage to MyQ.

The first is that MyQ is a smarter system and it knows the state of your garage door. So if you're arriving home and the garage door is already open, it won't try to close it on you.

The other advantage is distance. Since MyQ works over the internet you'll be able to trigger the garage door or gate from further down the driveway, giving the door plenty of time to fully open before you arrive.

MyQ supports an array of devices, but it waits to be seen whether there will be support for these additional devices such as lights and door locks.

Engineering Brilliance Behind Tesla's Top Safety Ratings [Video]

Tesla explains how their single casting improves safety

Tesla

Tesla gave us a look inside the engineering crash safety lab with its latest video on YouTube (below). Vice President of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy shares some fascinating insights on what makes Tesla vehicles so safe. He explained that Tesla considers passive safety from the beginning of a design.

Passive safety refers to the features and structures that protect occupants in the event of an accident, as opposed to active safety systems that help prevent accidents from occurring in the first place. Tesla's two main priorities in passive safety design are protecting the occupant and protecting the battery.

Progressive Crash Structure

Moravy elaborated on Tesla's crash structure strategy, saying, "What we're trying to do is absorb as much energy from whatever object you hit before it gets to the cabin." This is achieved through a progressive crash structure consisting of a bumper beam, crush can, and a front underbody casting recently debuted in Austin.

Multiple Load Paths: Vertical and Lateral Energy Absorption

A key feature of Tesla's safety design is the multiple load paths, which accommodate various vehicle sizes and types. Moravy explained, "There's a higher load path for compatibility with other vehicles on the road...sometimes we need a lower load path if you hit a different sized object." These load paths work vertically and laterally to ensure energy is absorbed and the car is pushed away from the object it collides with.

Reinforcing Cabin Safety with Door Rings, Glass, and Battery Structure

The door rings, glass and battery structure reinforce the cabin's safety. One unique aspect of Tesla vehicles is the low placement of the battery, which creates a lower center of gravity. This, combined with the suspension system, significantly reduces the risk of rollovers.

Crash Test Success: Model Y's Five-Star Rating

Moravy proudly showcased a Model Y that had been crash-tested at NHTSA for a five-star rating, emphasizing the effectiveness of Tesla's safety systems. He pointed out that "all that energy was absorbed up front here, stopping really at the cabin," allowing occupants to exit the vehicle after the crash safely. In addition, the cabin remained largely untouched, maintaining its original space to ensure occupant survival.

Tesla's commitment to safety begins at the design stage, focusing on passive safety and innovative engineering. Multiple load paths controlled crushing, and a low center of gravity all contribute to the exceptional safety ratings Tesla vehicles consistently achieve. As Moravy so aptly put it, Tesla's top priority is to "protect the occupant," and their engineering efforts are a testament to that mission.

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Tesla Model 3 RWD Will Now Be Eligible for Tax Credit Until April 18th

Tesla's cheapest Model 3 will be eligible for the tax credit for several more weeks

Tesla

Tesla's Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variant will be eligible for the $7,500 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) EV tax credit for a little longer than expected. The tax credit was initially expected to end for the rear-wheel drive vehicle on March 31st. However, the updated guidelines are now set to be released on April 18th, 2023. The updated guidance will cover battery production, assembly, and mineral sourcing requirements, affecting the eligibility of several electric vehicles (EVs) for full or partial credits.

The rules released for January 1 have been updated. Under the new guidance, at least 50% of an EV's battery components must be produced and assembled within the United States or in a country with a free trade agreement for the vehicle to qualify for the IRA tax credits. Additionally, at least 40% of the minerals used in an EV's battery must be sourced from the US or a country with a free trade agreement with the US. This percentage will increase by 10% annually, reaching 50% by 2024.

Impact on Tesla Model 3 RWD Tax Credit Eligibility

Tesla's Model 3 RWD battery pack, produced and assembled in China, uses CATL's LFP cells, which do not meet the new battery sourcing guidance. Consequently, the Model 3 RWD will not qualify for tax credits. The current Tesla Model 3 RWD price is $42,990 without the tax credit. However, Tesla's Model 3 Performance variant, equipped with domestically produced and assembled battery packs, will still be eligible for the full $7,500 EV tax credits.

A US official told Reuters that the Treasury's battery guidance would result in fewer EVs qualifying for credits. The Biden administration hopes the tax credit changes will lead to more EV sales as automakers adapt their supply chains to comply with the critical mineral and battery component rules.

Compliance Definitions: Extraction, Processing, and Recycling

To certify compliance with the US battery sourcing guidance, the Treasury has defined activities and processes related to the extraction, processing, and recycling of battery materials. The rules are part of a $430 billion climate bill aiming to reduce the United States' dependence on China for EV batteries and solar panels.

In February, the Treasury revised its vehicle classification definitions, making more Tesla, Ford, General Motors, and Volkswagen EVs eligible for up to $7,500 tax credits. However, some vehicles may see credits decline as the new battery guidance takes effect.

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