Where to put Tesla key card

October 12, 2021

By Nick Howard

The Tesla Key Card is the company’s answer to the pain of the traditional car key. The pocket-sized card is designed to be a backup method to your Phone Key or key fob, which are the preferred method to lock and unlock your car.

The cards are durable, waterproof, require no batteries, cheap to replace (only $35 for two, where a normal key may cost upwards of $300 to replace and reprogram), and make it easy to revoke access in the event a keycard is lost or stolen. The same goes for Tesla key fobs, which are an optional extra for Model 3 or Model Y, but come standard with Model S or Model X.

The Tesla Key Card is compatible with all Model 3 and Y vehicles, and the refreshed 2021+ Model S and X.

Use Android Phone as Key Card

You can use your phone as a key card via NFC! The feature is enabled by default when you add your device as a phone key, so make sure NFC is on, and try it out! Tap your phone on the b-pillar to unlock/lock the car. If this doesn’t work, go to the contactless payment settings on your device and make sure “Tesla” is enabled as a contactless payment method.

How to use the Tesla Key Card

Remove the key card from your pocket, wallet, etc. The key card may not be recognized while inside a wallet, due to interference from other contactless cards.

Place the card flat against the b-pillar (between the front and rear doors), just a few inches below the camera hidden behind the glass.

You’ll hear a single chirp from the vehicle to indicate it’s unlocked (if you have the feature enabled, otherwise the lights will flash to indicate it’s unlocked). Remove the key from the car, enter the vehicle, and you’re good to go!

If more than approx. 30 seconds passes between unlocking the car and placing your foot on the brake, a message will pop up on the screen to indicate you need to tap the key again to be able to drive. The screen will show a graphic demonstrating how and where to place the card - this varies between different vehicle models, so follow the on-screen instructions for your specific vehicle.

How to Add a New Key Card

Note: You will need an existing key to add a new card. Enter your vehicle and open the Car menu on the screen. Navigate to the Locks section, and press the button to add a new keycard.

Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the new card - these instructions vary between vehicle models.

How to Remove a Key Card If Lost or Stolen

If you have lost a key card or wish to prevent a key card from accessing your vehicle, you can revoke access. To do so, enter your vehicle and open the Car menu on the screen. Navigate to the Locks section, and press the trash can icon next to the key card you wish to remove.

Follow the on-screen instructions. If you’re unsure which key card is the right one, this trick might be able to help - any time you tap a key card against the center console (3/Y) or wireless charging pad (2021 S/X), it will identify itself from the list on screen.

EV enthusiast by day, Twitter addict by night. @nickwhoward on most platforms.

Tesla cuts vehicle prices in China by as much as $5,000

October 24, 2022

By Kevin Armstrong

Tesla has reversed its most recent price hikes across the board in China — cutting the cost of some models by 5 to 10 percent.

Just last month the company started offering incentives to those who bought Tesla’s insurance. Observers speculate this could signal the beginning of the price war in the country as numerous electric vehicle makers are jousting for the top spot. The implications could be far-reaching as more companies are building EVs, and a recession is looming. Price will be the number one factor for many considering an EV.

Reuters reports Tesla stated, “it was adjusting prices in line with costs. Capacity utilization at its Shanghai Gigafactory has improved, while the supply chain remains stable despite the impact on the economy of China's stringent zero-COVID restrictions, leading to lower costs.” However, the report also claims that retail sales numbers are down, and electric car demand has also slowed.

Interestingly, the slash in prices was reported by The Paper, a Chinese digital newspaper, a month ago. But the media outlet later reported that Tesla China responded to their story, saying “Rumors, false news,” and that customer service “has not received relevant notices.” The drop in prices was remarkably close to the decreases that were rumored a month ago.

There’s been no speculation of a price cut in North America; in fact, the demand remains high with long waiting lists. Elon Musk said during the third quarter earnings call that he doesn’t see that slowing down. He said every vehicle they make would be sold. However, Elon did comment on Twitter back in July of this year saying that Tesla can lower its prices if 'inflation calms down.' We'll have to wait and see if Tesla reduces their prices in any other regions.

However, he did discuss creating a new vehicle that many believe could be the Model 2. This Model is expected to be less expensive, therefore being more competitive with companies who are offering EVs at cheaper prices.

Price Reductions in China

• Model 3 RWD: reduced by $1,400 USD
• Model 3 Performance: reduced by $2,500 USD
• Model Y RWD: reduced by $2,400 USD
• Model Y Long Range: reduced by $5,100 USD
• Model Y Performance: reduced by $2,700 USD

While Tesla is the EV giant in North America, and much of the world, it is third place in China. BYD Motor and SAIC-GM-Wuling are the leaders in that country, but Tesla is gaining. The Shanghai factory is producing 22,000 units per week, a jump of nearly 5,000 since June. The company delivered more than 83,000 vehicles last month, the highest output since the factory open in 2019.

China Merchants Bank International (CMBI) told Reuters the price reductions highlight the looming recession and the industry-wide slowdown that is expected in the EV industry in China.  Shi Ji, an analyst with CMBI said, "The price cuts underscore the possible price war, which we have been emphasizing since August." Some Twitter users are posting screenshots of wait lists developing in China just hours after the prices were dropped.

Tesla begins tooling for Cybertruck; batteries to be built in Fremont

October 23, 2022

By Gabe Rodriguez Morrison

Tesla is set to begin production of the Cybertruck at Giga Texas in mid-2023, a timeline that was reaffirmed during Tesla's Q3 earnings call.

After initially unveiling the electric pickup truck in 2019, Tesla has delayed production several times due to supply chain challenges among other economic issues.

While the Cybertruck is going to be built at Giga Texas, Tesla plans to start manufacturing battery packs for the upcoming truck at its Fremont factory, according to Teslarati. It was previously expected that the batteries would be manufactured at Giga Texas, the same factory where the Cybertruck will be assembled however, battery cells and cell pack manufacturing are not yet ready to begin mass production at its newly constructed Gigafactory in Austin, Texas.

Earlier this year, Tesla applied to build a battery and cathode manufacturing facility at Gigafactory Texas. Construction has started but it likely will not be ready in time for the Cybertruck’s projected launch in mid-2023.

Tesla is set to use IDRA's new Giga Press with a clamping force of 9,000 tons to produce the Cybertruck. The new Giga press is comprised of 54 pieces, weighing approximately 170,995 pounds. The Giga Press arrived in Houston, Texas last week and can be expected to reach the Gigafactory in Austin, Texas soon.

IDRA Group is one of Tesla's key suppliers that provide the automaker with giant manufacturing machines. The 6,000-ton Giga Press they constructed gives Tesla the ability to manufacture single-piece ends for the Model Y. Giga Texas will soon receive a 9,000-ton Giga press to manufacture the Cybertruck.

The Q3 earnings release revealed that the Cybertruck is now in the ‘Tooling’ phase of production. The tooling phase is where Tesla starts setting up the machines and production line before a vehicle enters full production. Although production is not fully underway, this is a good sign that Tesla is on track to begin production mid-2023.