"RyanFrew" (ryanfrew)
06/09/2016 at 14:36 • Filed to: Telsa, DLC, Freemium
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"RyanFrew" (ryanfrew)
06/09/2016 at 14:36 • Filed to: Telsa, DLC, Freemium | 2
| 15 |
How long before we see that headline?
Jason Torchinski !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! that Tesla is releasing a model which will feature 60kwh of power, when in fact there is a 75kwh battery onboard, accessible via a paid software update. Jason was bothered by the premise that a manufacturer will sell a car that is deliberately limited in this way, but I argued in the comment section that this is no different than Audi detuning a car with a similar engine to a Lamborghini, just to keep a model from stepping on it’s big brother’s toes.
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
In response to my comment, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , stated that Tesla would likely do something along the lines of pulling Supercharger access, if they found that I had messed with the ECU. I think it’s likely that they’d actually discard the factory warranty, altogether, and they would become litigious if it became a more widespread “problem”.
But that’s crazy, right? ECU flashes have been happening for decades! The difference, of course, is that cars have always been viewed as mechanical objects, and all of a sudden we’re discussing the powertrains as software products. And what else has been happening for decades? Suing over pirated DLC, which is exactly what this would be.
Remember all of the hoopla over the first jailbroken iPhone? Wait for the first jailbroken Tesla. That will be fun.
Now, let’s take bets. Is it easier to eek that extra 15kwh out of a “60" kwh Tesla? Or is someone going to show the world how to access Ludicrous mode without paying the $10k premium first?
The World of Vee
> RyanFrew
06/09/2016 at 15:01 |
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Time will tell! No one’s figured out how to hack them yet and they’ve been around in low capacity mode (40-60kwh) for 5 years now
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RyanFrew
> The World of Vee
06/09/2016 at 15:07 |
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Personally, I think it’s a question of volume. The fallacy that no one had “figured out” how to attack Mac computers existed for a long time, when the reality was that it just didn’t make sense to go after such a small market share. Someone will figure this out in due time :)
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The World of Vee
> RyanFrew
06/09/2016 at 15:12 |
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Not really, Mac computers have just as many vulnerabilities as windows it’s just a smaller marketshare.
The more volume you have the more likely they are to come at people for it. If one person does it then it isn’t a big deal but if everyone is then losing out on a lot of money will cause ire.
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RyanFrew
> The World of Vee
06/09/2016 at 15:17 |
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Haha, I think we literally just said the exact same thing, right?
Edit: I think I found the lack of clarity. When I said someone will figure “this” out, I was referring to Tesla.
The Dummy Gummy
> The World of Vee
06/09/2016 at 15:22 |
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How do you read what he said and then type what you did? You almost wrote verbatim what Ryan Frew wrote.....
Textured Soy Protein
> RyanFrew
06/09/2016 at 15:52 |
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There’s a whole secondary market of BMW navigation map updates and feature unlocking (satellite radio, etc) for cheaper than getting those things from the dealer.
The files for the map updates are out in public torrents but BMW has these activation codes you’re supposed to only be able to get from them. So like, BMW charges $40 for a map update USB stick and $100 for a one-time use activation code, or $135 for a code that’s good for as many updates as you can apply in a 2 year period, but you’re at least supposed to buy additional USB sticks for the update data.
There are various online vendors who sell the codes along with links to torrents of the map data, so you can keep your maps updated and use one of these bootleg codes for cheaper than BMW would have you pay them.
I’m sure the same applies for other brands.
(My 2011 BMW I just bought still has the original map data and I’m looking at how best to update it.)
WiscoProud
> RyanFrew
06/09/2016 at 15:54 |
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I wouldn't hold your breath for an ECU reflash to work on this. The software is Musk's baby, and I presume there are some intense protections.
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The World of Vee
> RyanFrew
06/09/2016 at 16:01 |
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Ahh ok yeah.
and yeah I guess we’re on the same page haha!
BigBlock440
> The World of Vee
06/09/2016 at 16:06 |
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I think the older ones actually used a lower capacity battery though, so no software update was going to get them more.
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BigBlock440
> RyanFrew
06/09/2016 at 16:07 |
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Only problem is, Tesla doesn’t have an ECU.
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RyanFrew
> BigBlock440
06/09/2016 at 16:27 |
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Correct. I’m simplifying. Concept is the same.
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The World of Vee
> BigBlock440
06/09/2016 at 16:42 |
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you’re right, i was referring to the 40kWh versions that were software limited versions of the 60kWh
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BigBlock440
> The World of Vee
06/09/2016 at 22:31 |
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Oh, I didn’t realize the even had a 40, I guess this isn’t the first time they’ve done this then.
nlpnt
> RyanFrew
06/11/2016 at 21:39 |
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IMO this is one and the same with the tilting at windmills about dealer laws and the free-repair NDAs. Tesla is a Silicon Valley tech company and doesn’t “get” how things are done in the car business and its’ fandom.
luvMeSome142 & some Lincoln!
> RyanFrew
07/18/2016 at 16:02 |
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IOC makes a great point. The software that “unlocks” greater battery capacity also may make the battery more prone to failure. The population of 75kWh batteries has potentially higher warranty claims than the population of 60kWh batteries.
So, no, it isn’t free to offer the software upgrade to everyone.