Tesla demanded a $4,500 ransom money from a client, which it undone after a social media uproar.
Tesla Tried to Squeeze $4,500 from a Customer
Tesla attempted to make a client pay a $4,500 ransom because the corporation had software-locked his battery pack's 80-mile range. After a social media outrage, the carmaker had just begun to reverse its $4,500 customer-squeezing plan.
Battery packs in Tesla's Model S cars were previously secured via software. For instance, Seth Weintraub of Electrek's first Tesla was a Model S 40, which was a Model S with a 60 kWh battery pack that had its capacity locked at 40 kWh.
This was a solution to provide several range choices without having to complicate manufacturing by using various battery pack sizes.
Tesla later offered software-locked vehicle owners a fee-based unlocking alternative. Tesla outlawed this approach over time, although it still uses software-locked battery packs when replacing battery packs under warranty for particular capacities it no longer makes.
Due to this, a client is now in a scenario that Tesla has treated wholly inappropriately.
A well-known Tesla hacker named Jason Hughes discovered the issue while attempting to assist a client who had purchased a secondhand Model S90 that had previously been a Model S60.
The customer attended a Tesla service center to get a computer upgrade so his older, 3G-only Tesla could be connected to the Internet. After visiting Tesla, he received a call indicating they found a problem in his car's setup and would "fix" it.
The repair modified Model S60's design and lowered battery pack range by 80 miles. Since he bought a Model S90, the customer wanted Tesla to re-enable the feature he had paid. Tesla said the option wasn't unlocked and he must pay $4,500 for it.
Tesla Plans to Make 4680 Battery Cells at Gigafactory Texas This Quarter
Tesla aims to begin manufacturing 4680 battery cells at Gigafactory Texas this quarter and build up to commercial production by year's end.
It hasn't spoken much recently about its new 4680 battery cell, which permits its new battery pack design. Investors are worried about Tesla's future automobile ambitions without the improved battery technology.
As the carmaker began producing the Model Y at the Gigafactory Berlin using the outdated design based on 2170 cells, and then at the Gigafactory Texas using 4680 cells, it recently expanded the production of Model Y automobiles using the previous architecture at the Austin factory as well.
Everything suggested that Tesla would have significant difficulties stepping up manufacturing a considerably larger cell.
Additionally, Tesla's Q2 2022 earnings call with analysts and shareholders centered on the 4680 cell. The manufacturer admitted it's having trouble implementing new cell technologies, particularly dry electrodes.
On the plus side, Tesla's powertrain and energy engineering senior vice president, Drew Baglino, said that the manufacturer would formally begin manufacturing the 4680 cell at Gigafactory Texas this quarter.
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