Hey there, my fellow tech enthusiasts! Today, let’s talk about Tesla’s latest move to offer some Model Y owners the option to unlock more range for a fee. Elon Musk recently announced that the Standard Range rear-wheel drive Model Y actually has more range than initially advertised, and the company plans to unlock an additional 40-60 miles for $1,500 to $2,000, pending regulatory approval.

Tesla has replaced the Standard Range Model Y with a 320-mile range version for an additional $2,000. This means the car now starts at $44,990, or potentially as low as $37,490 with the federal EV tax credit. This strategy of software-locking range isn’t new for Tesla, as they previously offered customers the option to unlock more capacity in their Model S vehicles for an additional cost.

The trend of pay-to-remove software locks in the auto industry is growing, with companies like Polestar and Mercedes-Benz offering performance upgrades for a fee. Even BMW dabbled in software-locking features like CarPlay and heated seats at one point. Tesla has also made headlines for remotely disabling paid-for features when a car is resold.

It’s interesting to see how technology is shaping the automotive industry, allowing for customizable features and upgrades through software. What are your thoughts on this latest development from Tesla? Let me know in the comments below!