Tesla Considers Phasing Out Key Cards in Vehicles

Covers infotainment, ADAS and software updates. Daily: Hyundai Ioniq 5. Project car: NB Miata with a homebrew CarPlay retrofit.
Tesla is contemplating a significant change to its vehicle accessory offerings by potentially eliminating the inclusion of key cards, a feature that has been standard since 2017. This move comes as the company continues its efforts to streamline costs and enhance convenience for its users.
Tesla key cards have been provided as a standard accessory with new Tesla vehicles since 2017, aiding in the initial setup process for owners. However, with the advent of the Tesla App's Phone Key feature, many owners find the cards redundant. The Phone Key, which allows seamless vehicle access through a smartphone, has largely overshadowed the utility of key cards, leading Tesla to reconsider their necessity. Recently, a telling change was noted in Tesla’s Owner’s Manuals, where the mention of including two key cards with every new Model 3 or Model Y was removed. This subtle but significant adjustment was first reported by Not a Tesla App, sparking speculation about Tesla's plans to phase out the cards.
The potential removal of key cards is not just about simplifying the user experience but also reflects Tesla's ongoing strategy to cut costs wherever possible. By eliminating the inclusion of key cards, Tesla could save on production and distribution expenses, albeit small, contributing to the company’s broader cost-saving initiatives. This aligns with Tesla’s launch of more affordable standard models, where every cost-saving measure can contribute to maintaining competitive pricing. Despite their diminishing role, key cards still hold value for specific scenarios like valet parking or as a backup when a phone is unavailable. They are available for purchase separately in the Tesla Shop for those who prefer or require them.
While Tesla’s potential move might seem minor, it underscores a larger trend in the automotive industry: the shift towards digitalization and increased reliance on smartphone technology. The Phone Key exemplifies how digital solutions can not only replace but enhance traditional tools. By encouraging the use of the Phone Key, Tesla is not only making car access more convenient but also reducing the dependency on physical items that might be lost or forgotten. This transition reflects broader consumer trends towards minimizing physical clutter and embracing digital integration.
This decision, however, does not come without challenges. Some users may express concerns about the reliability of digital-only solutions, especially in scenarios where a smartphone might be lost, out of battery, or malfunctioning. Tesla will need to ensure robust support systems are in place to mitigate such risks, possibly through enhanced customer service or additional features in their app. The company may also need to reassure customers that transitioning to a fully digital access system will not compromise security or convenience.
As Tesla continues to innovate and redefine the automotive experience, each decision reflects its broader vision of a cleaner, more efficient future. The potential phase-out of key cards is a small, yet symbolic step in Tesla's journey towards a streamlined, tech-forward approach to vehicle ownership. This move could set a precedent for other automakers, highlighting the evolving expectations of modern consumers and the industry's shift towards digital solutions. Ultimately, Tesla's decisions today will shape the future landscape of automotive technology, emphasizing efficiency and sustainability.

About Noah Stein
Covers infotainment, ADAS and software updates. Daily: Hyundai Ioniq 5. Project car: NB Miata with a homebrew CarPlay retrofit.