Tesla deletes a feature after data revealed customers weren’t using it

The saying “use it or lose it” now rings true for Tesla customers.

The electric car specialist has deleted a handy feature from the latest versions of the Tesla Model 3 sedan and Tesla Model Y SUV sold in the US.

As initially reported by VehiclesSuggest.com, customers in North America noticed power lumbar adjustment for the front passenger seat had been removed as a standard feature from Tesla’s two biggest selling models – the Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV – even as prices increased.

Tesla boss Elon Musk confirmed in a post on social media platform Twitter: “Moving lumbar was removed only in front passenger seat of 3/Y (obv not there in rear seats). Logs showed almost no usage. Not worth cost/mass for everyone when almost never used.”

“Prices increasing due to major supply chain price pressure industry-wide. Raw materials especially,” Musk added.

The revelation is interesting as it reveals Tesla knows more about the use of its cars than many customers may realise – and knows more about the use of its cars than other manufacturers know about their customers.

For now, the deleted feature is still on current Tesla Model 3 stock recently arrived in Australia.

However, Drive understands the changes could flow on to the latest versions of the Tesla Model 3 sedan sold in Australia and the upcoming Tesla Model Y SUV due here later this year or early 2022 – both of which are made in China.

It's possible the California factory adopted the changes first, before the Shanghai production line does the same.

We will update this story as more information comes to hand.