Facelifted Tesla Model 3 could include controversial heated seat subscription

Buyers of the updated Tesla Model 3 could be charged extra to use the electric sedan’s heated seats, after a software code showing the feature as a paid item was unearthed online.

In a post uploaded to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) by user ‘greentheonly’ – and first spotted by Autoevolution – an imminent software update for the Tesla model range includes a code for front heated seats to become ‘paid features’.

The self-described ‘ethical hacker’ – who previously uncovered an alleged secret code which allowed Tesla cars to detect when they are being used for scientific crash testing – claims the heated seat subscription service will only be applicable to the upcoming Model 3 facelift.

As with BMW’s controversial decision to trial an identical program from late 2022, the Tesla Model 3’s seats are fitted at the factory with the hardware for its heated seats to operate, though owners must pay a subscription fee for the function to work.

According to CarBuzz, this could allow Tesla to reduce the showroom price of the Model 3 – potentially to a point where the electric sedan will qualify for the US Government’s full electric-car tax subsidy of $US7500 ($AU11,400).

BMW previously claimed producing all model variants with the same equipment allowed it to keep its production costs and carbon footprint down, while customers who wanted the feature would be willing to pay a small ongoing fee – or single cost – to unlock it.

However, BMW announced it would stop charging customers the heated seat subscription fee in Europe from September 2023, following buyer backlash and low uptake of the controversial charge.

As previously reported, the facelifted Tesla Model 3 will be fitted with heated – and cooled – seats when it arrives in Australia next year, though it is not yet known whether local customers will be charged extra to use the feature.

Given Tesla does not have an official communications department in Australia or overseas, details about the heated seat subscription service will not be confirmed until the Model 3 goes on sale.