News
Third-Party Apps To Now Work On Tesla Vehicles
Tesla’s bold move towards third-party app integration marks a significant step forward in user experience and convenience. In an exciting development, the account section in the official Tesla app now includes a fresh segment dedicated to Third Party Apps. Although the feature isn’t entirely functional yet, it unveils the promise of an integrated future where Tesla’s Supercharger network communicates seamlessly with smartphone apps, even those from rival EV manufacturers.
The move comes on the back of Tesla striking deals with several auto giants, including Ford, General Motors, Rivian, Volvo, and now Polestar, who will gain access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network from next year. Consequently, EV owners from these brands will likely need a Tesla account to utilize the 12,000+ Supercharger sites scattered across the United States and Canada.
The integration suggests an enhanced experience akin to logging into your Amazon account using your Apple ID, paving the way for a more streamlined user journey. This progress isn’t just limited to supercharging. It also means that third-party services like TeslaFi data logger, which presently taps into the Tesla account via the company’s API, will soon have access granted.
Tesla’s march towards third-party app support echoes the ease of installing an app from an app store. Typically, users encounter a series of prompts requesting access to various features such as microphone, location data, and call history, instead of providing blanket access to all data.
While Tesla did debut an unofficial API for basic third-party apps, it primarily facilitated mobile and browser-based apps rather than a comprehensive SDK. Then in 2016, CEO Elon Musk indicated a shift towards app mirroring from phone to center console, akin to Apple’s CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the company maintained control over the user experience within its vehicles, abstaining from integrating third-party infotainment platforms.
