Security Risks Exposed after Berlin Researchers Uncover 'Elon Mode' in Teslas During Live Stream

Glitch Revealed in Live Stream

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In a recent live stream event, a group of cybersecurity researchers from Technische Universität Berlin, under their doctoral program, demonstrated a successful hack into Tesla's Autopilot system, revealing security vulnerabilities in the vehicles. This hack, which closely mirrors their previous exploit in 2023, not only granted them access to the car's internal hardware but also confirmed that "Elon mode" is still available in recent firmware updates.

All About the Hack

Utilizing equipment costing roughly $600, the researchers induced a brief but critical 2-second voltage drop of 560 millivolts on Tesla’s ARM64-based Autopilot circuit board. This strategic interference allowed them to gain root access, extract cryptographic keys, and access vital system components. They recovered previously deleted data, including a video with GPS coordinates. This same technique also unlocked the elusive "Elon mode,” we’ve heard about before.

“Elon mode," first discovered by @greentheonly in June 2023, enables Tesla vehicles to operate in full self-driving mode without driver input or monitoring. The TU Berlin team suggests that exploiting this mode could also allow users to enable some premium features free of charge and disabling certain safety features.

Feasibility and Limitations

Acknowledging that such a hack requires physical access to the circuit board, the researchers emphasize its impracticality outside a lab setting. However, the fact that it is achievable, even with intricate steps like soldering and careful handling, underscores a looming threat to Tesla's intellectual property.

The revelation of "Elon mode" and the possibility of enabling premium features without cost raises important ethical questions about vulnerability disclosure. The researchers' decision to publicly share their findings, especially without a response from Tesla, opens up a debate on the responsibilities and ethics of cybersecurity research.

Tesla sponsors the Pwn2Own event, offering cash prizes and cars to white-hat hackers who could uncover vehicle security vulnerabilities. The company uses the information to improve its systems, however it appears Tesla has not talked to the hackers that exposed this vulnerability.

Previous Security Glitches

This incident isn't Tesla's first encounter with security vulnerabilities. Earlier reports have cited instances like an insider leak compromising employee credentials and a Bluetooth relay attack on Tesla Model 3 & Y, exposing in-car purchasable features. These incidents highlight ongoing challenges in Tesla's cybersecurity framework.

While the practicality of replicating this hack outside a controlled environment, such as manipulating a parked Tesla, is low, the discovery has significant implications. It exposes gaps in the Autopilot system and raises some safety concerns.

Tesla, informed of these findings and yet to respond publicly, must address these vulnerabilities. The TU Berlin team aims to illuminate the safety architecture of Tesla and the potential gaps in its system, with their presentation highlighting the persistent risk of accidents despite advanced cameras and machine learning models.

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Tesla’s New Signal Viewer Panel in Service Mode+ Allows You to View Real-Time Data

@scotsrule08 on X

Tesla’s latest software update, version 2025.2, brings new features to Service Mode, continuing the trend of improving in-vehicle diagnostics.

Currently, this feature is only available for vehicles with AMD Ryzen infotainment systems and requires Service Mode+, which is a subscription service aimed at technicians. Intel-powered vehicles aren’t supported yet, but we expect this feature to roll out to them as well unless hardware limitations prevent it.

Thanks to Spencer for providing an image of the panel in action.

Signal Viewer Panel

While update 2025.2.6 adds four service mode improvements, including updates to brake burnishing, charge port calibration, and noise recording panel improvements. In this article, we’ll focus on the new signal viewer panel.

This new panel offers a live data feed from selectable vehicle sensors. You select the signals you’re interested in and it’ll plot the signal on a graph. In addition to allowing you to view real-time signal data, it also allows you to record them.

The signals are searchable and can be easily added or removed from the panel. You can track up to 10 sensors, and the UI allows three of them to be viewable at once.

However, this is Service Mode and it’s more than just pretty looks. You can really dig down into these charts. You can pan them left and right through time, and tapping a specific point shows the exact value of that signal. The panel also supports pinch-to-zoom, enabling you to adjust the time scale across all panels simultaneously.

This feature is exclusive to Service Mode+, which requires a subscription to Tesla’s ToolBox3 software and a connection to a computer. It’s designed to help technicians diagnose issues related to signal quality, noise in the vehicle’s electrical systems, and signal variance in components during driving.

We’re excited to see Tesla’s continued focus on repairability, especially with additions like the Cybertruck’s Interactive Wiring Diagram and the launch of the Tesla Online Parts Catalog, which lets customers purchase parts directly.

Plus, with the reduced cost of ToolBox 3 subscriptions, even DIY enthusiasts now have access to tools that make Tesla repairs more accessible.

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Tesla Introduces New Model Y Variants in Europe; Ends Launch Series

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Tesla has updated its Model Y lineup in Europe, introducing new standard configurations while discontinuing the limited-edition Launch Series. With the new variants now available, European customers will have more choices and cheaper options to pick from.

The Launch Series and some of its exclusive features will no longer be offered—except in the UK, where it remains available alongside the new lineup.

New Models Introduced

Tesla’s new Model Y lineup in Europe includes three main variants. The prices vary slightly from country to country.

• Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Priced at €44,990, this model is the most affordable new Model Y, but it also has the shortest range and is missing a few features available on other trim levels.

• Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (LR RWD): Available for €49,990, this version is essentially the same as the RWD model, but with a larger battery. It has seen a €1,000 price increase compared to the outgoing Long Range RWD model.

• Long Range All-Wheel Drive (LR AWD): At €52,990, this model has seen a price drop of €2,000, making it a better deal than the previous LR AWD Model Y. This is also the only new Model Y to come with most of the same features as the Launch Series, including additional speakers, a subwoofer, premium materials inside the cabin and improved acceleration. Acceleration boost should also become available for this model, letting it match the performance of the Launch Series.

All Model Y variants come with all the improvements that we’ve discussed about the new Model Y, including the new front and rear light bars, improved aerodynamics, ventilated seats, improved heat and sound isolation, and the 8-inch rear touchscreen. Some exclusive options, like the Midnight Cherry Red paint, appear to no longer be available. However, Tesla has already said that they’ll be introducing new paint options for the Model Y in North America.

Compare Model Y Variants

Here’s how the various Model Y variants compare to each other:

Launch Series Ends

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The Launch Series, which debuted just weeks ago in Europe, has now been phased out. This limited-edition model was priced at €60,990 and included a suite of premium features comparable to a bundle deal you may find with other products. It came equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD), Acceleration Boost, and exclusive badging on the rear liftgate, door sill plates, and puddle lights.

While the Launch Series is no longer available for new orders in most European countries, customers can still get a similar vehicle by opting for the Long Range AWD model and manually adding premium features like FSD. Acceleration Boost, which was standard in the Launch Series, is expected to become available for purchase once these vehicles are delivered or soon afterward. However, some exclusive elements, such as badging and trim details, will remain unique to the discontinued edition.

For now, the UK remains an exception, still offering the Launch Series alongside the newly introduced models.

Performance Model Still to Come

With Tesla now introducing the expected variants of the refreshed Model Y, one notable absence is the Performance model. While the Launch Series was fast due to the Acceleration Boost addon, there’s no doubt the Performance version will be in a league of its own.

What we saw Tesla do with the 2024+ Model 3 Performance variant was more than just using binned motors. The vehicle featured unique bumpers, a spoiler, an improved suspension, sport seats, Track Mode V3 and other features that made the vehicle stand out compared to the Model 3 AWD.

The Performance version of the new Model Y is expected to become available later this year, however, expect it to carry a $5-$8k premium over the AWD model.

Other Regions to Follow

As Europe phases out the Launch Series, other regions are expected to see similar changes. With the other models now revealed, owners in other regions have a better idea of whether they should buy the Launch Series or wait for the additional models to arrive.

Tesla naturally adjusts its offerings based on market demand, and if sales of the Launch Series remain strong in other parts of the world, Tesla will likely wait it out a little longer before offering the other models.

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