In a recent web post that was quickly taken down, Sirius has confirmed that SiriusXM is coming to vehicles in a future software update. This post went up on SiriusXM’s Canadian website, showing the steps needed to get the free trial running on your vehicle.
Streaming, not Satellite
This version of SiriusXM will be streaming and not dependent on satellites. That means a few things. First, that it’ll be available on more vehicles than just the Model S and Model X that have satellite radio receivers. It will also be available on the Model 3 and Model Y, as well as the Cybertruck.
Secondly, the streaming version of SiriusXM has more choices and content. The specific package that will be available is called SiriusXM 360L – which includes a full set of exclusive streaming channels, on-demand content, and live sports – all available by streaming data rather than over a satellite connection.
Its expected to require Premium Connectivity like Tesla’s other music services.
Pricing
It looks like SiriusXM 360L runs for $21.99 USD a month for their “All Access” package, while the more limited “Select” package is available for $16.99 a month right now.
However, based on the leaked webpage, streaming data to Teslas may only be available with their “Platinum” package, which is $28.80 USD per month. You’ll also be able to stream to devices including smartphones, smart devices, and computers with the same subscription.
Starting with a Demo
SiriusXM will offer new Tesla users a free trial of the Platinum package once you create and login to a SiriusXM account. It’ll be a 30 day demo to get you started, and includes everything available in the Platinum package.
The navigation flow to setup the Demo from SiriusXM's website.
Not a Tesla App
Satellite Streaming on the Model S and Model X
This doesn’t look like it will impact SiriusXM satellite radio on the Model S and Model X at this time – and we’re not quite sure how the implementation will function once internet streaming radio arrives. It’s possible Tesla may consider them separate apps in the vehicle, SiriusXM Streaming and SiriusXM radio.
As it stands, you can use SiriusXM Satellite Radio when you’re out of cellular signal range on the Model S and Model X – due to the hardware SiriusXM receiver in the vehicles.
Going forward, with the implementation of internet streaming SiriusXM, the Model S and Model X may also lose their SiriusXM satellite receivers. Tesla has consistently been a proponent of “no part is the best part”, and this also comes in line with many of the other cost-cutting measures that the company has taken in order to simplify the construction of their vehicles.
These satellite receivers are fairly expensive as well. SiriusXM sells standalone units meant to plug into an Aux jack for about $60 USD. That’s a significant cost that Tesla could cut from its vehicles, especially since most users may prefer to use services like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, or Amazon Music today.
Either way, another streaming option is fantastic to see in Tesla’s continually growing streaming repository. We’re not quite sure when this will arrive and show up your Tesla, but we’d expect it to arrive sometime before the end of this year.
After launching puddle lights that spell out ‘Tesla’ in China several months ago, Tesla has finally added the add-on Projection Puddle Lights to the North American store. Before launching them worldwide, Tesla appears to have been using China as a testing ground for its accessories. This is an interesting move, and it's not the first product we’ve seen soft launch in China before a North American and European launch. Tesla did the same with the Caraoke Mic it launched in the U.S. back in July.
Puddle Lights
This pair of puddle lights costs $65 USD or $90 CAD at the Tesla Store right now and is available for the Model Y, as well as all versions of the Model 3. This includes the 2024 Model 3 Highland Refresh, as well as older Model 3s built before 2024. Currently, these are not available for the Model X and Model S.
The lights themselves present a high-definition Tesla wordmark – text only, no logo – of Tesla onto the ground whenever the driver and front passenger doors are opened. While these would technically be compatible with the rear two doors as well, Tesla doesn’t state this.
Third-party options that include the rear two doors often mention that they suffer from reduced brightness as the wiring harness in the rear door doesn’t bring as much power to the rear door puddle lights.
Installation is done by the customer, and isn’t covered by Tesla – but they do offer a page on their DIY service manual on how to get them installed. Installation is straightforward, but you'll need a blunt plastic tool to remove them from the door and to detach the power adapter from the original puddle lights.
We recently discussed a bunch of features that the Tesla Android App is missing in comparison to the Tesla iOS App, but we didn’t look at the other side.
If you’ve got an NFC-capable Android phone and a Tesla, you actually have a feature that’s not available on iPhones. You can tap your phone on Tesla’s NFC card reader to unlock or lock your car, just like you can with your keycard. Tap to Unlock is enabled by default on Android and cannot be turned off on NFC-capable phones unless you disable NFC in your system settings.
Tap to Unlock
Android provides Tesla with access to the API necessary for Tap to Unlock to function over Near-Field Communications (NFC). This means that the Tesla app can serve as a backup keycard if, for some reason, your Phone-as-a-Key (PAAK) doesn’t immediately unlock the car upon waking it.
You’ll need to be a bit precise with this, as most phones have a small NFC location near the center on the back of the phone. You’ll also want to place it slightly under the B-pillar camera, where the car’s NFC reader is.
When you’re successful, the car will honk twice and unlock. Of note, this will not load your pre-set profiles as if you’re unlocking using your phone key, as the car treats this as a unique key. You will not be able to set up Tap to Unlock to load a particular profile – it seems to load a “default” profile every time. This also means that if you’ve got your mirrors set to unfold or your seats to move back, this will also not happen.
However, once you hop in, you can select your profile and everything will adjust to you. Your phone will continue to work as a phone key to keep you authenticated so that you can start your car.
Unlock Car Even If Phone Battery is Drained
This feature serves as a convenient way to get your car open and unlocked if your phone won’t power on or if the car doesn’t recognize your phone key, which can sometimes happen. On newer Android phones, NFC remains on even if your phone battery has run out since NFC uses so little power.
If you disable Bluetooth on your phone or your phone battery is on empty, your phone key won’t work, so you’ll need to authenticate again inside the vehicle to start the car. You can place your phone on either the Wireless Charger (for newer vehicles) or in the NFC slot between the cup holders and the center armrest to authenticate.
Other NFC Devices
For those more adventurous, you can also use other NFC-capable devices as Tesla keycards. Personally, the author uses an NFC-capable ring, as well as a third-party app on an Android Watch as backups. They serve solely as backups in the case of a lost phone rather than my primary keys.
