Tesla to Add SiriusXM Internet Streaming in Software Update

August 25, 2024

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

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.

Tesla's New Model Y to Receive Adaptive Headlight Support in U.S. Soon

February 10, 2025

By Karan Singh

@DriveGreen80167 on X

In the latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, Tesla’s VP of Vehicle Engineering, Lars Moravy, confirmed that the new Model Y will feature adaptive headlights.

As Moravy was talking about the updated headlights in the vehicle, which now sit a few inches lower than before, he stated that in a couple of months, Tesla will add adaptive headlights in the U.S.

While Tesla has already introduced adaptive headlights in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, the feature has yet to make its way to North America.

Originally delayed in the U.S. due to regulatory issues, manufacturers have been able to implement adaptive headlights since mid-2024. Meanwhile, competitors like Rivian and Mercedes-Benz have already rolled out their own full matrix headlight systems, matching what’s available in other regions.

Update: This article has been updated to clarify that adaptive headlights will indeed be launched in the U.S., shortly after the vehicle launching in March.

Adaptive Headlights

Back in October 2024, Lars confirmed that matrix headlight functionality was just around the corner for North America. However, as we enter 2025, it’s still unclear when Teslas with matrix headlights will receive the feature.

Currently, Tesla in North America supports adaptive high beams and automatic headlight adjustment for curves, but full matrix functionality has yet to be rolled out. Meanwhile, matrix headlights are already available in Europe, where they selectively dim individual beam pixels to reduce glare for oncoming traffic and adapt to curves in the road.

It was surprising that matrix functionality wasn’t included in the comprehensive 2024 Tesla Holiday Update. This feature would likely improve safety ratings, so we can only assume Tesla is diligently working to secure regulatory approval.

Adaptive Headlights on Other Models

Lars didn’t confirm whether the refreshed Model Y comes with the same headlights as the new Model 3 and the Cybertruck, instead simply calling them "matrix-style” headlights.

The headlights on the new Model Y appear very similar to those available in the 2024+ Model 3, possibly meaning these other models will also receive adaptive headlight capabilities in the next couple of months.

For vehicles with older-style matrix headlights, it’s unlikely that adaptive beams support will launch at the same time, but they will hopefully become available soon afterward.

You can check our guide here to see if your vehicle includes matrix headlights.

Tesla Starts Underwriting Its Own Insurance: Will They Insure Their Own Robotaxis?

February 10, 2025

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

For the first time since launching Tesla Insurance in 2019, Tesla will begin underwriting its own policies, starting in California.

Tesla Insurance originally debuted in California and has since expanded to several U.S. states. Until now, policies were underwritten by State National, a subsidiary of the Markel Insurance Group. However, Tesla is now transitioning to fully in-house underwriting, beginning with its home state.

As part of this shift, California Tesla Insurance customers who receive an in-app offer to switch will be eligible for a one-time 3% discount on their next term’s premium—covered entirely by Tesla Insurance.

What is Underwriting

Underwriting is the process an insurance company uses to assess risk and determine whether to offer coverage, at what price, and under what terms.

Insurers evaluate factors such as driving history, credit score, age, vehicle type, and location. In Tesla’s case, vehicle driving data (not available in California) also plays a key role in risk assessment. These factors help classify drivers into risk categories, which influence their base premium.

From there, coverage limits, deductibles, and policy inclusions or exclusions can further adjust the final premium up or down.

Robotaxi and Other Benefits

At first glance, underwriting insurance might seem like a complex and costly process for Tesla. However, there are several compelling reasons why this move makes sense.

Insurance Income: Insurance is a highly profitable industry. Companies set rates based on risk, offering lower premiums to safer drivers and higher rates to riskier ones. This not only maximizes profitability but also incentivizes safer driving behavior, reducing overall claims.

Data Advantage: Tesla collects vast amounts of driving data through its Safety Score system. While California doesn’t allow Safety Score to impact premiums, Tesla can still use this data in the underwriting process to refine risk assessments and pricing for its vehicles.

Control Over Repair Costs: By underwriting its own policies, Tesla gains direct control over repairs and total loss decisions. This allows them to dictate when, where, and how repairs are done, optimizing costs for parts, labor, and service while ensuring vehicles are fixed according to Tesla’s standards.

FSD-Driven Discounts: Tesla has already begun offering insurance discounts for drivers using Full Self-Driving (FSD). By underwriting its own policies, Tesla could expand these incentives, potentially offering greater discounts to frequent FSD users in the future.

Preparing for Robotaxi: Perhaps the biggest long-term reason for this shift is the June launch of the Robotaxi fleet. How will Tesla insure these vehicles? The answer is simple—by underwriting its own policies and assuming liability.

Tesla’s decision to underwrite its own insurance isn’t just about cutting out middlemen—it’s a step toward lowering costs, increasing profitability, and preparing for the future of autonomous driving, a risk many insurance companies may be unwilling to make.

Further Expansion

This could be a strong sign that Tesla is preparing to expand its insurance offerings now that it has taken on the underwriting process itself. In July 2024, Tesla hired a former GEICO insurance executive to lead the expansion of Tesla Insurance and help reduce costs—a move that now appears to be paying off.

Rather than a traditional expansion, Tesla has instead made a bold move by bringing underwriting in-house, something few expected. However, it aligns with Tesla’s strategy of vertically integrating and controlling key aspects of its business, whether in manufacturing, software, or now, insurance.

If this pilot program proves successful, it could pave the way for Tesla Insurance to launch in more states—and potentially even other countries. With 2025 shaping up to be a pivotal year, we may see Tesla accelerate its insurance expansion sooner than expected.