In Tesla’s upcoming update, 2024.32.3, Tesla has added hands-free support for opening the vehicle’s frunk. This follows the Spring Update (2024.14), which added Hands-Free Trunk support for certain vehicles.
When hands-free trunk support was added earlier this year, it was supported on vehicles that include an ultra wideband chip, which includes the refresh Model S, new Model X, and the 2024 Model 3. Due to the hardware requirement, these will be the same vehicles that support the new Hands-Free Frunk feature. Legacy vehicles without UWB will unfortunately not support either feature due to the hardware requirement. UWB enables far more accurate tracking of the phone key, allowing Tesla to pinpoint its exact location relative to the vehicle.
The Cybertruck interestingly also includes an ultra wideband chip, however, it didn’t include the automatic opening of the gate earlier this year. However, we expect the Cybertruck to also receive the hands-free frunk opening in this 2024.32.3 update or relatively soon afterward.
Update: The Cybertruck is receiving hands-free frunk support in the 2024.32 update as well.
Hands-Free Frunk
The Hands-Free Frunk works similarly to the trunk feature – with an iPhone 11+ and a recent version of the app, you’ll be able to stand in front of your vehicle, and the Frunk will unlatch after sounding a chime. On some vehicles, the frunk will immediately open after being unlatched, however, you’ll need to manually close it.
This new feature isn’t enabled by default – you’ll need to go to Settings > Locks > Hands-Free Frunk to enable it.
At this time, Tesla doesn’t support UWB on Android devices, though both the Hands-Free Trunk and Hands-Free Frunk support will come to Android users in a future app update, according to Tesla.
Exclude Home
With the addition of the hands-free frunk opening, Tesla has also added a new option. You can now choose to disable the automatic opening when your vehicle is located at home to prevent you from accidentally opening. This will apply to the automatic frunk and trunk. In addition, in the Model X, you’ll also be able to disable the self-presenting doors at home. This is a great addition as many people have kept the hands-free feature disabled due to it awkwardly opening in the garage.
In the 2024.32.3 update, Tesla also mentions that they’ve improved the detection of the phone key, which should make the feature more reliable and faster when approaching the vehicle from the front or rear.
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According to a recent NHTSA filing of which vehicles contain the most North American parts, Tesla’s vehicles are, unsurprisingly, the most North American made vehicles. This specifically includes parts produced and sourced from the US and Canada for 2025 models.
Let’s take a look at just how American Tesla’s vehicles are.
Cars
The vast majority of Tesla’s part content is produced within the US and Canada. Tesla holds a tie for first place with Honda. The Model 3 Long Range AWD and RWD are in first place alongside the Honda Ridgeline AWD TrailSport, with 75% of their parts being created in North American.
Tesla also ties for second place at 70% with the Model 3 Performance and Model Ys, alongside a good chunk of Honda’s other vehicles.
The Model S and Model X are closely following at 65% and 60% respectively. It is still more than many other auto manufacturers, some of whom are sporting 1% North American part rates.
Here’s the table of Tesla’s vehicles.
Vehicle
Percentage Content US/Canada
Model 3 LR AWD/RWD
75%
Model 3 Performance
70%
Model Y (All Variants)
70%
Cybertruck
65%
Model S
65%
Model X
60%
Cybertruck vs Other Trucks
We felt the Cybertruck deserved its own category. While the Cybertruck doesn’t hold the crown for most North American truck - that goes to the Honda Ridgeline at 75%, it does hold second place at 65%. Other EV trucks of note are far less North American - with the Sierra EV at 36%, and the F-150 Lightning at 29%.
The most interesting takeaway from this is that the car manufacturers that you’d assume would be most American - the Detroit Big Three - are in fact some of the least American you can find. Tesla, on the other hand, holds the crown for most North American made cars - while also being based in the United States.
We’re looking forward to Tesla further increasing their North American content percentage as they continue to bring battery cells and other components that aren’t already made in North America ashore at their various plants, including the upcoming Lithium Refinery Plant in Robstown, Texas.
A third-party company called Teslogic, which previously built dashboard kits for Tesla vehicles has launched a Kickstarter for something completely unexpected: a full-bore infotainment replacement for your vehicle.
Screenmate completely transforms your Tesla display from its limited entertainment options into a full-fledged productivity and entertainment hub. But it’s not only for entertainment; Screenmate has built an entire OS that’s capable of controlling most aspects of your Tesla.
Since the unit plugs into your vehicle, it can control various aspects of your vehicle, including charging, operating the glove box, folding mirrors, and even new options Tesla doesn’t include, like preheating your battery or controlling your seats directly from the display.
This is an extremely attractive option that has a fast, intuitive user interface. It even includes CarPlay and Android Auto support.
This could be a good option if you want better access to third-party apps, different navigation options, or even more gaming from within your Model 3 or Model Y.
Features
The top dock/dashboard for Screenmate.
Not a Tesla App
Screenmate is essentially an add-on computer for your Tesla. It takes over the main display, but it can also pass through information from the original infotainment computer, like the FSD visualization.
They’ve also got an updated little top dock that shows all the key car information all the time, including speed, Autopilot / FSD status, speed limit, battery, and the power meter.
App Integration
Screenmate offers a whole host of new apps - pretty much anything available on an Android tablet will be available here. Think better integrations for Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, TIDAL, and others. That’s on top of productivity apps like Zoom, Teams, and even stuff like Microsoft Office or Google Docs.
Navigation Enhancements
Tesla’s navigation system is pretty smart - but a few things are missing that people really would like. Some of these include better information for traffic cameras, speed traps, and other things - usually items available through crowd-sourcing apps like Waze. Screenmate will let you use Waze or another navigation app, and even allow you to display it full screen without having the Autopilot visualizations getting in the way.
Not a Tesla App
While their Kickstarter doesn’t go into too much detail, there could be some shortcomings, such as whether FSD could leverage the routing that you pick on the screen. FSD uses Tesla’s internal routing and also makes its own decisions on the fly, which are likely not displayed here.
Gaming on the Go
Ever since Tesla killed Steam gaming on the Model S and Model X, gaming has been on a steady decline in Tesla vehicles. Screenmate allows you to play most games available through the Android app store or pass through video from a gaming console. Since the Screenmate has a video input, you can display content from almost any device onto the vehicle’s display, including a Nintendo Switch, your phone, or another device.
Streamlined Controls
Not a Tesla App
Screenmate adds an interesting new feature—a control panel for your Tesla. It adds a customizable dock of quick-access options for things you’d normally have to dig into a menu for. You can pull it up with a simple swipe from the left.
This is a feature we’d love to see Tesla add in the future. And the best part? It offers a bunch of features you normally can’t access, like preheating your battery for third-party charging.
Social Media
One thing missing from Tesla’s infotainment is messaging apps—Discord, Slack, Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp—the whole host, really—to display their notifications on the screen. Tesla’s infotainment can only show text messages from your phone.
In addition, there’s little to no integration for social media in general. While you can access X or Facebook through a browser, it’s not a great experience.
Since Screenmate can run Android apps, you have access to all of these apps, and they even include notification support.
Not a Tesla App
Carplay and Android Auto
For those who can’t live without Apple Carplay and Android Auto, Screenmate offers access to both via a simple wireless or wired connection.
Front Wireless Camera
Teslogic sells a separate wireless front camera which can be integrated directly into the Tesla display if you’ve got Screenmate. It even pops up like the Cybertruck’s front camera.
This is a great feature for people who park in tight spaces. On the other hand, Tesla is likely going to add front bumper cameras to the Model Y Juniper, and also the Model S and Model X.
Pricing & Release Date
Screenmate is on Kickstarter. While Teslogic is a real company that ships products, Kickstarters are at the backer’s risk. That means they technically could not ship a product, and you won’t receive a refund. However, it seems that Teslogic already has all its prototyping done and is ready to move into production.
So, with that warning aside, the Screenmate starts at $599 USD ($830 CAD) with the early bird package, which is available right now. The intended retail price after launch is approximately $890 USD.
Teslogic says the estimated delivery date is around May 2025, so that’s not too far away for those willing to back a Kickstarter campaign. Installation appears to be pretty simple: It's plugged into the MCU serial buses under and behind the glove box.