Tesla to support Bluetooth controllers in upcoming update

By Gabe Rodriguez Morrison

Tesla's dynamic infotainment system includes a growing number of video games, some use the car's steering wheel, while others use the touchscreen or require an external controller.

It is evident that Tesla’s Infotainment system will eventually be capable of next-gen level gaming with the introduction of Tesla's latest infotainment unit, MCU 3. With "up to 10 teraflops of processing power" it is only a matter of time until highly detailed games can be played directly in the car.

Tesla Controller

Tesla's controller
Tesla's controller
TeslaRaj/Twitter

Tesla revealed a proprietary wireless gaming controller at the Model S Plaid Delivery Event in June of 2021. The controller closely resembled a PS5 controller with two analog sticks, four directional buttons and four action buttons. The controller also resembles a steering wheel with a closed-loop design, likely to accommodate racing games.

Since the unveiling, we haven’t heard much about the proprietary controller until now. Tesla’s wireless gaming controller may be coming soon, suggests Javier Verdura, Tesla’s Director of Design. When asked in a recent Twitter conversation, if he would let us know before Tesla launches their own game controller, Verdura responded “Of Course!”

No further details have been provided by Tesla but this is a sign that a wireless gaming controller could be coming to the Tesla shop soon. You can expect it to connect via Bluetooth and likely cost somewhere between $50 and $80 USD.

Connect console controllers wirelessly

In the meantime, Tesla owners can still take advantage of the high-level gaming of the infotainment system using compatible wireless and wired controllers. Controllers like the PS4 and Xbox One controllers can only connect to a Tesla when connected via a USB cable.

Tesla Bluetooth support coming soon?
Tesla Bluetooth support coming soon?
Lower_Brick9960/Reddit

However, some Teslas are now being delivered without the ability to transfer data from the front or rear USB ports, causing existing controllers to no longer work. The USB port in the glovebox is still capable of data transfer, but it's usually dedicated to a USB drive to be used with Tesla's Dashcam and Sentry Mode.

If your vehicle doesn't have USB ports that are capable of transfering data, you could use the USB port in the glovebox to connect a controller. However, Tesla doesn't believe this offers a good experience and it's why they're excluding games like Sonic from appearing in vehicles that do not have data capable USB ports.

This however, may be a temporary setback. In an unsubstantiated Reddit post, Tesla Service allegedly confirmed to a customer that “They [Tesla] are working on having controllers connect through Bluetooth in the vehicle and will release those games once they have the connectivity for the Bluetooth controllers ironed out.”

This seemingly points to Tesla introducing their own controller and/or allowing external controllers to connect via Bluetooth in the near future. You may soon be able to connect to your PS4 or Xbox One controller wirelessly to your Tesla.

Tesla owners can rest assured that it is only a matter of time before the proprietary wireless controller and/or console gaming controllers are able to wirelessly connect to Tesla's infotainment system.

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

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?

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.

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