Tesla’s key fob works on a 315 MHz frequency like most other electronic key fobs, but last year we reported that Tesla applied Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to use the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) standard in an updated key fob.
Now Tesla started shipping the device with the new Bluetooth capacity.
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is most popular for its capacity to become a short-range finder beacon, which could enable new features with Tesla’s key fob.
New owners are now reporting that Tesla’s latest key appears as a device available to be paired with other Bluetooth devices, but it doesn’t look like any new feature like a ‘find your key’ feature is currently available.
Coincidently, around the same time as the BLE update, Tesla made another update to its key fob. It started giving them out with a new sleek silicone sleeve just a few weeks earlier (pictures via nasa1092 on Reddit)
Previously, Tesla included a leather pouch with its key fob. Some were complaining that the key could easily slip out of the pouch and the new sleeve seems to solve that issue.
Tesla owners can use the key, which looks like a miniature Model S/X, to lock the vehicle by pressing on the “roof” of the key, double clicking the roof unlocks the vehicle. It can also be used to open the frunk by double clicking on the frunk on the key, same thing for the trunk.
A new Tesla comes with two key fobs, but a vehicle can be paired with up to 5 sets. While Tesla used to charge up to ~$180 for a replacement or new set, we are told that the price has now gone down to ~$100.
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