Tesla has removed references to included key cards from the owner's manuals of its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, suggesting they may no longer be provided for free with new purchases. This change follows the introduction of stripped-down Standard trims. The move could save the company millions while offering the cards as a $40 optional accessory.
Tesla has historically provided two credit-card sized key cards with every new Model 3 and Model Y since their launches. These cards, which use wireless RFID technology to authenticate the key holder, were mentioned in the owner's manual with the line: "Tesla provides you with two Model 3/Y key cards, designed to fit in your wallet." However, according to Not A Tesla App, Tesla quietly removed this reference following the release of the Standard trims for both vehicles.
This alteration hints at a potential shift where physical key cards will no longer be included for free, particularly with the more affordable Standard models. Tesla's past behavior supports this possibility; for instance, the company removed wording from manuals before deciding not to include Autosteer on the Cybertruck without purchasing Full Self-Driving, without any public announcement.
Unable to verify directly due to Tesla dissolving its PR team in 2019, the change aligns with the company's cost-cutting habits. If key cards cost Tesla about $2 each, excluding them from last quarter's deliveries could save nearly $1 million. Selling them separately at $40 apiece to all customers from that period would generate $19.3 million in additional revenue. Scaled to 1,789,226 vehicles delivered in 2024, this could amount to $71.6 million.
Many Tesla owners rely on phone-as-key functionality, which works reliably, but physical cards remain useful for scenarios like third-party inspections, valet services, or loaning the vehicle. The Model Y Standard trim starts at $39,990, making the $40 add-on a minor 0.1% of the price, though it may irk buyers expecting standard inclusions.