The next major upgrade for Tesla’s in-car experience is pretty much already here - just hiding beneath the surface, awaiting the flick of a switch. According to new details uncovered by Tesla hacker Greentheonly, a fully functional version of the Grok conversational AI assistant is already present in recent firmware builds, just waiting for Tesla to activate it.
The feature, which is currently behind a server-side switch, could be enabled at any time by Tesla for vehicles running update 2025.20 and newer. The findings provide a better picture of what we already learned from Green’s breakdown on Grok last month.
Grok’s Requirements
@greentheonly on X
According to what Green determined from the latest software builds, the foundation for Grok was laid with update 2025.14, with more abilities and functionality added in 2025.20 to flesh it out. He also determined exactly which vehicles will be receiving Grok.
In terms of hardware, any vehicle with a Ryzen-based infotainment computer will receive Grok. This means that vehicles with the older Intel Atom processor will not be supported, at least initially. The underlying Autopilot hardware is not a factor, as Grok’s processing is not done in-vehicle.
Grok will also require premium connectivity or a Wi-Fi connection for the vehicle. At this point, we’re not sure whether Grok in your Tesla will also require you to sign up for SuperGrok, X Premium, or X Premium+, but Tesla is requiring you to sign into your Grok account. It’s just not clear whether the free version of Grok will work, or if you’ll need the premium version.
Grok User Experience
@greentheonly on X
Green also revealed the user interface for Grok for the first time. You’ll find many of the same features from the Grok app, but surprisingly, it looks like it’ll have a dark UI, even if you’re using light mode in your vehicle.
It appears that there will be a Grok app, likely for settings. However, Grok will largely operate in a modal, similar to voice commands, which are displayed near the bottom left corner of the screen.
There’s an on-screen microphone button, as well as drop-down menus for the voice and type of assistant you’d like to use.
Similar to the Grok app currently on mobile devices, you’ll be able to select from a set of voices and then define their personality. The available voices for now are the standard Ara (Upbeat Female), Rex (Calm Male), and Gork (Lazy Male).
There’s also a settings button, which, when expanded, allows you to enable or disable NSFW mode (including swearing and adult topics), as well as a Kids Mode, which will tone Grok down to be suitable for when kids are in the car.
@greentheonly on X
How Grok Will Work (Button / Wake Word)
Users will be able to activate Grok by pressing a button, likely the same one that activates voice commands today. Grok will then remain enabled for the duration of your conversation, allowing you to go back and forth, asking and answering questions. To end your conversation, you’ll press the mic button again.
While it doesn’t appear to use a wake word yet, Green says that some code refers to a wake word, so it’s possible that this could be an option Tesla plans to activate in the future.
Replacing Voice Commands
The most significant implication of Grok’s future integration is in its potential to fully replace the existing and relatively rigid voice command system. Green notes that internally, this feature is part of the car assist module, and that eventually, the plan is for Grok to take over car control functions.
Unlike the current system, which requires specific phrases, a true conversational AI like Grok can understand natural language. This will enable more intuitive requests, completely changing how drivers interact with their car.
Language Support
@Greentheonly/X
Grok will also launch with multi-language support, similar to its current abilities in the Grok app. Green says that it already appears to have support for English and Chinese and one or two other languages.
Release Date
Grok appears ready to go from a vehicle standpoint, but Green wasn’t able to actually test it out. While development appears to be nearly complete in the vehicle, Tesla and xAI may still be working on some server-side changes to better integrate with the vehicle. If they plan for Grok to replace voice commands on day one, then it’ll need to be trained and be able to execute a variety of vehicle commands.
It’s possible Tesla is actively testing Grok or adding server-side changes to replace voice commands. However, it looks like vehicle development is nearly complete and Grok could launch as soon as the next major Tesla update, which is expected to be update 2025.24.
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The updated Model 3 has now arrived in Europe, bringing a host of long-awaited features. All new Model 3s being built at Giga Shanghai are now being equipped with the front bumper camera, and see the welcome return of physical turn signal stalks. However, the most significant upgrade is one you can’t see: a new 82kWh battery that provides a big boost to range and power.
Improved Range
At the heart of this update is a new 82kWh battery pack featuring LG’s 5M cells. This new battery enables Tesla to introduce a Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (LR RWD) model that achieves a remarkable 750 km (466 mi) of WLTP range, instantly setting a new benchmark for range and efficiency.
That range boost is extended to all Tesla Model 3 variants in Europe.
Variant
Old Range
New Range
RWD
513 km / 319 mi
544 km / 344 mi
LR RWD
702 km / 436 mi
750 km / 466 mi
LR AWD
678 km / 421 mi
716 km / 445 mi
Performance
528 km / 328 mi
571 km / 354 mi
Performance Boost
The benefits of the new battery aren’t limited to range, either. The higher-density cells also allow for a greater power output, giving the European Model 3 Performance a boost in power, as well. The Model 3 Performance is now rated at 500 hp, a notable jump from the previous 460 hp.
This brings the European-spec variant more in line with its 510 hp North American counterpart, closing a long-standing performance gap. Along with the nearly 10% range increase, that’s a massive upgrade for the Model 3 Performance.
The Features You Can See
Of course, this minor refresh also includes the more visible hardware upgrades that have been rolling out in other regions. The inclusion of a front bumper camera will improve parking visibility and provide more data for low-speed maneuvering for FSD, while the return of the physical turn signal stalk addresses a major point of criticism from many owners regarding the steering wheel buttons.
Tesla is also making minor aesthetic tweaks by blacking out the front Tesla logo on European models.
While the ergonomic and visual upgrades are welcome, the new, higher-capacity battery is the highlight in this update. Its introduction makes the European Model 3 equivalent to the one that’s recently started shipping in the Asia-Pacific market, and a better vehicle than the current North American variant.
We’ll have to wait and see when Tesla implements these changes in the North American market, but we expect them to occur within months as production transitions.
Tesla Energy has introduced a major new financing option designed to make its solar and home battery systems more accessible than ever. Tesla has officially launched a new lease program in the United States that bundles solar panels and a Powerwall battery system for what Tesla advertises as its “lowest monthly payment.”
This addresses the largest hurdle for many homeowners considering a switch to solar or home backup: the high upfront cost. The new lease program has an upfront cost of only $600.
By shifting the financial model from a large capital purchase that pays for itself over a decade or more to a manageable monthly lease payment, Tesla significantly lowers the barrier to entry.
New Tesla Lease now available in the US for solar + Powerwall
- Lowest monthly payment vs loan - System availability guaranteed for the full lease term - Buyout option after five yearshttps://t.co/KwkNurw7gU
Beyond the lower initial cost, the new lease program includes a 95% system availability guarantee that remains in effect for the entire term of the lease. If the system’s availability drops below 95%, customers may be eligible for a credit.
The lease also covers all included maintenance for the solar panels and Powerwall, which includes inverters and batteries, two common items that may need to be replaced during the system’s life.
Lease Terms
The lease term for solar panels and Powerwall is 25 years, but the buyer can buy out the system after five years for a “fair market value,” which is similar to that of vehicles.
While the lease rate is predictable, Tesla includes a 3% annual escalator, which is in line with standard inflation increases. The cost of the lease will be dependent on the size of the system and will vary from home to home.
Leasing for five years is a compelling option, as it allows homeowners to try out the system before committing to a purchase. However, the unknown cost of buying the system after the initial five-year period is unknown, making it difficult to commit to. The lease term also runs 25 years, making it a big commitment.
Other Details
An important feature of the new program is the performance guarantee. For the full term, Tesla guarantees the system will have at least 95% availability on average, calculated every two years, throughout the term of your lease. If the system does not meet this guarantee, Tesla will provide compensation as outlined in your lease agreement.
A lease for Solar + Powerwall or Solar comes with a 25-year term, while a Powerwall-only lease comes with a 12-year term. At the end of the lease, the lessee has the option to renew the lease for an additional five years, purchase the system outright, or have Tesla remove the system at an additional cost.
When selling a home, the sellers will have two options. They can either transfer the lease agreement to the new buyer or buy out the system if it has been in place for more than five years. This is one of the pain points with solar systems, whose lifespan can last up to 40 years. It can make selling a home more difficult or forces users to buy the system at a price higher than they would otherwise.
We’d love for Tesla to calculate and show the buyout cost of the system at each year so that buyers are aware of the buyout cost when they’re signing the lease.
If you are eligible for financial or tax incentives for a solar or battery backup system, Tesla retains ownership of the hardware, and Tesla claims any available federal or local tax credits.
The lease program is another option for owners to access Tesla Energy. It also makes Tesla competitive against other leasing programs on the market. By removing the primary obstacle of high upfront costs and adding the security of included maintenance and performance guarantee, Tesla is making a strong push to accelerate solar adoption.
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