Tesla’s quietly removing physical key cards from new vehicles. The company deleted language about provided key cards from its owner’s manuals for both the Model 3 and Model Y. Not a Tesla App first spotted the changes in early 2024, right when Tesla launched its Standard trim models.
Tesla removes physical key cards from Model 3 and Model Y manuals, quietly shifting to digital-only access in early 2024.
For nearly a decade, Tesla’s provided two credit card-sized key cards with every new vehicle. Owners could slip them into their wallets for backup access. But the manuals no longer mention this standard feature. The removal appears intentional and widespread across multiple vehicle models simultaneously.
Tesla’s primary reason seems financial. Key cards cost the company money to produce and provide. By removing them, Tesla cuts manufacturing expenses on each vehicle sold. Customers who still want physical backup access can buy key cards separately for $40 through Tesla’s online shop. Industry analysts estimate that potential revenue from key card sales could reach nearly $71 million if one replacement key is sold for each of the 1.8 million vehicles delivered in 2024.
The company’s also pushing owners toward digital-first vehicle access. The Tesla app on smartphones serves as the main way people gain entry and start their cars. The phone key uses Bluetooth to communicate with vehicles. Walk-Away Door Lock automatically secures the car when owners step away. Drive Away Locking engages once the vehicle reaches 5 mph speeds.
Some Tesla owners aren’t happy about this change. Social media comments show mixed reactions, with some joking that Tesla might eliminate doors next. Real concerns exist about backup access when phone batteries die or malfunction. Valet services and lending vehicles to others become trickier without physical keys.
Key cards remain compatible with vehicle systems. The card reader near the driver’s door pillar still works with separately purchased cards. This means the technology hasn’t changed—just the provision of cards in new vehicle packages. Tesla vehicles support a maximum of 19 keys including both key cards and fobs, so owners who purchase multiple backups may need to delete old keys if they exceed this limit.
Tesla dissolved its public relations department in 2019. Since then, the company’s made quiet changes to manuals and features without announcements. This latest key card removal fits that pattern of unannounced modifications. The shift reflects Tesla’s broader cost-cutting strategy and its commitment to digital-only systems as the company continues streamlining production and reducing component costs.