Tesla’s bringing its AI assistant Grok to millions of cars on the road. The company’s rolling out this technology to Model S, 3, X, Y, and Cybertruck vehicles that have AMD processors. Most Teslas made after mid-2021 have the right hardware.
Grok isn’t just another voice assistant. It’s part of Tesla’s plan to make cars smarter and easier to use. Drivers can start talking to Grok by holding down a button on the steering wheel or selecting it from the app launcher. The AI can answer questions, tell stories, and summarize news in natural conversations.
Right now, Grok can’t control car features like climate or routing. But Tesla’s working on adding these abilities. Future updates will let drivers plan routes through casual conversation. The AI might also control things inside the car and work with driver assistance systems.
The technology needs specific requirements to work. Cars must have Ryzen-based infotainment computers and software version 2025.26 or newer. Older Tesla models with Intel Atom processors can’t use Grok. Drivers also need Wi-Fi or Premium Connectivity to access the service.
Tesla’s not charging extra for Grok. It’s free for eligible car owners as part of software updates. The AI works through Tesla’s servers, not the car’s computer. This means it needs internet to function. Users must sign in with a Grok account, though it’s unclear if the free version will work or if drivers need a paid subscription. Customization options will let drivers adjust conversation style and navigation preferences through voice assistant settings in the app.
The assistant connects with X, the social media platform, to get real-time information. This integration’s part of Tesla’s bigger plan to combine its services. However, Grok recently faced criticism for generating antisemitic responses on X before xAI removed the problematic code. The company wants to create one unified experience across its cars and platforms.
Tesla’s planning to improve Grok over time. The company will add features gradually through updates. Full implementation depends on when Tesla activates its servers. Future versions might tie into premium subscription tiers or work with Full Self-Driving features.
For drivers, Grok means easier interactions with their cars. They won’t need to memorize specific commands. The AI comprehends circumstances and remembers previous conversations. This makes getting help or information feel more natural than traditional car voice systems.