Tesla has just updated its application with a new option, which could well be a clue that the manufacturer is about to open up to third-party applications.
Tesla recently introduced a new section on app, more specifically in the accounts section, dedicated to third-party applications. This addition allows users to manage access to smartphone apps and services developed by organizations other than Tesla, as NotATeslaApp reports.
This addition does not indicate the arrival of an application store on the vehicle’s infotainment system, as one might think at first glance, but rather it is a preview of Tesla’s future plans regarding integrating its network of superchargers with smartphone apps from rival electric vehicle makers.
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Tesla to open up to third-party apps for supercharger network
Companies such as Ford, General Motors, Rivian and Volvo recently struck deals to gain access to Tesla’s DC fast charger network starting next year. It then becomes essential that Tesla opens its system to competition, if it wants to allow other manufacturers to use its network of superchargers.
Owners of other electric cars will have need a Tesla Account to access the company’s charging stations. It should therefore soon be possible to connect to your Tesla account on other applications, as you can already do with your Facebook account or your Apple ID. The goal is to streamline access to charging infrastructure and create a more unified experience for EV owners.
It now remains to be seen precisely how Tesla intends to manage the permissions of other applications. Users will likely have the ability to fine-tune the data these apps can access, but we’ll have to wait until the company introduces the feature to be sure.
The experience is expected to be similar to what smartphone users have when installing a new app from the app store. The first time you open it, you’ll get a series of prompts asking for access to the microphone, location data, and call history, depending on the nature of the app.
