https://electrek.co/2023/08/03/hackers-manage-unlock-tesla-software-locked-features/
A group of hackers have exposed an exploit that can unlock Tesla’s software-locked features worth up to $15,000. Free heated...
It’s not my analogy, but it does make sense if you even remotely think about it. The downside is that my car carries extra weight in the form of this additional hardware. Teslas are heavy enough as-is with their giant batteries, I’d rather remove any and all unnecessary weight for the sake of my tire tread life (and battery life). Also depending on exactly what the hardware is, it can be an additional point of failure that could potentially cause things that I do have access to to break. Lastly, it’s fair to assume that the price of the car would be cheaper if Tesla didn’t have to install this hardware into every car even if it will never be used, so you are likely already paying for this in “hidden” costs that are just rolled into the total price of the car before even paying to enable the features.
The downside is that my car carries extra weight in the form of this additional hardware.
No it doesn't. As far as I know FSD doesn't require additional hardware. It uses the hardware already in the car for other purposes (like lane assist, emergency braking, etc).
FSD isn’t the only feature locked behind a paywall.
They lock up everything from heated seats to acceleration speed.