Tesla app update introduces ‘Drive on Sunshine’ and other new features

Detected by Not a Tesla App, the 4.19 update to the Tesla application introduces its novel “Drive on Sunshine” functionality, allows non-Tesla proprietors to access the charging membership, and provides enhanced details about charging speeds and capacity.

Undoubtedly, the most significant improvement with this app update is the “Drive on Sunshine” feature. For Tesla owners with a solar system, this functionality utilizes their surplus solar energy to charge their vehicles. This innovative approach to clean energy charging, akin to that found in other products such as the iPhone, is a hallmark of Tesla’s innovation.

In addition to the Drive on Sunshine feature, the newest app update allows non-Tesla electric vehicle owners to sign up for the company’s charging membership. This membership, priced at $12.99 per month, permits non-Tesla owners to receive the same charging rate as Tesla owners at the Supercharger stations. In contrast, those without the member must pay a premium when charging their non-Tesla EVs at a Tesla charger.

This enhancement follows the recent roll-out of the Supercharger network to non-Tesla EVs in the United States, which began a few weeks ago. While it is currently only available at a small number of charging stations, the company has ambitious plans to expand non-Tesla EV charging to most Superchargers throughout the country. If you’re interested, Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) recently charged a Rivian R1T at a Tesla Supercharger.

The latest version of the Tesla app also provides more detailed information about charging, displaying how much battery capacity is unavailable due to cold weather conditions.

These updates coincide with Tesla’s recent unveiling of its next-generation Supercharger in the Netherlands, as well as reports that the Model Y steering wheel is coming loose, which has prompted an investigation into the matter.