Musk Says Tesla Plans to Open Source Model S and X, but Prior Release Prompts Caution
Electrek's audit of a previous open-source claim finds discrepancies that raise questions about the latest announcement.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said the company plans to 'open source' its Model S and Model X vehicles, according to a report by Electrek.
What Happened
Electrek reported on July 24 that Musk stated Tesla would release the designs or software for Model S and X under an open-source framework. The publication also noted this was not the first time such a claim had been made. In its audit of prior statements, Electrek found discrepancies between what was announced and what actually materialized.
Why It Matters
For current owners and potential buyers, open-sourcing could mean greater access to repair documentation, third-party support options, and community-driven improvements. However, Electrek's trackable history of similar promises suggests caution is warranted until concrete details emerge—including timeline, scope, and actual implementation.
The Bottom Line
Tesla has signaled intent to open source Model S and X, but given previous unfulfilled announcements on this front, the EV community will be watching closely for specifics on what exactly gets released, when, and under what terms.
