Why Tesla Doesn't Stop Stolen Cars by Deactivating Them

While Tesla has the ability to remotely disable their cars to prevent them from being driven, they have chosen not to use this feature against stolen vehicles. This decision is driven by a preference for prioritizing other security measures that are designed to prevent theft in the first place. Instead of using deactivation, Tesla relies on advanced features such as GPS tracking, PIN-to-Drive, and alert systems.

Tesla's Security Features and Philosophy

Tesla takes security very seriously and has implemented a range of features to safeguard both the physical and digital aspects of its vehicles. Key among these are GPS tracking, alerts for unauthorized movement, and the PIN-to-Drive function, which requires a unique code to be entered before the car can be driven. These features are designed to deter would-be thieves and quickly alert owners and authorities if a vehicle is stolen.

A Real-world Scenario Involving a Tesla Model S

One personal experience illustrates the complexity of the issue. A friend of mine, on a whim, decided to "steal" their Tesla Model S for a road trip in the early morning. The car's erratic behavior, including speeding and evading control, was both amusing and concerning. The car's app on the owner's phone reported that the vehicle was not where it was parked, but was en route to Interstate 10. Texts revealed that she had just received a speeding ticket, and her response highlighted the ease with which she could inadvertently speed through the controls.

Considering Forced Lockdown and Self-Parking Police Stations

One might suggest that Tesla should take the more extreme measure of automatically locking the doors and driving the car to a local police station with an alarm to alert the authorities. However, this concept raises significant ethical and practical concerns. For one, the proposed measures could be seen as intrusive and arbitrary. Additionally, the way thieves typically steal a Tesla involves loading it onto a flatbed tow truck rather than disabling or driving away. Torque and other forces involved in towing a car make disabling the vehicle irrelevant.

Limitations of Remote Disabling and Practical Solutions

The challenge in using remote disabling lies in its effectiveness against the specific methods thieves employ. Torque, physics, and the robust nature of Tesla's vehicles make it difficult to render them non-operationally without severe damage or degradation. While remote disabling would work in some cases, it would be ineffective against towing or other physical means of theft.

Instead of relying on remote disabling, Tesla's strategy focuses on preventive measures such as GPS tracking, alert systems, and encouraging owners to use UV stickers on their vehicles. These methods provide a more balanced approach to security, balancing convenience with prevention.

In summary, while Tesla does possess the capability to remotely disable cars, it is not a primary focus of their security strategy. They prefer automation and preventive measures over the use of disabling features, which are better suited to handle specific scenarios rather than as a one-size-fits-all solution.