Customizing your Tesla or your electric vehicle in general to make changes is a big business right now. Electric car buyers spend a lot of money to make their car look different than it did when they bought it. For many people, it can be an alternative to purchasing a new car because it means a slightly different car than before. Some may modify it for convenience or to aid in their line of work.
Some people modify their Teslas or EVs to save money in the long run by installing mods that reduce operating costs such as solar panels. However, some car modifications have drawbacks and may have legal or even safety implications; therefore the question arises, is it worthwhile? In this article, we'll discuss our thoughts on the subject so you can decide what options to consider and whether or not that option is right for you.
Many Electric Vehicle Owners Have Already Modified Their Teslas
Nobody seemed to dare to tarnish such a prestigious and technologically advanced automobile as the Tesla Model S during its earliest launch. You wouldn't put a spoiler or a body kit on a Ferrari or a Lamborghini, would you? However, because it is now possible to find a used Tesla Model S for less than $30,000, an increasing number of younger people are gaining access to it.
Owners are increasingly experimenting with rims, tinted windows, body kits, and body wraps. Some rental companies are also using modded-out Teslas to promote their services. To put it another way, many Tesla owners are already enjoying customizing, personalizing, and modifying their electric vehicles to serve many purposes.
Examples Of Mods You Can Apply To Your Tesla Model S
Retrofit Mods For Your Tesla Vehicle
Battery Upgrade from 40 to 60 kWh
Battery Upgrade from 60 to 85 kWh
Battery Upgrade from 60 to 75 kWh
Battery Upgrade from 70 to 75 kWh
Battery Upgrade from 85 to 90 kWh
P85 to P85+ Upgrade
Retrofit Alcantara Headliner
Retrofitting Autopilot/Lane Departure
Retrofitting a Bioweapon Defense Filter
Retrofitting the Center Console
Dashcam for pre-HW2.5 vehicles
Mesh Grille Defrost Update
FOB Security Enhancement
Upgraded Fog Lights
Halogen to Xenon HID headlights
Change in the Headliner
LTE Upgrade
Ridiculous Retrofit
MCU1 to MCU2
Navigation Upgrade
Next-Generation Seat Upgrade
Pano Roof Center Bar Cover
Parking Sensors
Power Folding Side Mirrors Retrofit
Retrofit Rear-Facing Seats
Red Brake Calipers
Supercharging Upgrade (early Model S 60)
Memory and heated textile seats (early Model S)
Tire Pressure Monitoring Retrofit (early Model S)
Retrofit Titanium Underbody Shield (early Model S)
Retrofitting a Twin Charger (early Model S)
Retrofitting a Washer Nozzle (early Model S)
General Tesla Mods
Enhancements to Audio
Disc brakes (Dustless)
Bulletproofing/Armor
The Center Console (Pre refresh Model S)
Coat Hangers
Lane Departure and Collision Warning (Pre AP Model S)
Conversion of a Coupe/Convertible
Cubby Cup Holder
Dashcam Timelapse Recorder
Exterior Chrome Blackout/Color Alterations
Waterproofing at FOB
Trunk Opener by Foot Wave
Cameras on the Front Curb
Front License Plate Hidden
Pedestrian Horns and Horn Replacement
Front Hole Plugs for License Plates – (Pre refresh Model S)
Assist with Liftgate (old Model S)
Accents and Enhancements to Lighting
Replacement Nose Cone/Grill (Pre refresh Model S)
Armor Paint
Sunscreen/Insulation Pano Roof
Proximity Sensors for Parking Assist (old Model S)
Auto-Lift Parcel Shelf (Model S)
Phone/Accessory Suspension
Tires and rims
Chrome Plating on the Rims
Bumper Protector for Skid Plates (Refreshed Model S)
Suspension
Hitch for Trailer/Bike
Cooling Console for the Third Row
Video Recorder/Camera
Tinting Windows
Charging Your Phone Wirelessly
Wireless Vehicle Charging
Alternatives to Wood Trim
Custom Paint and Wraps
Tesla Accessories
Covers for automobiles
Wraps and decals in carbon fiber and red
Cupholders for Passengers in the Second Row
Plug Adapters and Extension Cords
Mats for the Floor
Sunscreen on the front
Devices for Recording
Mini Model S for Children
Music Connections: Why is USB the best option?
Detectors of Radar/Laser
Radar and laser jammers
Roof Railing (for Glass roof)
Sunscreens
Compressor and Tire Repair Kit
Charging and USB Adapters
License Plate Socket Adapter – for removing the front license plate from refreshed Model S vehicles
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Mods
Camera Improvement (Model S HW2.0)
Ultimate Dashcam 2020 Guide
Power Cable for Dashcam (Not Plaid/LR)
Dash Lighting with Electroluminescent
Internal Vehicle Data Extraction
FM/XM Radio Upgrade for the MCU2
Retrofitting the Front Seats
LED Enhancement for Footlights (Not Plaid/LR)
FootWarmer (Model S refresh, not Plaid/LR)
Holder for Footwell Covers
Indicator of Home Charging
Extra FOB Antenna Improves Charge Port Access
LED License Plate Light Replacement (Classic Model S)
The Project Lighted T (Classic Model S)
Lights – Improving Trunk Lighting
How to Improve Frunk Lighting with Lights
Lights – Improving Frunk Lighting 2 (Classic Model S)
Front License Plate is Magnetically Held (Classic Model S)
Installation of Parking Assist (2012-2013 Model S)
Plaid and LR Power Tap (2021+)
Plaid/LR Projector Logo Lights v2
Holder for sunglasses (not Plaid/LR)
2021+ Plaid and LR Stalks on Yoke Steering Wheel
Installing a Subwoofer and an Amplifier
Videos of Tesla Speaker/Amp Removal
T-show Front End Light Show (New Model S and Others?)
Trunk Tie-Down Initiative
Rear Door Speaker Upgrade
Security and USB Port Extenders
Screen Yellow Border Repair (Refreshed S only)
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Tesla Model S Mods
Pros
Upgrading your electric vehicle in general and customizing it to your preferences may appear to be the best option. You can use these modifications to reduce the cost of ownership of your Tesla Model S vehicle, improve convenience, and increase its visual appeal. In a generic sense, any mods can be beneficial as long as you know what you're doing.
Cons
Nothing good comes easily, and modified electric vehicles are no exception. Changes to your Tesla, like any other electronic vehicle, will come with its own set of risks and challenges. As a result, it's best to mentally and financially prepare for a few bumps in the road.
The risk of voiding the warranty. While modifications do not always void warranties, changes that cause vehicle malfunction or damage may void warranties for related parts.
Certain engine modifications may violate federal and state emissions regulations.
While well-chosen modifications can improve a vehicle's braking and handling, improper installation or low-quality parts can compromise safety.
To make computer changes in your EV, you will need the assistance of a specialized car computer expert.
EV powertrains also pose a series of challenges for tuners and gearheads.
Working with high-voltage electrical systems in modern electric vehicles can be extremely dangerous.
Some Tesla Model S mods can be particularly expensive.
Conclusion
Although Tesla mods and customizations may bring their fair share of disadvantages, if you know what you're doing with your electric car, the disadvantages don’t necessarily outweigh the benefits and can still come out totally worth it.