Tesla’s New API Pricing for Third-Party Apps Could Cost Developers Millions
Tesla has recently announced its usage pricing for its Fleet API, which has left many developers shocked. This move comes after years of operating in a gray area without an official API for third-party Tesla apps.
Last year, Tesla finally released official API documentation for third-party apps, although it was initially geared towards fleet management. Developers were hopeful that this would pave the way for a robust third-party app ecosystem for Tesla vehicles.
However, the recent release of usage pricing for the Fleet API has raised concerns among developers. A developer of the Tessie app, a third-party Tesla analytics and automation app, calculated that it would cost around $60 million per year to run the app under Tesla’s new pricing model. This is based on the estimated 400,000 Tesla drivers who currently use the app.
In response to the exorbitant fees, the Tessie app developer mentioned on Reddit that they could potentially bypass the API fees by implementing direct car communication over IP and BLE. This workaround could help them avoid the hefty costs associated with using Tesla’s API.
Other developers have also expressed concerns about the new pricing, with Tyler Corsair, the founder of Teslascope, stating that the new API costs would amount to 7.5 times the app’s monthly revenue. This move by Tesla could potentially stifle innovation and drive away developers who rely on third-party apps to enhance the Tesla experience.
The situation is reminiscent of Reddit’s API pricing update last year, which led to the demise of some popular third-party apps. It’s disappointing to see Tesla taking a similar approach, as it could potentially lead to the discontinuation of useful third-party apps.
While some developers may find ways to work around the new pricing, others may struggle to adapt to the changes. It remains to be seen how this move will impact the Tesla third-party app ecosystem and whether developers will continue to innovate in the face of these challenges.
Overall, Tesla’s new API pricing for third-party apps has raised concerns among developers, and the future of the Tesla app ecosystem remains uncertain. It’s essential for Tesla to strike a balance between protecting its interests and fostering innovation within the developer community.
