keyless start

vfx said:

Doug might like that they are getting rid of the key.

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Yes, I'm sure they've been thinking about it for a while now. No word on when, though.

James said:

Is the keyless starting something that has been confirmed for 2009?
I really like it in my current car.

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Was always kinda dumb that a high tech electric car did not have one.

Tesla Motors - think

TEG wrote on July 23rd, 2006 at 10:59 am
...Suggestion: keyless starting like on the Prius and other new models.
Having an ID key in your pocket and a start button on the dashboard is a very nice feature which appears to be lacking on the Tesla prototypes....

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Tesla Motors - think

TEG wrote on September 27th, 2006 at 11:48 pm ...I have been brainstorming ideas...
...Keyless entry and starting like on the Prius. (Key fob is detected by a proximity sensor)...

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Tesla Motors - hear

vfx wrote on September 14th, 2007 at 6:07 pm
...My car has keyless ingintion. It’s smart enough to beep at me when I get out of the car and leave the key on the seat...

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This is how Jeff is doing it(keyless start) on his electric Attack. Seems like an elegant design. A new $1500 option?

Attack Forums - View Single Post - EV Attack project

Thanks, Tim.

I'm surprised they didn't add this with the 2.5 update. I've wanted keyless start for a few years now and would hope the Roadster would have it by now. I hope to get one anyway but would be nice if it was at least an option.

I concur. I ultimately gave in on this issue when I stopped thinking about buying the roadster and instead thought about the roadster as a temporary car until I get my Model S. I guess I can get used to carrying a key again for a couple years.

Tesla should offer us the option of having this installed without affecting the warranty.
Star Drive

The key is a game. The idea is to turn it at just the right speed so the startup beeps sound exactly like Pole Position. I've done it once.

Maybe that will be feature on the version of the Roadster.

How much cost will that keyless system add to the Roadster??? Could that be a factor as to why we have not seen that system?

tdelta1000 said:

How much cost will that keyless system add to the Roadster??? Could that be a factor as to why we have not seen that system?

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The cost for the system I link to above is $419 + $10 shipping to US + labor.

I went ahead and asked if Tesla would charge me for installation... My guess is that they won't do it, but I'll report back on what they say.

You will probably have to wait till your warranty is expired.

Update:

Word from Tesla is "no." Two reasons given: (1) device is not factory tested and approved, and (2) the roadster has a locking column (so it still needs the key).

I have a lease, so I am not doing major aftermarket mods, but for those of you who own, the locking mechanism can be removed and the device installed... but not with Tesla's blessing (so vfx is right, it'll probably void your warranty).

Worth checking the various Lotus Forums to see if anyone did it to an Elise or Exige. (to save the weight of a key

vfx said:

Worth checking the various Lotus Forums to see if anyone did it to an Elise or Exige. (to save the weight of a key

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good idea!!!

let us know what you find.