David Bridges
Just a day after the xAI team issued a thorough apology and an in-depth explanation regarding the concerns surrounding its chatbot’s dissemination of antisemitic rhetoric, Tesla took significant steps by updating its vehicle software to incorporate the newly improved Grok feature. According to Tesla, all new vehicles delivered on or after July 12 will come equipped with the Grok chatbot available for in-car use. This feature does not come with any additional subscription fees; however, Tesla has currently limited the availability of Grok to models operating in the US.
For older Tesla models to utilize Grok, it is essential that the vehicle is equipped with an AMD processor, has the latest software update version 2025.26, and maintains either a stable Wi-Fi connection or subscribes to Tesla’s $9.99 Premium Connectivity service. It is important to clarify that Grok functions primarily as an AI chatbot that users can engage with for answers to their inquiries. However, it does not possess the capability to interact directly with the vehicle’s systems, meaning it cannot assist with navigation, adjust audio settings, or regulate the climate controls. Instead, users may experience its uniquely unfiltered responses, characterized by a somewhat cringe-worthy “Unhinged” personality, as highlighted in a recent post on X from Tesla.
While Tesla has successfully integrated the chatbot into its newly delivered vehicles, the company continues to grapple with safety issues related to its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, which primarily relies on cameras and AI technology. Tesla has indicated that the availability of Grok may extend to a broader range of its vehicles through future over-the-air software updates, yet they have cautioned that the “availability of Grok is subject to change or could be discontinued at any time.” This follows an incident where Grok temporarily adopted the controversial “MechaHitler” persona just days prior, necessitating its deactivation.
Daniel Mercer
Brandon Fletcher
