Say goodbye to Tesla's physical keys as company pushes phone only access
Published on Oct 22, 2025 at 8:53 PM (UTC+4)
by Jack Marsh
Last updated on Oct 22, 2025 at 8:56 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
As the EV makers look towards future models for their fleets, physical Tesla keys could become a thing of the past, with phone-only access being a product of the tech age.
Tesla makes some of the most tech-savvy cars on the planet.
With its software being unmatched across the industry, it sets the brand apart from the competition, which has caught up in terms of hardware.
But one stalwart feature of every car is soon to be left in the dust in the upcoming shift.
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Physical Tesla keys are set to be left in 2025
Future Tesla cars are set to get even more reliant on technology, as new features such as reactive ambient RGB mood lighting are being drip-fed into new software updates.
But as AI and Unreal Engine are being deployed to make your journey much easier than any other car out there, the company is now targeting every element of your experience.
Starting at the very beginning.
In an update to its car descriptions, the Tesla fleet will now come with multiple key cards, with no mention of a fob.
“Tesla provides you with two Model 3/Y key cards, designed to fit in your wallet,” the site says.
All this is a result of a change in habits where physical Tesla keys are being phased out for phone usage.
Most of your Tesla EVs can be controlled by your phone, and now the company is entrusting your mobile to control the car’s security.
It’s a shame in some respects, as the physical Tesla keys are pretty cool.
Why are we ditching key fobs?
It appears the tech age is making everything fit inside the RAM of your phone, eliminating the need for everyday items like keys and wallets.
Still, some brands are sticking by the tried and tested key fob, such as Koenigsegg, which has recently taken inspiration from the Fabergé egg to make opening your car the most luxurious moment of your journey.
Even brand-new hypercars like the $2.12 million De Tomaso P72 are finding new ways of putting your keys to use.
Others have even tried to use key cards instead, but Volvo’s customer feedback claims that the EX90 owners are just using their phones.
It seems in tune with the digital age, and Tesla is once again leading the charge to a tech-led autonomous industry.
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Jack Marsh is a journalist who started his media career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from the University of Chester. As an avid supercar and racing enthusiast, he has a passion for everything from Formula 1 to NASCAR. Whether it's highlighting the intricacies of McLaren’s anti-dive suspension revelations or recognizing celebrities’ multi-million-dollar rides, he has a keen eye for the faster things in life.
