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Comment by BluSyn | Hacker News Reader

Unlocking through the app requires server and phone cell signal. Phone (Blutooth) unlocking and key card unlocking do NOT require connectivity. That would be dumb, phone cell signal doesn't work everywhere.

Source: I have a Model 3, and frequently park in locations with 0 cell coverage.

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Yeah, the "can't get into my car" is either trolling, not near his car, or maybe the old roadster had a different way of handling this.

I can't connect to Tesla from the app, but I just walked to my car and was able to open the door just fine.

Simple, people probably leave the keycard at home ?

I say this as a Tesla owner...

Do not leave your keycard at home. Every Tesla owner should have a keycard in their wallet (You don't go driving without your wallet, do you?). You never know if your phone will die.

It's the same with cars that use keyless start. In my wife's Honda CRV, the fob has a physical key that can be removed to open the door, and the Start button can read the RFID in the fob if the fob battery is dead.

>> (You don't go driving without your wallet, do you?)

I dont own a Tesla.. but yeah.. I go driving without my wallet all the time... My phone covers 99% of my wallet needs these days

Is bringing driver license while driving not required by law in your place?

Not OP. My state allows me to present my drivers license with Apple Wallet. I believe the TSA will support using this for air travel in the near future as well.

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2021/09/apple-announces-first...

I would never trust a cop enough to hand over my phone voluntarily.

From the link I shared:

“Users do not need to unlock, show, or hand over their device to present their ID.”

That would be completely up to the officer. I have always had my ID taken from me for inspection, so I do not believe for a second that they would permit me to hold onto a digital ID while they inspect it. While the technology could permit you to retain control, there would be zero assurance that will actually be the case, and relying on that tech would leave you with no other choice. Once you hand it over, you lose control. What you are reading is slick marketing material published by the manufacturer, not government policy.

nah Digital lic. on my phone.

but tbh that rule is rarely strongly enforced in Australia.

And before somebody says “aha what if the car battery is dead!!” (Which is what I thought)… if the car battery is dead, you ain’t going anywhere. Can’t start the car without the battery unless it is a manual transmission.

Of course the doors… well, shouldn’t there be a backup physical key?

The phone works just fine without internet connection. That’s how I unlocked my car before I posted the comment above.

You shouldn’t it’s your plan B if your phone gets broke / stolen

Phone unlock uses Bluetooth.

Yeah, this just doesn't jive with the way these devices have always worked. That said, do keep your key card on your person somewhere. I haven't been locked out of my car by a dead phone battery, but at some point it's going to happen I'm sure.

BBC: Tesla drivers left unable to start their cars after outage https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-59357306

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