2022 Model 3 - Central USB Port Configuration?

[C.A.R.]

I have a M3LR due in mid-March as a company car and I'm very much looking forward to it.

I keep an eye on the online forums and noticed a trend for some cars getting delivered with the central 2x USB-C ports providing charging capability only, not data. The perception is that this is due to the ongoing chip shortage.

Sure enough, even the UK link to the Model 3 user manual states:

user manual said:

For some vehicles manufactured after approximately November 1, 2021, the center console USB ports may only support charging devices. Use the USB port inside the glove box for all other functions.

- Has anyone read this about UK-supplied cars? Or is it just in America for now?

- Presumably aftermarket USB hubs designed for that central console will be redundant if they only supply power?

- Is the USB-A in the glovebox powerful enough to support a USB hub with multiple connections? I'm really only interested in connecting something up for Sentry Mode

- Are Tesla UK likely to know any limitations on functionality if I provide them my build number (RN number)?

Thanks in advance

[Heres Johnny]

The centre console hubs were more for when the car didn't have a wireless charging pads, so after 2 ports for an after market charging hub, a port for sentry/dashcam, a port for music and possibly a games controller or usb flying lead for a mobile the 2 usb ports were clearly not enough. The only data port needs were for sentry/dashcam and usb music and possibly a games controller.

They added the glovebox data port because having the storage device for sentry mode easily accessible in the cabin, and people often liking large capacity storage devices like the Samsung T5 or T7, they almost encouraged breakin for a quick smash and grab and in doing so you took away the recording.

There are plenty of guides on how to confgure a storage device to support both music and sentry/dashcam by creating 2 partons and this is what I've got.

So the question is really why do you need data in the cabin when you can store all the data stuff in a secure location in the glovebox? And why would you need a hub given most mobiles wirelessly charge and there are a few powered USB ports? The only potential use I can see is for a games controller and Tesla have shot themselves in the foot over this introducing games that only work with a controller and then taking away the ability to plug on in but welcome to the Tesla owners experience, this is just one example of odd stuff. On the other side, in over 6 years of Tesla ownership, I've never felt the need for a games controller, and the games just result in a cricked neck as you're twisted in yoiur seat trying to constantly look at the screen.

Edited by Heres Johnny on Wednesday 2nd February 09:50

[C.A.R.]

Yeah I suppose, once the memory is sorted for the camera the only thing I might ever do is a games controller, but I can't see that being much more than a gimmick for a couple of minutes. Would a hub with the micro sd card and a wireless controller dongle be OK in the glovebox port? For the odd occasion I might use it. Or will it overwhelm it being only USB-A?

I have since read some conflicting reports of the central two USB-Cs and the wireless charge pad not functioning on delivery due to parts shortage on UK-supplied Model 3's. Sad times. About 3 week wait to have them retrofitted at a service centre.

[page3]

There is talk that Tesla have removed various games from those car with charging only ports, so you will not have the option of using the glovebox port.

[annodomini2]

Where they have gone "charge only" they plan to support Bluetooth capable controllers, but this will require a sw update to support.

[whatstevedid]

Any cars delivered after December 15th will have charge only capability for the front USB ports, and the controller-only games (Sonic, Cuphead, etc) aren’t present.

I’ve been back and forth with Tesla customer service who just don’t care. The mobile engineer who retrofitted my USB hub (mine was delivered without it due to chip shortage) confirmed that all the cabling is actually present in the car, it’s just the USB hub that is different, as well as some coding that tells the car what hub is installed - which can only be changed by Tesla of course.

Tesla customer service have been really poor - even though the manual specifically says to not use a 3rd party USB hub in the glovebox (and users have reported issues doing so) they’ve advised to do that if I want data. I’ve offered to pay for the data-capable part and fitting (you can source them online) but they’ve said they will not fit it and refuse to do the coding to support it.

It’s not the end of the world, but I was more miffed with how dismissive Tesla have been more than anything else. Their stance is ‘tough’.