Tesla has started rolling out xAI’s chatbot, Grok, to selected vehicles in the US, marking its early arrival ahead of the expected launch this week. The feature, developed by Elon Musk’s AI firm, was enabled over the weekend and is now accessible in specific Tesla models meeting hardware and software requirements.
According to Tesla, all newly delivered vehicles from 12 July onwards will come with Grok enabled. For older vehicles, eligibility is limited to those equipped with AMD processors (standard in models since around 2021) and running software version 2025.26.
Additionally, cars must either be connected to WiFi or subscribed to Tesla’s Premium Connectivity plan, which costs US$9.99 per month. While no additional subscription is required to use Grok, availability may be expanded through future over-the-air updates, though Tesla warns that access may change or be discontinued at any time.
To activate the chatbot, users can tap ‘Grok’ via the App Launcher or press and hold the voice button on the steering wheel. However, it does not function as a replacement for Tesla’s existing voice command system. Unlike typical AI assistants, Grok cannot interact with navigation, media, or climate controls. Instead, it serves as a conversational AI, offering a variety of voice and personality styles including “Storyteller” and “Unhinged.”
The feature is currently in beta and users have primarily used it to ask casual or humorous questions, as demonstrated by several on social media. Tesla has not confirmed whether Grok will be made available internationally.
