Musk: Tesla intends to "open more source code" to other automakers
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in a conversation with Ford CEO Jim Farley on Thursday that Tesla may open some of its car operating system code to other automakers.
Musk said: "Just as Android has helped the mobile industry as a universal standard, we may open up more source code to help the automotive industry." "If Tesla does take this step, it will compete with Google and Apple, both of which already develop Android and iOS based car operating systems.
Musk's comments were in response to Farley's comments that building a "fully software-updateable car is super difficult." Musk said Tesla would be happy to "help with software."
Tesla and Ford reached a landmark partnership agreement on Thursday: Ford's electric vehicle customers will have access to Tesla's supercharging network in the United States and Canada. What's more, Ford agreed to integrate Tesla's charging interface into its second-generation electric vehicles starting in 2025, including a truck and an SUV with three-row seats.
Musk often reveals Tesla ideas at live events, some of which eventually come to fruition and some of which go nowhere. If Tesla does open up its over-the-air software upgrade program to other automakers, it will compete directly with Google and Apple.
Google provides automakers with Android Automotive OS, which is modeled on its open-source mobile operating system running on Linux and modified for use in cars. Last June, Apple also joined the ranks of developing car operating systems, announcing that the next generation of CarPlay aims to power the entire dashboard of a car.
Meanwhile, the tech giants offer middleware products called Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, respectively, that connect users 'phones to their cars' infotainment systems.
