Elon Musk's electric-powered Tesla Model S automobiles are lauded as the smartest cars on the road. But a new app called Smartcar promises to make the car even smarter — by automating some of its critical functions.
Created by Sahas Katta, the developer behind last year's GlassTesla app, the Smartcar app automatically sets the interior temperature of the Tesla for maximum comfort before the driver even enters the car.
See also: 5 Surprises You'll Find in a Tesla Model S
For example, if it's freezing outside, the app will warm up the car at a designated time, with a similar function for cooling during the hotter months. Katta likes to refer to this Smartcar feature as "Nest for your Tesla."
The other major function of Smartcar is its ability to control the charging periods of the Tesla, optimizing the charging sessions for when local utility prices are the lowest. According to Katta, this feature alone has the potential to reduce the average Tesla owner's electric bill by up to 75%.
To use the app, which connects to the Tesla via cellular networks, the user will have to pay a $100 per year subscription. That might seem like a steep price for so few features — but if you've already purchased a Model S, which start at around $70,000, chances are that an extra $100 to automate your comfort and lower your electricity bill is not going to hurt your pocketbook.
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