Surprisingly, Tesla responded to our request for comment, telling us that it was “aware of the problem” and admitting that it affected “every Model 3, Y, S, and X going back to 2012.” The automaker insists it’s working on a software update and should be “rolling one out in the coming days”. As a temporary solution, Tesla introduced another software update on April 1st, allowing owners to remotely lock the steering wheel through the phone app.
Chu, however, says he won’t be bothering with the official fixes because he’s found a workaround involving another Pokemon card.
“Apparently, only Electric-type Pokemon cards let you unlock a Tesla, and in the Pokemon world, Electric-type cards like my lighting card are weak when faced with Ground-type moves,” Chu told us. “So I just make sure I place a Sandshrew card in my window every time I park up.”
Chu’s unorthodox workaround highlights the seriousness of the situation. While some might find humor in the Pokemon card detail, the ease of theft is concerning. Tesla needs a permanent fix – and fast. For any non-Pokemon-savvy enthusiasts reading this and thinking of grabbing cards at random in the hope of securing their cars, a word of caution from Chu.
“Just be very careful which card you pick,” Chu warned. “My friend first used the Gyarados card by mistake and it bricked her Model 3 harder than a ten-year-old’s Tamagotchi after a week-long school trip. She then panicked and tried the forbidden ice-type Melony card, and let’s just say her car went full Pikachu – sparking and everything. On the flipside she did say that applying the super-rare ice-type card massively improved her Tesla’s used value.”