Grok AI arrives in Tesla cars, but can't do much yet

Tesla has begun rolling out its latest software update, 2025.26, bringing the much-discussed Grok artificial intelligence to its electric cars. However, drivers wanting to chat with their vehicle's new brain will find its capabilities are limited for now.

The new Grok (Beta) feature is being presented as a major step forward, but its current function is more like a built-in search engine than an integrated vehicle assistant. According to Tesla's release notes, Grok "does not issue commands to your car," meaning existing voice commands for navigation, climate control, and music remain unchanged.

For now, asking Grok to turn up the heat will get you information about the temperature, not a warmer cabin. The feature is essentially a way to access the chatbot on the car's large center screen instead of on a phone. Access to this beta feature also comes with a few conditions. It is currently available only to Tesla owners in the United States whose vehicles are equipped with the newer AMD infotainment computer, which has been standard in cars produced since mid-2021.

Hey @Tesla_Optimus … @grok wants to know if you’re free tonight pic.twitter.com/xXfSkg8M22

— Tesla (@Tesla) July 12, 2025

Using Grok requires either a Premium Connectivity subscription or a connection to a Wi-Fi network. While the integration of a powerful AI into electric cars is an interesting development, this initial version feels more like a preview rather than a fully-realized feature.

Grok may be the headline feature, but the 2025.26 software update includes several other practical improvements for Tesla owners. For vehicles with ambient lighting, the interior light strips can now synchronize with music, pulsing with the beat or matching the color of the album art for a more immersive experience.

The audio system also gets an upgrade, allowing drivers to save multiple audio setting presets for different listeners or situations. Additionally, the Dashcam Viewer has been improved with zoom and playback speed controls, and the Cybertruck receives an updated app with a grid view for easier clip review.

The most useful change for daily driving involves the navigation system's charging information. The system can now specify which charging locations require valet service or are located in paid parking areas.

On arrival at the destination, the car's display will provide drivers with details like access codes, parking level information, and even restroom availability, streamlining the charging process for these more complex locations. A new onboarding guide has also been added to the center display to help first-time drivers, renters, or valets quickly understand the vehicle's basic functions.

The software update, however, is overshadowed by an interesting corporate maneuver proposed by Musk. The CEO announced that Tesla shareholders will vote on whether the public electric car company should invest directly in xAI, his private AI firm.

Tesla needs to be able to invest in xAI 🙏 otherwise not fair to $TSLA retail investors

— TeslaMD (@TSLA4orphans) July 13, 2025

This follows the already familiar pattern of intertwined business dealings between Musk's companies. Last year, Musk diverted a shipment of high-demand NVIDIA H100 computer chips - originally intended for Tesla's Full Self-Driving development - to xAI and X (formerly Twitter).

Musk has also hired key AI talent from Tesla to work at xAI, effectively using the public car company as a resource for his private ventures. The shareholder vote on this investment is expected to take place at the company's annual meeting, which has been delayed until November.

Via