Shop Parts keyboard_double_arrow_right
Need car parts? Select your vehicle
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Summary
  • Tesla has key fobs shaped like miniature cars and black key cards that fit easily in a wallet.
  • RFID technology allows drivers to wirelessly lock and unlock their doors and trunks from a distance.
  • Tapping the key card near a sensor on the door also unlocks the car.

Q: What Does a Tesla Car Key Look Like?

A: Tesla car keys come in two types: key fobs shaped like miniature cars and black key cards that fit easily in a wallet.

tesla key fob
Tesla key fobs are shaped like miniature versions of the model they control. | Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Tesla car key fobs resemble miniature versions of the car they control. Buttons can be used to open various parts of the vehicle, such as the doors or the front and rear trunks. 

tesla key card
Tapping the Tesla key card near a sensor on the door unlocks the car.

On the other hand, key cards are designed to fit in your wallet and can be used to unlock your vehicle. These key cards resemble standard-issue key cards, taking on a flat, rectangular shape, and are typically colored black. 

How Does a Tesla Car Key Work?

Tesla key fobs work similarly to those used in other vehicles. Each key fob uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to communicate with the vehicle’s receiver. Buttons are pressed to either lock or unlock the doors or the trunks.

See also  What Is a Transmitter Pocket? (Plus FAQs)

Key cards work similarly at a much shorter range. Each key card also uses RFID technology to unlock the car doors. However, the key card must be brought close to a sensor on the door. 

When passive entry mode is activated, the doors will automatically unlock, and the engine will start as soon as the fob or paired phone is within range of the vehicle. All of this happens without pressing a button or interacting with the key.

Some users recommend disabling this feature to secure the vehicle against theft.

About The Author
Written By Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

File Under : Auto Repair , Accessories , DIY Tagged With :
CarParts Euro
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
expand_more
CarParts.com Fix-It-Forum BE PART OF OUR COMMUNITY: Share your knowledge & help fellow drivers Join Now