Tesla’s Robotaxis Sport a Mysterious New Rear Addition — Here’s the Scoop

It’s no secret that Tesla’s Project Halo includes some hardware tweaks not typically found in regular cars. While some of these modifications, like the second communications unit, serve a clear purpose, there’s one change that has left many scratching their heads.

Early testers in Austin recently noticed a simple, flat bar made of metal beneath the rear trunk of the Robotaxi Model Ys. The purpose of this new addition remains a mystery, but there are some intriguing speculations floating around.

While the community has come up with some interesting theories, it’s evident that Tesla has strategically placed this bar on the Robotaxi vehicles for a specific reason. Let’s dive into some speculation.

Potential Wireless Charging Feature

The most compelling theory suggests that this bar could be related to future wireless charging capabilities and testing.

For a Robotaxi network to operate efficiently, every aspect, from cleaning to charging, needs to be autonomous. Wireless inductive charging could revolutionize the process, allowing vehicles to park over designated pads at the depot for charging without any human intervention.

The metal bar is positioned in a way that suggests it could be used for mounting testing equipment or a vehicle-side receiver for wireless charging trials without requiring a complete redesign of the underbody.

Tesla’s acquisition of Wiferion, a German inductive charging technology company, and their demonstration of wireless charging at We, Robot, along with their patents on wireless charging circuits, indicate a strong push towards implementing this feature for Robotaxi.

Dispelling Other Theories

While there have been other theories proposed, a closer examination reveals their flaws.

The idea of additional underbody protection doesn’t hold up, as the bar’s placement wouldn’t effectively shield critical components. The concept of a camera spray shield also falls short, as the bar’s position doesn’t align with protecting the rear camera.

Lastly, the notion of a new aerodynamic component seems unlikely, given the bar’s flat design and positioning. It appears more like a mounting point than an aerodynamic enhancement.

A Small Addition with Big Implications

Considering the operational needs of a large-scale autonomous fleet, wireless charging emerges as a logical choice, especially given the location of the bar. This unassuming metal bar likely signals Tesla’s preparation for integrating wireless charging technology in the near future.

If you have any alternative theories or insights on this intriguing addition, feel free to share them with us on social media.