Stolen Teslas Are the Least Prevalent Among U.S. Vehicles According to Research
Tesla Models Lead in Vehicle Security and Theft Prevention
Tesla's electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly becoming the preferred choice for many consumers, and not just for their environmental benefits. The advanced digital security features integrated into Tesla models make them less attractive to car thieves, as evidenced by their low theft rates compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars.
The key factors contributing to Tesla's robust security include:
- Constant connectivity with GPS tracking: Teslas are always connected via cellular networks, allowing owners to track the vehicle’s exact location in real-time through the Tesla app. This makes it easy to locate and recover the vehicle if stolen.
- Sentry Mode: Tesla uses its external cameras to monitor the environment around the car, record suspicious activity, and alert owners immediately. This serves as a strong deterrent because thieves risk being recorded and identified.
- Remote control capabilities: Owners can remotely control aspects of the car via the app, such as locking/unlocking, activating an alarm, monitoring live camera footage, restricting vehicle speed to 50 mph, or even disabling the vehicle. This makes theft more difficult and the stolen vehicle less usable.
- PIN to Drive feature: Tesla requires a driver to enter a user-set four-digit PIN before the car can be driven, adding an extra layer of security that is difficult to bypass.
- Regular over-the-air software updates: These updates continuously improve Tesla’s security software to patch vulnerabilities and protect against emerging cyber threats, keeping the vehicle’s security more robust over time.
- Sophisticated in-car alarm and intrusion detection: Tesla vehicles activate alarms and warnings if unauthorized entry or tampering is detected, further discouraging theft attempts.
These digital, networked, and software-based protections make Tesla cars essentially "digital fortresses." As a result, Tesla cars have substantially lower theft rates compared to traditional gasoline cars. For example, the Tesla Model 3 AWD has a theft frequency of only 1 theft per 100,000 insured vehicles, which is vastly lower than many conventional vehicles.
In addition to their impressive security features, Tesla models have also performed well in theft prevention rankings. In a previous analysis covering 2020-2022 models, Tesla again topped the rankings. The Model 3 AWD and Model Y AWD shared the lowest theft claim frequency of 3, while the Model 3 RWD landed near the top of the list with a claim frequency of 2. The Model S AWD had a theft claim frequency of 5, equal with the Toyota Rav4 Prime.
Four Tesla models placed among the ten least stolen vehicles for the 2022-2024 model years. The Model X AWD placed fourth overall, the Model S AWD ranked in the top 15, and the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) version of the Tesla Model 3 and the Model Y AWD have the same theft claim frequency of 2.
In conclusion, Tesla’s combination of real-time connectivity, smart surveillance, remote immobilization, user-enabled PIN access, and continuous software enhancements makes their electric vehicles significantly less attractive and practical targets for car thieves compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars.
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