By: Otaiba Ahsan
If you’re someone who consistently forgets to charge their device before leaving home, then the USB ports in your car have probably come in handy. Now, if you’re a Tesla owner and you fit that description, then you’re in luck thanks to Tesla’s having several ports, despite their minimalistic interior. Where are the USB ports in a Tesla Model 3 and Model Y? Continue reading for details on the location of these ports in the world’s most popular EVs.
USB Ports in the Model 3 and Model Y
The Model 3 and Model Y have a total of 5 USB ports in their interior. Here’s where they’re located:
1. Front Compartment: The front compartment of the centre console houses two USB Type-C ports. Once open, the ports are located on the rear wall of the compartment. These can be used to connect and charge devices. The ports can also allow you to play audio files stored on a phone or other device.
NOTE: If you’re looking to play audio files from a device when plugged into the USB in the front compartment, it can be done by tapping Media Player > USB on the screen. You can then touch the name of the folder that contains the file you’d like to play. The two wireless chargers underneath the touchscreen can be used to charge mobile phones, but unfortunately can’t enable a direct connection to the car. To connect, you would either have to do it via Bluetooth or by plugging in your phone via a USB port in the front compartment.
2. Glovebox: Most Tesla’s include a single USB-A port located inside the glovebox on the back left. When taking delivery of a new Model 3 or Model Y, it’ll include a pre-formatted flash drive plugged into this port. This is programmed to save videos when using features like Sentry Mode and Dashcam.
NOTE: Although not the primary purpose, this port can also be used to communicate with the vehicle like the ones in the front compartment do. It’s also able to charge any device where a USB-A cable is used.
3. Rear Compartment: Lastly, you’ll find two additional USB Type-C ports located in the rear centre console underneath the vents. These are conveniently placed for passengers in the backseats who need to plug in their USB-C cables.
NOTE: These ports can charge devices but won’t communicate with the vehicle. Therefore, if you’re looking to play media through a device, then you’ll have to use the ports in the front compartment or the glovebox if you’re unable to use Bluetooth.
USB Hub for the Model 3 and Model Y
Tesloid’s USB Hub for the Model 3 and Model Y is an excellent way to add to the total number of ports in your car, as well as bring in a greater variety. It’s a 4 in 1 Ports USB Hub which includes the following:
- Type C – Power Delivery (PD) Fast Charging & Data
- USB 3.0 – Power & Data
- USB 3.0 – Power & Data
- Type C – Load Sharing & Data
It has a sleek, minimalistic look that fits in perfectly with the interior of both vehicles. To set it up, you simply plug it into the two USB Type-C ports in the centre console and then close the front compartment. It’ll slot right in and blend in with your Tesla. You’ll get a variety of ports all in a convenient location.
The Bottom Line
Where are the USB ports in a Tesla Model 3 and Model Y? There are two USB-C ports located in the front compartment, one USB-A in the glovebox, and two more USB-C ports in the rear compartment under the vents. If you’re looking to add more ports as well as a greater variety, Tesloid offers a 4 in 1 Ports USB hub that blends in perfectly with the interior. If you use the Hub, then you’ll have a total of 7 ports in your car.