In a surprising announcement, Elon Musk has revealed that Tesla plans to open source the design and engineering of the Model S and Model X. This move follows the company’s earlier release of the original Roadster files, which has sparked both excitement and skepticism within the tech and automotive communities.
The Roadster’s open source release, announced in, was met with enthusiasm but also raised questions about the extent of the information provided. The repository on GitHub contained just eight files, including five CAN database files and a diagnostic software ISO, totaling a mere 309 MB. Additionally, five document packages were made available behind a login on Tesla’s service site, but these were largely documentation that had already been publicly accessible.
The Roadster’s Open Source Release: A Closer Look
The Roadster’s open source release was far from comprehensive. The GitHub repository, which has garnered 1,100 stars and 300 forks, includes only a fraction of the car’s design and engineering details. Notably absent are the CAD files mechanical drawings, bill of materials, and firmware source code. The repository also lacks a proper open source license, rendering the release more of a documentation dump than a true open source initiative.
Antmicro, an engineering firm that worked with the Roadster files, found that the board packages contained only Gerbers and pick-and-place files, which are manufacturing outputs rather than design files. The team had to reconstruct component footprints themselves due to the lack of PCB source files. Furthermore, the disclaimer on Tesla’s service site makes it clear that the information provided is not intended for reference or repair purposes and offers no warranties.
What to Expect from the Model S and X Open Source Plans
Given the limited nature of the Roadster’s open source release, there is skepticism about what Tesla’s plans for the Model S and X might entail. The company ceased production of these models in, following Musk’s decision to focus on the Optimus project. If Tesla follows the same approach as with the Roadster, the open source release for the Model S and X is likely to include diagnostic software, some CAN databases, and Gerbers for minor boards, but not the critical components like the drive unit or the battery pack.
However, there is one area where Tesla could make a significant contribution. Both the Model S and X run on Linux, and Tesla has been criticized for its incomplete disclosures of kernel and Buildroot source code. A genuine open source release could provide an opportunity for Tesla to finally comply with GPL requirements and make a meaningful contribution to the open source community.
The Implications for the EV Industry
The potential open sourcing of the Model S and X could have far-reaching implications for the electric vehicle industry. A comprehensive release, including CAD files, firmware source code, and proper licensing, would provide engineers and small manufacturers with a valuable resource for learning and innovation. It could also set a precedent for other automakers to follow suit, fostering greater collaboration and advancement in the EV sector.
However, if Tesla’s release is as limited as the Roadster’s, it may not live up to the hype. The open source community has made it clear that a true open source release requires more than just a dump of documentation. It necessitates the provision of design files, source code, and a proper license that grants users the right to copy, modify, and redistribute.
If Tesla delivers a comprehensive and well-documented release, it could be a game-changer for the EV industry. However, if it follows the Roadster’s example, it may fall short of expectations and be seen as little more than a press release.
