Did Tesla change its authentication system?

In 2024, Tesla has requested all third parties begin using the new Tesla API. Here's what it means for connecting a Tesla to Recurrent.

When you visit Recurrent to connect a Tesla, it may look slightly different than it does for different makes/models.

From the Add Vehicle page, enter your VIN or license plate number to look up your vehicle, followed by your ZIP (which Recurrent uses to correlate regional climate to vehicle range).

Next, you’ll be prompted to sign in to Tesla using your Tesla credentials. The new authentication system from Tesla is secure and safeguards your data privacy. (Your password is sent directly to Tesla and Tesla grants Recurrent a "token" to access limited data.) If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you’ll be asked to enter an authentication code. You’ll then be asked to authorize two sets of permissions for Recurrent. Note that while Tesla describes location permissions on the first page, the next page confirms that Recurrent does not request or use location permissions for any vehicle.

After confirming, you’re all set! You can access your vehicle and its Vehicle Insights from the Recurrent Dashboard. Keep in mind it may take two or three weeks for your vehicle’s data to populate and fully inform range estimates – and comparisons – for your car.

Disconnecting your car from Recurrent can also be done from the Recurrent Dashboard by clicking "settings" for the vehicle, then "remove."

To revoke privileges from Tesla’s side, visit your Tesla account settings, click “manage third party apps” locate Recurrent's authorization, and then click remove.

Lastly, Tesla will send you an email each time you grant new permissions to a vehicle – or if you revoke those permissions from Tesla's website.