Initial Tesla Model 3 EVs Go Silent on Music

Tesla Inc.’s new Model 3 electric sedan doesn’t include a radio—or CD player—and initially motorists won’t be able to play their own music through the car’s audio system via a USB or Bluetooth connection with their smartphone.

Initially, the only way for Model 3 owners to listen to music through the car’s audio system will be via the subscription-based Slacker Radio internet service over Tesla’s in-vehicle 4G cellular connectivity.

Tesla says FM radio and Bluetooth media streaming soon will be made available through over-the-air software updates. But for now, audio streaming profiles are not available through the car's central media player.

The Model 3’s Bluetooth capability is limited to making and receiving phone calls. The car’s four USB ports can’t be to play music from a smartphone or other electronic device, because Tesla doesn’t support Apple CarPlay or Google’s Android Auto connectivity.

As with Tesla’s pricier models, Model 3 owners can use their car’s massive center LCD touchscreen to access a host of other vehicle accessory and infotainment function. This includes everything from air vents to the windshield wipers.