It’s an open secret: Tesla cars are powered not only by batteries but by open-source software. Until recently, though, Tesla hasn’t lived up to its obligations under open-source licenses, but now Tesla is finally releasing some of its Linux source code for the Model S and X cars.
The Tesla GitHub repository contains the code for the Model S/X 2018.12 software release. Specifically, it holds the system image on the Tesla Autopilot platform, the kernel sources for its underlying hardware, and the code for its Nvidia Tegra-based infotainment system.
Tesla will release additional open-source code for other systems in their cars soon. According to Tesla, “Work is underway on preparing sources in other areas as well, together with a more coordinated information page. We wanted to let you know about this material as it is available now while work continues on the other parts.” The electric car thought-leader will also update its code as updated software releases are made.
You can’t build your own Tesla binaries for your car yet though. The Tesla Linux code is still missing source code files and has incomplete build instructions.