Tesla vehicles have been decorated with a variety of thoughtful touches. Such as their superb ambient lighting system. Beyond aesthetics, ambient lighting serves a practical purpose by enhancing visibility and safety.
However, the lights are subtle and simplistically designed. And often owners don’t know about hidden lights like the puddle lights. In this article, you will find out everything about Tesla’s ambient lighting.
Does Tesla Have Ambient Lighting?
Yes, Tesla does have ambient lights. The ambient lighting in Tesla vehicles is typically located around the door panels. However, you can light up your dashboard, and center console too with upgrades.

For example, the Tesla Models 3, S, X, and Y have puddle lights on all 4 doors. These illuminate the ground when the door is open and are referred to and controlled as “Ambient” lights by Tesla.
The basic white ambient lighting that comes standard on the Tesla Model 3 is hardly noticeable to the majority of passengers.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a real adjustable color-led strip or anything like that in models X/Y either. There is simply a button for the top headliner lights and footlights.
How Does Ambient Lighting Enhance the Interior of Tesla Cars?
Inside the car, ambient lighting creates an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. The environment can look more upscale and elegant with the addition of a touch of elegance and refinement from the lighting.
Soft ambient lighting can make the interior of the car feel cozy and restful. It can ease eye strain and make the inside feel cozier and more inviting. It is especially useful on long rides.
Most importantly, ambient lighting can increase interior visibility. This makes it simpler to find and utilize different controls and features. For instance, the illumination can draw attention to where the cup holders, door knobs, and other features are located, making it simpler to locate them in low light.
What’re the Tesla Ambient Lighting Options and Functions?
The lights in the Model 3 and also other models (footwell lights, trunk lights, etc ) are far too dim. Here are some upgrade options for you:
Get Brighter Lights
You can swap the stock lights in the boot and footwells for brighter white ones from eBay. The stock boot lights are far too dim to be of any practical use.
Get Colourful Lights

Tesla vehicles allow the driver to choose from several ambient lighting colors. The options include white, blue, green, yellow, and red. The driver can customize the color of the ambient lighting to match their mood or preference.
Automatic Lights
In some Tesla models, the ambient lighting can be set to turn on automatically when the doors are opened or when the car is in motion. This feature can create a more welcoming and visually appealing environment as soon as the driver enters the car.
Get New Upgrade for Absent Lights
In some SR+ with a basic interior, there aren’t any footwell lights. In these models, the wiring and fixtures are there, complete with LED assemblies. But not enabled in the software.
Tap off the feed to the overhead light, and snake it to a handy area for a solid-state relay. Now you need to get 12V switched power.
Then find existing lights and a couple of additional locations under the seats for the rear footwells. They come on with a door open or by manually engaging the light.
You can buy high-brightness LEDs from Abstract Ocean. Now replace the ditch lights, and trunk and add lights as you like. Learn more here.
Related Post: Tesla Steering Wheel Lights: A Revolutionary Approach to Enhanced Driving Experience
How to Turn on Tesla’s Ambient Lighting Settings?
To turn on Tesla’s ambient lighting settings, follow these steps:
- Sit in the driver’s seat and turn on the car.
- Locate the “Controls” menu on the car’s touchscreen display.
- From the “Controls” menu, select “Lights.”
- Select “Ambient Lights” from the list of options.
- Choose the color and intensity of the ambient lighting using the onscreen controls (as shown in the picture).
- Once you have selected your preferred ambient lighting settings, exit the “Ambient Lights” menu.
The ambient lighting should now be turned on, and you should see the soft glow of the lighting around the door panels, dashboard, and center console.

Other Ambient Lighting Features in Tesla Vehicles
There is a light on each of the doors (a round one hidden behind a grill). Those should turn on even without the PUP. Non PUP cars all have the ambient light LED fixtures present in PUP cars.
Moreover, when you compare options between the premium and partial premium packages, Ambient Lights aren’t included in the latter. This may not be mentioned on the Tesla website.
Tesla Ambient Lighting Upgrade Costs
Here’s how much model-wise costs may be for Tesla ambient lighting upgrades:
Model 3
Tesla itself offers an official upgrade package for around $300-$500 for model 3. This upgrade comes with customizable LED lighting strips along the dashboard, door panels, and footwells. It allows you to set the perfect mood for every drive.
You can also get upgrades from EV Annex and Abstract Ocean kits. These kits usually come in the range of $100-$250, with variations in lighting colors and installation ease.
Model S
Tesla’s official ambient lighting package for the Model S generally ranges from $400 to $600. You get an assortment of color options and brightness settings to create an inviting atmosphere.
RPM Tesla and Unplugged Performance are prominent third-party providers that offer ambient lighting for the Model S. Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for their products, depending on the package and additional features.
Model X
Tesla’s official upgrade package for the Model X comes at a price point of approximately $500 to $700. It gives you control over the cabin’s illumination with a touch of elegance.
EVannex and EcoCarTech are well-known third-party vendors. Their ambient lighting kits typically range from $200 to $350.
Model Y
Last but not least, for the Tesla Model Y, Tesla’s official ambient lighting upgrade package is priced around $350 to $550.
Other than Tesla, TapTes and Nikola Pro are reputable third-party providers known for their Model Y ambient light options. These kits usually cost between $150 and $250.
Related Post: How Important is Tesla Climate Control When Parked Feature?
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Can I install ambient lighting in my Tesla myself?
It is not recommended.
What color options are available for Tesla’s ambient lighting?
Blue, red, white, green, and purple, among others.
Can I change the Tesla ambient lighting settings while driving?
Yes.
Is Tesla’s ambient lighting purely a cosmetic feature?
Mostly. Internal visibility may be increased by it.
Can I install third-party ambient lighting without voiding my Tesla’s warranty?
Installing third-party ambient lighting kits may potentially void certain aspects of your Tesla’s warranty.