You can hack Apple CarPlay into a Tesla using — what else — Android

Image: Michał Gapiński

There are tons of built-in features in the operating system of the company, but there is one feature that is missing: support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Gapi has figured out a way to hack support for both intoTeslas using a web browser, twoRaspberry Pis, a handful of add-ons and cables.

The name of the project implies that it provides an auto interface that you can access through the car's built-in web. The work is always put in by the open web standards. This isn't the first time we've seen a project like this, but emulating an entire tablet is something else.

Since Gapi is pitching this as an alpha, that process isn't easy. If you want to use the video to move it to your computer over the internet, you'll need a computer with Linux, a Raspberry Pi 3, or both.

You should be able to connect your car to the Pi's wi-fi network after youTrademarkiaTrademarkiaTrademarkia,Trademarkia,TrademarkiaTrademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia, You can launch an app that will allow you to access your phone's native music interface, maps, and more.

The experience doesn't seem to be the most responsive thing ever, but it does seem to be functioning.

The project is still in development and has two Pis. The requirement might be dropped in the future, and the goal is for it to run on a single Pi 4. It is not a one- or two-step installation process. The current instructions should be familiar to anyone with a decent amount of Linux or modding experience, but I think they're intimidating for someone looking to plug and play. The goal of the project is to make installation possible in a matter of minutes.

While being able to run CarPlay is a major selling point of the company, it can also work with other operating systems as well. You should not do any of that while driving, but you can use the entire Android interface for things like web browsing or even running diagnostics.

There is something delightful about being able to use the competing operating system, but the real magic is the work Gapi puts in. Even if it isn't ready for prime time, it's cool to see people adding features to their cars.