What car has a key that resembles a card?
3 Answers
The car with a key resembling a card is the Tesla Model 3. The backup unlocking key for the Tesla Model 3 is a card similar to a bank card, as the Model 3 does not come with a traditional car key but instead utilizes a smartphone for control. Here are some relevant details about the Tesla Model 3: 1. The Tesla Model 3 is positioned as a mid-size sedan. It features a 4-door, 5-seat sedan design with no exhaust pipe at the rear and a front-mounted trunk. The vehicle is equipped with a single-speed transmission powered by a 462-horsepower motor, delivering a total torque of 639 Nm and a maximum power output of 340 kW, achieving 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 5.6 seconds. 2. The Model 3 incorporates an EPS (Electric Power Steering) system with two key functions: variable damping and variable steering ratio. It also features hidden door handles, and all in-car systems and vehicle controls are managed through a large central touchscreen.
When it comes to cars with card-shaped keys, Tesla is definitely a major player in this area. The Model S was the first to use such a card—designed like a credit card, thin and compact. You simply place it near the front door pillar or B-pillar, and the car senses it to unlock, which is super convenient. Later, the Model 3, X, and Y all adopted this feature, primarily relying on NFC technology, eliminating the need for buttons—just like swiping an access card. BMW’s electric vehicles, such as the i3, also have a similar design, and the Mercedes EQC can use a card key as well. The benefits are numerous: carrying it around is much less bulky than a traditional key, and it fits easily in a wallet without taking up space. It’s also waterproof and drop-resistant, and even if lost, it’s secure due to encryption—you can disable it via a mobile app. The downside? Sometimes the sensing fails, especially in areas with strong signal interference, like parking lots. It’s advisable to keep a spare key handy just in case. Overall, this represents the future trend of car keys, with more and more people embracing its minimalist style.
I tried this card key on a Tesla last year, and it felt incredibly cool. A friend who drives a Model 3 showed me how it works: just tap the card against the door to unlock it without even taking it out of your pocket. For daily use, you can simply slip the card into your wallet—super convenient, no more jangling keychains like before. Forget the card? No problem, the mobile app can also unlock the car, which is really thoughtful. Other cars like the Audi e-tron have similar features, but since Tesla introduced it, younger people seem to love this tech more. However, there are minor hassles in practice—if the battery dies or the card gets interfered with by other magnetic cards, sometimes the door won’t open, and you’ll need a backup method. I’d still recommend Tesla owners to rely more on the app for binding—it’s safer and more efficient. Overall, this card key makes the car feel smarter and life a lot easier.
