Tesla has done that kind of things a number of times. In earlier Model S versions, you could get a software locked battery for less money. You could then pay to unlock the capacity.
On the current Model 3 SR+, the rear seats are not heated, but you can pay to have the software unlock them. Its a few hundred dollars, I think.
For both the Model 3 LR and the Y LR, there is an available one time $2k USD upgrade to provide enhanced acceleration.
And obviously, the "FSD" package is a software fee that generally requires no hardware changes. It does get you access to some new hardware, though if needed.
But I think people see this differently if it is a one time fee vs a subscription fee.
On the current Model 3 SR+, the rear seats are not heated, but you can pay to have the software unlock them. Its a few hundred dollars, I think.
For both the Model 3 LR and the Y LR, there is an available one time $2k USD upgrade to provide enhanced acceleration.
And obviously, the "FSD" package is a software fee that generally requires no hardware changes. It does get you access to some new hardware, though if needed.
But I think people see this differently if it is a one time fee vs a subscription fee.