Spotify now flows free in Tesla

Subscription-based music streaming service Spotify is now available to Australian owners of the Tesla Model S.

As in Europe and Hong Kong, Spotify is delivered exclusively to all Model S vehicles via the Tesla 'over the air software update' connection.

Each car comes with a built-in Spotify Premium account that works in the vehicle only. Existing users can link their Spotify Premium account so all their content syncs between their vehicle and other devices.

A smart device is not required to use the service, with Spotify instead streaming through the always-on in-car 3G SIM connection of the Model S' infotainment system.

“Car radios have changed very little since the first FM radio was fitted over 60 years ago. Until now," said Jonathan Tarlton, Spotify’s Senior Manager for Business Development, Automotive.

"This best-in-class, seamless integration represents the future of all music and content consumption in the car, with the best part being that tens of thousands of Tesla customers around the world can already experience that future today."

The move follows the collapse of Rdio, which had been Tesla's official partner for streaming music in Australia, where a new partnership between Tesla and Telstra now brings free Spotify Premium content to all Model S cars via a software update.

The update allows Model S drivers to access the entire Spotify music library, define their preferred tracks and albums and follow artists, playlists and radio stations, via the Model S' 17-inch colour touch-screen display.