%Tesla ($TSLA) is taking steps to enable drivers of its electric vehicles to make %Zoom ($ZM) %VideoCalls directly from their dashboard touchscreens.
Zoom has announced that its video calls will be added to future Tesla vehicles as part of the built-in infotainment system. The company has even released a demo video that shows a Tesla driver taking a Zoom call while recharging an electric vehicle.
Zoom added that Tesla vehicles will need to be parked for its video calls to work, and that video calls will be disabled when any Tesla car or SUV is in motion.
Tesla has been discussing the potential of video calls for years. In May 2020, Tesla said in a tweet that adding Zoom calls to its vehicles would be a “future feature.”
At a developer event, Zoom also unveiled other new tools, including the integration of email and calendar services directly into its video conference service, a conversational chatbot that helps troubleshoot issues, and support for developers to monetize their apps on Zoom’s marketplace.
The Zoom addition to Tesla vehicles comes as the electric vehicle manufacturer faces growing competition from established automakers such as %Ford ($F) and %GeneralMotors ($GM).
Some investors and analysts have expressed concerns that Tesla head Elon Musk is becoming too distracted by his recent purchase of Twitter.
Tesla’s stock has fallen 51% this year to now trade at $195.97 U.S. per share.