Question 1

What is VCU+ and how does it relate to Tesla drive units?

Accepted Answer

VCU+ is a vehicle control unit (VCU) that controls Tesla, Cascadia Motion, and Nissan Leaf drive units over CAN - no inverter logic board swap required. More than just a drive controller, it orchestrates drivetrain control as well as battery management, I/O, safety interlocks, thermal systems, GPS/telemetry, and logging in one package. It is not a drive unit controller replacement board.

Question 2

Which drive units are supported?

Accepted Answer

Front Drive Unit (FDU), Large Drive Unit (LDU), Small Drive Unit (SDU), Model 3 Rear, and Nissan Leaf are supported, along with Cascadia Motion CM/PM series.

Question 3

Do I need to replace the inverter logic board?

Accepted Answer

No. VCU+ controls Tesla, Nissan Leaf, and Cascadia Motion drive units without requiring a logic board swap. This reduces risk, cost, and install time.

Question 4

Can I use VCU+ in dual / AWD setups (two motors)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A single VCU+ supports up to two drive units via primary and secondary inverter channels - no second VCU required. AWD synchronization and pedal/CAN strategy are configurable.

Question 5

How do I configure and tune the controller?

Accepted Answer

Use the Bolt calibration software. It provides modern, cross‑platform tuning for drivetrain, I/O, and battery parameters, including 3D torque maps.

Question 6

Can I adjust power, regen, and torque maps on the fly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Real‑time tuning lets you change maximum torque, regen strength, torque curves, and driver modes, with the ability to save and switch presets.

Question 7

How can I extend and customize VCU+? Can I add custom logic?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The built‑in Lua plugin system lets you implement custom control algorithms, I/O behaviors, safety logic, and integrations without changing the firmware - designed for open-ended customization; write it as a plugin instead.

Question 8

Does the VCU+ provide diagnostics, fault codes, and data logging?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bolt provides built-in diagnostics, fault codes, and data logging, monitoring key parameters for troubleshooting and performance analysis. Errors are also published over CAN and defined in our DBC for external dashboards and loggers.

Question 9

Can I display VCU+ data on my own screen? Do you provide a DBC?

Accepted Answer

Yes. VCU+ broadcasts comprehensive CAN signals, and we publish a DBC (dynam-VCU+.dbc) that defines vehicle state, torque control, gear selection, inverter states/temperatures, BMS data, GPS, and error reporting for visualization on custom dashboards, HMIs, or loggers.

Question 10

What safety features are included?

Accepted Answer

Overcurrent protection, overtemperature shutdown, fault detection, contactor sequencing, watchdogs, CAN validation, and more to ensure safe operation.

Question 11

How does VCU+ handle cooling and thermal management?

Accepted Answer

It monitors temperatures and can control pumps/fans based on configurable thresholds to maintain safe operating conditions.

Question 12

Can I integrate my existing BMS with VCU+?

Accepted Answer

Yes. VCU+ interfaces over CAN with many BMSes to receive SoC, limits, and temperatures so torque strategies can respect battery constraints.

Question 13

Can VCU+ flash Tesla drive units?

Accepted Answer

Yes. VCU+ can flash Tesla drive units directly through the controller without extra hardware.

Question 14

How are firmware and software updates delivered?

Accepted Answer

Via the Bolt app with seamless one‑click updates for VCU+ firmware and the app.

Question 15

Which operating systems does Bolt support?

Accepted Answer

Bolt supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Question 16

Where can I buy VCU+?

Accepted Answer

VCU+ is available through our retail partner Current LA. Visit the Order section on this page or go to the Current LA store to purchase.

Question 17

Can I talk to sales or get a formal quote?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Reach out via our Contact page to connect with sales for quotes, invoices, and purchasing assistance.

Question 18

Can I become a reseller/partner?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Please contact us directly to start the partner onboarding process. We will follow up with details and create your account.

Question 19

How can I request a new feature or share feedback?

Accepted Answer

We’re always happy to hear ideas and feedback. Reach out via our Contact page and we’ll follow up. In many cases, you can implement ideas immediately using Lua plugins.

VCU+

Advanced Features

Drivetrain Control

Award-Winning Innovation

Advanced Torque Calibration

Powerful Processing

Comprehensive Connectivity

Internal Logging

Battery Management System (Beta)

Temperature Monitoring

GPS Integration

Firmware Updates

Extensible Plugins

Tesla Drive Unit Flashing

AWD Support

What's in the Box

520MHz

128GB

3x

2x

1x

Integrated

Included

10x

15x

2x

1x

4x

8x

2x

8x

12x

Supported Drive Units

Front Drive Unit

Large Drive Unit

Small Drive Unit

Model 3

ZE1 & AZE0

CM/PM Series

Documentation

Quick Start Guide

Plugin Reference Manual

Enhance Your Experience with the Bolt App

Purchase VCU+

Available Through Current LA

Available Through Westside EV

VCU+ FAQ

Stay in the loop