Voice Assistant Integration
This FAQ addresses common issues when using voice assistants like Google Home, Alexa, Apple Siri, and Home Assistant Assist to control Tesla vehicles and energy products through Teslemetry.
Why don't voice commands from Google Home execute Tesla actions?
Short Answer: Voice platforms enforce strict response timeouts, and Tesla commands often take longer to complete than these timeouts allow.
Understanding the Timeout Problem
Voice assistants are designed for quick, responsive interactions. They typically expect commands to complete within a few seconds. However, Tesla vehicle commands involve multiple steps:
- The command travels from your voice assistant to your smart home platform
- The platform sends the request to Teslemetry
- Teslemetry communicates with Tesla's servers
- Tesla wakes the vehicle (if asleep) and executes the command
- The response travels back through the chain
If your vehicle is asleep, the wake-up process alone can take 10-30 seconds.
Platform-Specific Timeouts
Platform | Timeout |
|---|---|
Homey | 10 seconds (strictly enforced) |
Google Home | ~5-10 seconds |
Alexa | ~8 seconds |
Apple HomeKit/Siri | ~10 seconds |
Home Assistant Assist | More flexible, configurable |
Workarounds
- Pre-wake your vehicle - Create automations that wake your vehicle before you typically use voice commands
- Use scripts with delayed confirmation - Execute the command and notify separately when complete
- Accept that commands may succeed silently - The command often completes even though the voice assistant reports a timeout
- Use Home Assistant Assist - Has more flexible timeout handling
How do I get Alexa to see my Powerwall battery status?
Short Answer: Alexa only recognizes toggle/switch entities by default. Sensors like battery level require additional configuration.
Alexa does not natively support sensor entities like battery levels, power readings, or energy statistics. This is an Alexa platform limitation.
Workarounds:
- Create Virtual Switches - Set up virtual switches in Home Assistant that represent battery thresholds (e.g., "Powerwall Low" when battery is below 20%)
- Use Alexa Media Player Integration - Configure Alexa to announce the Powerwall status through TTS
- Use Home Assistant Assist - Supports all entity types including sensors
Which voice assistant works best with Teslemetry?
Short Answer: Home Assistant Assist offers the best entity support, while Apple Siri via Homebridge provides good reliability for basic controls.
Feature | Google Home | Alexa | Siri (HomeKit) | HA Assist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Toggle/Switch Control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Sensor Queries | Limited | No | Limited | Yes |
Timeout Handling | Poor | Poor | Moderate | Good |
Local Processing | No | No | Partial | Yes |
Home Assistant Assist
Home Assistant's built-in Assist provides the most comprehensive voice control because:
- It processes commands locally (faster response)
- It supports all entity types (sensors, numbers, selects, etc.)
- Timeout handling is more flexible
- Full access to all Teslemetry entities
Related Documentation
Updated on: 01/02/2026
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