Electric Vehicles

Having a Tesla comes with different nuances than driving a gas-powered automobile. Charging and range are important to understand. One of the most important things you can do is keep up with your vehicle’s range. Ensure that it lives its most extended and most productive life while avoiding premature battery degradation. How can you maximize the range on your Tesla? Similar to improving miles per gallon in a gas powered vehicle, some of the same techniques can be used on electric vehicles. There are other factors, like battery degradation and weather conditions that can impact your range. Read on and learn what it takes to maximize your Tesla range. How You Drive Has an Impact on Your Driving Range One of the main things that isn’t covered in your range recharge number is how you are driving. You need to know that driving erratically and going faster than everyone on the interstate will significantly reduce range. To conserve battery power, it is best to drive conservatively and avoid flooring the accelerator. The best way to learn about your Tesla is to get out there and drive it. It will be a fun ride, but keep notes to determine how much power will be used on your commute and drives to your most visited places. Be sure to take in all variables and record them for your most accurate estimates. The Weather Will Affect Your Tesla’s Range If you live in a cold environment, be prepared for your Tesla to use more energy when the temperature begins to drop. The batteries and electrical system have a way of using excess heat to build more power, but a significant amount is also used to get the car to comfortable temps on the inside.  One of the most important things to remember when driving your Tesla in the elements is that you can always prepare for them. If the days are warm, you can expect to ride with the windows down and AC off. During the cold, be ready to wear your jacket and hat to provide the same heat as the car. Heated steering wheels and seats use far less energy than the vehicle’s climate control. If your Tesla is equipped with heating steering and seats, be sure to use them when it’s cold. The Electric System is a Drain on the Batteries The large touchscreen monitor on the dash is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to electronics on the car’s inside. There are other computer systems that will have an impact on your car’s range. You should learn which systems can be powered down to see if they can help give you just a bit more range. Driving Uphill Places Extreme Strain on the Tesla Battery Climbing a mountain or traversing a series of steep hills can cause substantial energy use. Going into the hills will drain the battery faster than you could imagine. Pulling extra weight is a major killer of range. If you have one of the models with a towing option, you can pull a small trailer, but the range is severely limited. You should know how far you need to travel and if there will be hills or sections of large uphill grades. The importance of understanding the hills can mean the difference between getting there and being stranded. Monitor Your Power Gauge to Extend Range Inside your Tesla, a gauge shows you how much energy you are expending/creating. You should try and make it so that the meter reads in the 0kW range. This means that the car is functioning off the energy that it is created while in transit. The braking system and other parts of the drivetrain create heat that helps power the batteries. One of the things to look for is hills that can be coasted and places that you can stay away from other cars. Being away from other vehicles on the roadway ensures that you don’t waste any energy that could be stolen by having to jump on the brakes or impede your coasting. Build a large area between you and other cars on the road to prevent energy losses. Paying extra attention to the power gauge is going to pay dividends. Keeping your car at a net-zero energy usage means that you will have to charge the vehicle less often. Less charging means that your power bill is drastically cut as well as time spent in one of the Tesla supercharging kiosks. Stay Away from Congested Traffic Areas Stopping and starting the car repeatedly will have a severe effect on how much energy is used. The strain of the car’s weight, hills or no hills, will keep the battery under constant stress if you are in a congested area. If you live in a large city, you can expect to spend more time recharging if caught up in the traffic. Learning to drive on side-streets and backroads will go a long way to keeping your range up. Getting to know how your Tesla operates in traffic will give you a better indication of what the stop and go traffic can do to your battery. Braking will increase the heat on the computer sensors and cut down on the energy the car can recoup. Sitting in traffic will have no ill effects on the range of your ride. Preparing for the eventual traffic jam or traffic problem will be critical to the range of your car. Know the traffic conditions before you set out to keep from spending too needless time on the roadway. Keep the Cargo to a Minimum in Your Tesla Another big thing that will crush your range is extra weight. Towing a trailer or having a cargo space full of items will cut miles off your range that could see you not make your destination. You should make sure that you don’t have an excess of items as too much weight will drain the battery like you would not believe. For some models,

As a Tesla owner, you have access to numerous features. Among these is Tesla Sentry Mode, an integrated surveillance system allowing you to use the vehicle’s Autopilot cameras to record potential incidents such as vandalism onto a USB device. This feature is incredibly useful, but how easy is it to set up? With Tesla software update 2020.16, Tesla has built-in the option to format drives. Now, you can simply follow these steps: Insert your USB storage device into one of the USB Drives Go to Controls > Safety > Security Scroll down to Format USB Device and tap on it Confirm by tapping on Format Before this software update, you would have to manually format a USB storage device on a computer. In case the built-in formatting fails, we’ve included the manual method for you as well. Read on for manual setup, recommended drives, and troubleshooting tips. Tesla USB Ports To use Tesla Sentry Mode, you will need to insert a USB device into your vehicle. Most Tesla vehicles have USB ports located in the central console. However, growing concerns regarding the theft of USB devices led Tesla to place an additional USB port in the glove box in later versions of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y in 2021 year models. Many Tesla vehicles have additional USB ports located in the rear of the vehicle. However, you should note you will not be able to use these USB ports for the Tesla Dashcam and Tesla Sentry Mode. Therefore, if you are looking to keep your USB device out of sight, your best bet is to use the USB port in the glovebox (if equipped). Which USB Devices Require Formatting for Tesla Sentry Mode? Any USB devices used to store data for Tesla Sentry Mode will need a file system format of FAT32 (Windows) or ext4 (Linux). Fortunately, getting a USB for your Tesla with the right format is not as difficult as it sounds. In fact, you might already have one. The majority of USB devices up to 32GB are already formatted with FAT32, which means you will not have to do anything before using it in your Tesla. However, many drivers prefer having larger USB devices with more storage, and larger devices are most often sold with the NTFS format. If formatting your USB still sounds like too much trouble, but you want the additional storage, there is still another option available to you. Pre-formatted USB devices can be purchased online in sizes upwards of 256GB. Choose a size that works for you, going larger or smaller depending on how much time you want to be able to store. Formatting a USB for Tesla Sentry Mode on a Windows Computer If you need to format your USB device and would rather do it on your computer, you can accomplish the task in just a few steps. Windows users should note they can only format devices up to 32GB, though third-party tools are available for formatting larger devices. One of these is a tool called Rufus. To format your USB device using Rufus: After starting the program, go to “Device” and choose your USB device. For “Boot Selection”, choose the “Non-Bootable” option. Choose the default “FAT32” under “File Selection.” Choose the default option with a label under “Cluster Size.” After this, all you will need to do is start the program. When everything has been successfully formatted, you can close it, and voila! You are reformatted. One final thing to remember is that you will need to create a folder on your device labeled “TeslaCam” before using it for your dashcam or Tesla Sentry Mode. Doing this allows it to interact properly with the Tesla vehicle and its software. Make sure to name this folder exactly as spelled here, TeslaCam with a capital T and C and no space. Formatting a USB for Tesla Sentry Mode on a Mac If you are a Mac user and need to format your USB device for your Tesla, you are in luck. The process is much simpler than when using a Windows PC. All you need to do is use the disk utility on your Mac to delete the device using the MS-DOS setting. After that, rename the device as needed and create your TeslaCam folder on the USB device. Once you have done that, you are finished! Now you are ready to get started setting up Tesla Sentry Mode in your vehicle. Which USB Device is Best? Many people only think of the USB device as a basic tool for storing their items. However, using high-quality tools can make a tremendous amount of difference. With the right USB device, you can ensure you always have access to your information, and it will not become corrupted. Typically, thumb drives or memory sticks are not the best options when choosing a USB device. This is because their technology is limited compared to other choices, as they may not be fast enough and are not designed for continuous rewriting. Not only that, but their storage sizes are nowhere near as large as the main alternative. They may not be able to handle the extreme temperatures of summer or winter, depending on where you live. The better option is to choose a SD memory card with a USB adapter. Note that video grade SD memory cards are designed for photo and video storage, making them a particularly great choice for storing dashcam and Tesla Sentry Mode footage. Not only that, but their sizes are much greater than a USB device. Setting Up Tesla Sentry Mode  You now have a properly formatted USB device, and you have inserted it into the appropriate USB port in your Tesla. Now comes the task of setting up Tesla Sentry Mode. It is important to note Tesla Sentry Mode is off by default, which means you will have to turn it on when you want to use it. Fortunately, the process is not too difficult. Everything to turn

Fellow drivers and online reviewers are raving about how great Tesla cars are. There’s been rumors of a “one million mile battery life.” But the truth about how long Tesla cars are supposed to last and how long they actually last isn’t quite as impressive… or, at least, not yet. The three deciding factors that most affect how long Tesla cars are supposed to last are everyday use, maintenance and upkeep, and battery charging practices. These factors have a quantifiable impact on the car and battery’s longevity.  Though Tesla treats its vehicles as separate entities from their batteries, as evidenced by their separate warranties, these three factors affect both. In turn, how an owner treats and upkeeps the vehicle has a direct impact on the battery, and vice versa.  Factors That Affect How Long Tesla Cars Last It may be surprising to learn that Tesla’s cars, despite being so technologically advanced, are fairly straightforward when it comes to the factors that affect their longevity and performance. Tesla has been touted as one of the leaders in the electric car industry.  They pride themselves on creating cutting edge vehicles that push the limits of modern technology and out-perform competitors. So far, their Models S, 3, X, and Y do appear to live up to these impressive claims. This is especially true in terms of longevity. Tesla cars have been reported to outlast comparable cars and SUVs from other brands. However, that doesn’t mean that they’ll last forever. Like every piece of equipment, they do have an expiration date. There are three primary deciding factors that influence how long Tesla cars will last: Designed and Realistic Longevity – This is essentially how long Tesla built their car to last versus how long it actually lasts when put through the rigors of everyday life. Maintenance and Upkeep – How you treat your car after purchase and whether you follow recommended servicing schedules makes a huge difference. Battery Charging Practices – As an electric car, the battery is perhaps the most important component. Knowing this, owners should use it as intended.  Taken together, the factors that most affect how long your Tesla car will last are how you treat it, how you maintain it, and how you charge it. Designed and Realistic Longevity Since individual factors can vary so widely when it comes to how a Tesla car is purchased, maintained, and treated, it can be difficult to estimate how long the car will last. Thankfully, it’s somewhat easier to calculate how long it should theoretically last. Based on manufacturer claims and provided warranties, it appears that a Tesla car lasts significantly longer than its average counterpart. For context, a typical car lasts 200,000 miles and an average of 12 years according to AARP. Based on the warranties offered, Tesla cars appear to hold up to this: Tesla Models S, 3, and X have a basic vehicle warranty of four years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first) and a battery and drive unit warranty of either eight years or 150,000 miles. Tesla Model Y has the same basic vehicle warranty of four years or 50,000 miles and a similar battery and drive unit warranty of either eight years or 120,000 miles. These warranties aren’t synonymous with the lifespan of the car, but do offer insight into how long manufacturers believe the car will last with no or minimal problems. So how do the cars hold up after use? Model S After 3 Years Tesla-only shuttle service Tesloop gave a detailed report on a 2015 Model S that hit its 400,000 mile mark in 2018. They project that it can drive another 600,000 miles within the next five years.  From 2015 – 2018, they’ve performed approximately $19,000 worth of general repairs and scheduled maintenance. That breaks down to roughly $0.05 per mile. This more than surpasses the average car’s mileage. However, the battery pack didn’t quite hold up to expectations after extended use and had to be replaced three times during this period.  The first replacement came at the 194,000 mark, the second at the 324,000 mark, and the third at the 400,000 mark. Upon inspection of the batteries, Tesla reported that the short lifespan was a result of frequent supercharging to high state-of-charges and that following recommended charging guidelines would significantly prolong the lifespan of the battery. As of 2019, an additional S model has also surpassed the 400,000 mile mark. Model 3 After 100k Miles Tesla CEO Elon Musk claims that the Model 3 can last up to 1 million miles and that the battery module should last between 300,000 – 500,000 miles. So far, no Model 3 has driven far enough to test this claim. However, there are several over users who were nearing the 100K range at the end of 2019 without issues, as reported by Twitter user @TeslaMiles. However, an owner released an in-depth review of a Model 3 that hit 150,000 in November of 2020. After reaching this milestone, he estimates that there is roughly 11.4% degradation on the battery. However, he also admitted that he supercharges the battery 99% of the time, which is not recommended by manufacturers. But as a result, he was able to give insight into the pricing of supercharging, which he estimated at roughly $9K for 150,000 miles or $0.06 per mile. Depending on weather conditions, traffic, and the driving mode, each battery charge supported anywhere from 200 – 300 miles. At no point did the Model 3 ever run out of charge, despite two close calls. However, both situations were remedied thanks to level 2 charges. According to the author, the majority of the maintenance required was ‘self-inflicted.’ Only replacing the tires (after failing to rotate them) and minor replacement issues were necessary. Interior and exterior wear and tear were listed as minimal.  Model X After 363,000 Miles Seven of Tesloop’s top ten ranking cars in terms of high mileage are Model Xs. Two of these have reached over 363,000 miles and

Tesla’s car offerings are all fantastic options, but choosing between specific models can be a difficult decision. Two of the most similar options are the Model S, the luxury model, and the Model 3, the more economically-priced option. There are some critical differences between the models that could be deciding factors for potential buyers. The Tesla Model 3 is significantly cheaper than the Model S. It has a less luxurious interior and is generally less tuned for performance than the Model S. Both cars are electric. The Model S is a luxury option, and the Model 3 is meant to bring electric vehicles to a more affordable price point. Between differences in price, range, power, and interiors, there is a correct choice for everyone. To get into the specifics and decide on each of these factors and more, keep reading. The Price of Each Model Is Vastly Different The price point differences between the Model 3 and the Model S are likely the largest decision factor for most potential buyers. While both cars are firmly in the upper tier of pricing compared to other sedans, the Model 3 is significantly more affordable. The basic Model 3 starts at $37,990 and the basic Model S starts at $84,990. That is a significant difference in price between the two, as the Model S is over $45,000 more. Even the highest-end version of the Model 3 is cheaper than the basic Model S.  There are some critical differences between the two cars that build-up to the difference in price, including range, power, luxury, and other additional offerings. These prices are also new, so purchasing a used Model S may actually end up being a better deal than a new Model 3 if a good deal is found. It is also worth noting that many states include some discounts when purchasing electric vehicles that could translate to saving a few thousand dollars. This will vary depending on when you are buying and where, but it is worth looking into. All of the prices listed here are from Tesla’s website before any additional savings are added. The Price of a Model 3 Is Hard to Beat for What It Offers A Tesla Model 3 offers a significant bundle of value for its price point and, for the majority of people, will make more sense than a Model S. It is available in three different packages: Standard Range Plus Long Range Performance Each of these three different trim packages follows the regular route of car trims and increases in price and features with each one. Despite the somewhat confusing name, the Standard Range Plus is the most basic trim available on a new Model 3. It is also the cheapest and costs $37,990. The Long Range trim increases the range of the Model 3 and increases its power and acceleration. It also updates the interior to a fully premium version and starts at $46,990. This is an excellent option for customers interested in a more extended range and slightly more premium feel without entirely breaking the bank. Finally, the Performance trim of the Model 3 costs $54,990 and is the closest in specs to a Model S. It includes a significant hike in available power, a slight loss in the range from the Long Range spec, and carries the premium interior over. Most reviewers recommend simply purchasing the base Model 3 for prospective buyers, as it is still a superb vehicle for a fraction of the cost. Alternatively, if you are interested in the increased power or range without jumping up to the Model S, the higher packages may be worth it. The Model S Is A Luxury Offering with A Price Tag to Match The Model S is much more expensive than the Model 3 but aims to provide the sports car and luxury features that make it worth the price. While affording one is difficult for most people, the car’s pricing is well in-line if compared to competitors. Like the Model 3, the Model S also comes in three different trim levels. These are: Long Range Plus Performance (no longer offered since the Plaid release) Plaid The bottom two trim levels are the most common and likely the best choices for prospective buyers, while the “Plaid” edition boasts some serious upgrades, including in the price. The Long Range Plus package is the basic Model S and features everything most people love about Teslas. An incredible range, quick acceleration, beautiful and futuristic interior, and many bells and whistles are standard for all the models. While this version does not accelerate incredibly quickly compared to Tesla’s other offerings, it still includes a respectable 0-60 time.  For those who want the luxury of a Model S without caring too much about the performance, the Long Range Plus package is an easy choice. It starts at $84,990. Outdated: The Model S’s Performance package introduces the rapid acceleration that many people understand from Tesla, getting from 0-60 is just 2.3 seconds. It loses some range to do so but maintains all the other fixings from the Long Range Plus Model and checks in at $91,990. Finally, the Plaid trim is distinct from everything else that Tesla currently offers. Massive increases in performance and the addition of a third motor raise the price of this Model to $139,990. This is a model exclusively made for enthusiasts.  Power and Luxury Are Distinct Factors for Choosing After getting over the initial differences in price, one of the first questions that many people have is how the cars differ in performance. While both offer impressive power and luxury that matches their price points, the Model S still offers the best of the best.  If the price is of little to no concern and you simply want to accelerate quickly and enjoy the ride, the Model S is an easy choice. This is primarily due to the differences in how the cars are meant to be used. The Model S is intended to

Teslas are known as some of the most impressive, next-generation vehicles worldwide. Elon Musk, the company’s CEO, is famous for his innovative approach to countless industries, so it’s no surprise he’s led Tesla toward self-parking vehicles. But can you park your EV in your garage or carport without a scratch? Your Tesla can park itself in your garage if you activate the Summon mode if you purchased the Full Self Driving package. This setting allows your vehicle to self-park within a preset list of parameters. You can determine how many feet of clearance the vehicle needs. Summon mode is available for Models S, 3, and X, but it’s quickly expanding. Throughout this article, you’ll also learn the following information about having your Tesla park itself in your garage: How to adjust the Summon mode in your Tesla Tips to make your Tesla park itself in your carport or garage What you should know before you get started Setting Up Tesla’s Summon Mode for Self-Parking Whether or not your Tesla can self-park in the garage (not all models can, though recent updates change frequently), it’s a wise idea to know the process when you finally get the update. Fortunately, Tesla has made it quite simple to activate the self-parking mode, also known as the ‘Summon’ mode (soon, this mode will drive the car to you from incredible distances). Here’s how you can set up the Summon mode in your Tesla so it can park itself in your garage or carport: Search for the Summon mode (not all Tesla models currently have access to this feature since it’s in beta). You’ll learn more about this process in a couple of steps, but you can go to the settings menu and look for driver’s assistance options to find the Summon mode on most Tesla vehicles. Ensure your Tesla is updated to at least software version 7.1 (it’s required to use the Summon mode). If you don’t have this update, Silicon Angle suggests you might not be able to self-park your Tesla with this mode. The good news is Tesla models X, S, and 3 can all get this update. Go through controls to settings, then tap driver’s assistance to autopilot. If your Tesla vehicle can self-park in the garage, you’ll find the Summon mode under the autopilot settings. Make sure you cycle through the menu, or you might miss it. This mode is currently in beta, though it’s expanding to more vehicles. Adjust the stop distance, connect your Tesla to HomeLink so it can open and close your garage, and choose how narrow the vehicle can park. These settings are unique to your parking space, so never use the default options. In fact, you have to activate this mode since it’s turned off when you buy the vehicle. Always park your Tesla lined up with the garage to prevent possible difficulties. If you don’t align the vehicle with the garage’s center, it won’t work. TechCrunch shows there are multiple ways to activate the self-parking process, but none of them will function properly if it’s off to the side. As you can see, it’s easy to set up your Tesla’s autopiloting features. The company has made it straightforward, so anyone can park their vehicle or summon it to them.  If you want to know how you can make your Tesla park itself in your garage with a simple five-step tutorial, proceed to the next section. How To Make Your Tesla Park Itself in Your Garage Are you tired of parking your vehicle in your garage? Whether you have problems hitting the back or want to enjoy new-age technology, Tesla has what you’re looking for. As long as you checked the previous section to ensure your vehicle is capable of running the Summon mode, you’re in the right place. Follow this step-by-step process: Choose your key fob or the smartphone app on your phone to start the self-parking process. Both methods work just as well, though you’re less limited if you use the key fob. It’s almost much more convenient since you already likely have your keys on hand after driving and parking in the driveway. Consider placing lines on the garage floor so you can align the vehicle beforehand. Although it’s unnecessary, this suggestion will let you line it up so that your vehicle doesn’t have to avoid the edges. The dimension settings will prevent it from adjusting the angle, too. Hold the middle button on the key fob (or the corresponding smartphone app button) until the hazard lights blink, then push the top button to pull forward or the trunk button to reverse into the garage. This step is the most important part of the process since it’s the actual ‘How-to’ of it. HomeLink connections will automatically open the garage; Otherwise, you’ll have to manually open it with a clicker inside or outside the garage. You can set up HomeLink with the online store to order the parts. But if you don’t have HomeLink, use a garage door clicker to open the garage before activating the Summon mode. Press the button on the center of the key fob to stop the self-parking procedure (it’s the same button you pressed to activate the hazard lights). If you’re worried it’ll hit the edges or it’s misaligned, you can stop it whenever you want to. As long as it’s aligned and you have the proper settings, you shouldn’t have to worry, though. Self-parking is cool and convenient. If you’re fortunate enough to have a Tesla, you should embrace all of its features. However, there are a few things you should know before you self-park the vehicle in your garage for the first time, so read on to review some quick notes. What To Know Beforehand There’s no doubt you’re ready to try self-parking your Tesla in the garage, but it’s better to know the whole story before you get started. New updates are always exciting, as is discovering settings you didn’t know existed.  Let’s break

With electric cars taking over the automotive landscape, it’s important to understand how electric cars actually work. Tesla and other EV (electric vehicles) operate purely on electrical motor-based input and utilizes electricity as their main source of power. Electric cars have zero emissions, and receive their fuel source by plugging into a wall outlet instead of pulling up to the gas station. To get a better idea of how exactly electric cars function, let’s take a look at some of the different parts and features that make up these vehicles. Understanding the Components of an Electric Car In order to understand how electric cars work, we must first understand the components that make up these vehicles. Similar to your normal combustion engine, electric cars have their own energy conversion system. Instead of converting gasoline, they instead convert electricity into the power that moves them. The Most Important Piece: The Traction Battery Pack The single most important piece of an Electric car like Tesla’s, is what’s known as the traction battery pack. This battery is single handedly responsible for storing the electricity responsible for moving the vehicle. This should not be confused with the auxiliary battery, which we’ll cover shortly. The Power Electronics Controller Does an Essential Job The power electronics controller is responsible for the proper delivery of stored electricity to the electric traction motor. Thanks to this device, you’re able to control the total delivered power and, in turn, the total torque output. It’s easiest to remember it as the device that best represents a throttle on your standard combustion engine vehicle. Electric Traction Motor is Essential for Movement With the help of the power electronics controller, the electric traction motor is what actually moves the electric car. The power electronics controller converts the electricity into usable electricity from the traction battery pack, which the electric traction motor then uses to propel the vehicle forward or backward. The electric traction motor is essentially the electric variant of the gas motor. They are similar in their job, however, the energy utilized is what is different. The Charging Port is Used to Power Up Similar to a combustion engine car, electric cars require a place to refuel, or charge in this case. This is where the charging port comes into play. Typically located in a similar location as the fuel neck on a gas car, the charging port is simply the place on your electric car that allows it to be plugged in to charge. Onboard Charging Device Converts from AC to DC Whether at home or a charging station, the power supplied to charge your electric vehicle is most often supplied in its AC variant. Since electric vehicles utilize DC power, a conversion must take place in order for the vehicle to utilize it in its charging system. The onboard charging device takes care of this conversion, and also allows you to monitor the overall health of your batteries and charging system. Cooling System or Thermal System Much like your standard gasoline powered car, electric cars create heat as a bi-product with extended use. In order to better manage this heat, electric cars are equipped with cooling systems to better regulate the temperature of the onboard computers and electronics within the vehicle. When comparing it to a traditional automotive system, think of your radiator and surrounding pieces that influence it. The goal of this cooling system is to reduce the total heat being put off by the power source by introducing something that cools it down. Auxiliary Battery for Accessories or Electronics The auxiliary battery should not be confused with the traction battery pack, as it serves a different purpose entirely. The auxiliary battery is responsible for storing and supplying the electricity to the many other electrical needs of the vehicle. These are usually things like lights and other convenience features. Auxiliary batteries have long served their purpose in automotive application, most often used to power features available in the vehicle. Instead of an alternator powering it through driving, electric cars use a DC converter that delivers power from the traction battery pack.  DC Converter Transforms High Current to Low Current While the auxiliary battery and the traction battery pack both require electricity to operate, they utilize different forms of DC power. The DC converter is responsible for converting the high-voltage DC power utilized by the traction battery pack into the lower-voltage DC power needed by the auxiliary battery to power your electronics. The process done by the DC converter is much less invasive than the AC to DC conversion done at the onboard charging device. While some electricity is lost at this conversion, it’s minimal loss overall. Rather than changing formats, it’s actually just decreasing the level of voltage. Electrical Transmission Does a Lot of the Heavy Lifting The electrical transmission is responsible for getting the vehicle moving. It takes the mechanical power output by the electric traction motor and uses it to physically drive the wheels. Without the electrical transmission, the vehicle would be unable to use the electricity stored to move the vehicle. The electrical transmission is similar in concept to a standard gas car transmission in function only. It takes the power created by the motor, and transforms it into energy that can be used to turn the wheels and get the car moving. Visualizing How All of the Parts Come Together Now that you understand the parts that make up an electric vehicle, you may still be wondering how it all actually comes together to drive. Let’s use the information provided about the parts to better visualize how they all do their own heavy lifting to create the electric car driving experience Tesla and other brands are known for. First, You Need to get Charged Up So, the first step in getting an electrical vehicle going is supplying it with the electricity it needs. Tesla has their patented Super Chargers scattered through the US and assuming you have the correct hardware installed, you can

Tesla continues to distinguish itself from other car manufacturers by implementing innovative and sleek features in its electric cars. One of those features is the Autopilot functionality, a semi-autonomous technology that aims to enhance your driving experience and reduce driving fatigue. But just like most systems, it’s not perfect and takes some getting used to. To use Autopilot on a Tesla Model 3 or Tesla Model Y, pull down on the gear selector stalk twice quickly. Your screen will display a grey steering wheel to let you know that the feature is ready to engage and turn blue when engaged. To disengage it, press on the brake or push the gear selector stalk forward. This article will tell you everything you need to know about the Tesla Autopilot and how to use it on a Model 3/Y. What Is Tesla Autopilot? Tesla’s renowned Autopilot is a cutting-edge driver assistance system that offers better road safety and convenience. The autopilot functionality has several features that make driving less of a burden, and Tesla keeps rolling out new features that make the system even more impressive.  However, the capability doesn’t make your car autonomous. You still need to pay full attention to the road and keep your hands on the steering wheel every time.  The system is ranked by the US National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) as a level 2 autonomous system, meaning that the car is capable of automated functions like steering and accelerating/decelerating. Still, the driver must remain in control of the vehicle and be prepared to take over at any given moment.  When activated, Autopilot can steer, detect nearby obstacles, accelerate, change lanes, adjust speed, and brake. The feature is available in two packages for Tesla owners: Autopilot or Full self-driving capability. At the time of this article, Full Self-Driving has been rolled out to some customers in a beta release. How Does the Autopilot Feature Work? Tesla Autopilot is made possible by combining eight 360-degree external cameras, a forward-facing radar, 12 ultrasonic sensors, vision processing hardware, a powerful onboard computer, a high-precision digitally-controlled electric assist braking system, and a host of other hardware and software.  The sensors are placed all around the car to help it understand the environment and detect various types of objects, including nearby vehicles. They can sense anything within 16 feet around the car.  The cameras are capable of providing visibility up to a range of 250 meters. They are like the system’s eyes and are important for changing lanes, merging into traffic, parking, and detecting objects at close range. They can capture pedestrians, traffic lights, lane markings, road signs, and any objects around the car.  Because the sensors can be less effective when things like debris cover them, Tesla uses a forward-facing radar that provides additional data about the environment and can sense through fog, dust, heavy rain, and even approaching vehicles.  How To Activate and Use Autopilot on a Tesla Model 3/Y Tesla Model 3 and Model Y comes standard with the Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) hardware. However, the car manufacturer advises you to read the Owner’s Manual for complete instructions and safety information. Many Autopilot features like Summon, Autosteer, and Navigate on Autopilot are turned off by default. You can enable them by going to the Autopilot Controls menu. Here are some of the main Autopilot features and how you can activate them: Traffic-Aware Cruise Control This feature monitors the traffic around you and adjusts your speed accordingly. When it’s activated, the car maintains a speed limit and a safe distance between you and the vehicles ahead. If one of those vehicles changes lanes to block your path, cruise control will continuously monitor its position and react appropriately. How to use: To activate the Cruise Control feature on Tesla Model 3, find the gear selector stalk on the right of the steering column and pull it down once.  Autosteer As the name suggests, Autosteer helps with steering. It uses the cameras and sensors around the car to keep you in the marked lane, and in combination with Cruise Control, it maintains your speed. For the Autosteer feature to work well, the road must be clearly marked, and the car should be traveling above 20mph (32.19kph). When the function is engaged, you must keep your hands on the wheel. The system gives you multiple visual and audible alerts telling you to grab the wheel. If you keep ignoring the warnings, the vehicle will slow down and lock you out of Autopilot for the rest of the journey. How to use: To engage the Autosteer feature on Tesla Model 3/Y, pull down on the gear selector stalk twice in quick succession. A grey steering icon will appear on your screen to let you know that the system is ready to engage. The steering wheel icon will turn blue to indicate that Autosteer is engaged. To disengage the Autosteer, you can either press the brake, push the gear selector stalk forward, or push the button on the end of the stalk. Navigate on Autopilot Navigate on Autopilot adds to the expansive list of Tesla Autopilot features. It improves your driving experience by guiding your car when taking on- and off-ramps on the highway. It gives you lane change suggestions, automatically navigates highway interchanges, makes lane changes, and takes exits based on your destination. How to use: Before you can engage this feature, you must first enable Autosteer. To do that, go to Controls > Autopilot > Autosteer – and then turn on Navigate on Autopilot. On a Tesla Model 3, pulling the cruise control stalk twice downwards will engage the Navigate on Autopilot feature. Auto Lane Change This feature helps the driver switch to an adjacent lane. It works when you engage the Autosteer function and switch on the turn signal. Your car will automatically change lanes when it is safe.  How to use: You need to engage the Autosteer function before you can activate Auto Lane Change. When activated, you

Tesla Motors ranks fourth on the 2021 Forbes list of the most innovative companies worldwide. Tesla EVs are well-known for their advanced technology. But what else distinguishes them from other cars? A Tesla is different from other cars in design, performance, propulsion systems, and fuel storage. Other distinctions include the instrument panel and blind-spot assist tech. Generally, Teslas are more energy-efficient, more responsive, quicker than regular cars, quiet on the road, and more stable. The rest of this article will describe in detail the features that set Teslas apart from other cars. Read on for insights into the aspects that make it worthwhile to own a Tesla. Design The exterior design of a Tesla isn’t much different from that of a regular car. However, you’d need to examine the underneath part of a Tesla’s sleek skin to spot what distinguishes it from other cars. Teslas are developed around an electric powertrain and battery. The battery back isn’t packed into the spaces occupied by a typical internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle’s trunk, engine bay, or rare seats. Instead, you’ll find the batteries under the passenger compartment. Have you ever noticed that these EVs have an unusually thicker underside than ICE cars? This is to create the space for the battery pack, leaving the space where you’d find the engine in a regular car empty. Another distinction is that, unlike other cars, a Tesla EV doesn’t come with a driveshaft tunnel or transmission hump. Heads-Up Displays Heads-up displays (HUDs) have been a standard feature in regular cars for a long time. The reason is simple: they beam critical information onto vehicles’ windscreens, enabling drivers to monitor their speed, direction, and other vital details while keeping their eyes on the road. However, you’ll never spot a HUD on a Tesla. That’s because the company’s CEO, Elon Musk, considers them annoying and irrelevant as cars advance to autonomous driving. Some customers support this opinion. Most notably, they argue that HUDs are susceptible to getting washed out and can cause distractions. Overheat Protection and Dog Mode Tesla’s offer an overheat protection feature that prevents the interior from getting too hot and a pre-cool feature for comfortable rides.  You can cool down or warm up your EV’s seats remotely using a smartphone app. However, it comes with a downside: if you forget to do that, chances are you’ll be sitting in an uncomfortable, hot seat while driving during the dead of summer. With a Tesla, you can also enable Dog Mode. This keeps your HVAC system running if you need to leave your 4-legged friend unattended in your vehicle for a while. It also displays a message on the touchscreen in case concerned passerby’s see a dog in a vehicle in hot weather. Fuel Storage You’ll never come across a fuel tank in a Tesla vehicle. As I mentioned earlier, these EVs feature a large battery pack for energy storage. The pack also contains electronic controls and a cooling system.  These are packaged in a flat box between the EVs frame rails and under the floor pan. They’re protected by a titanium shield, giving these vehicles a remarkably lower center of gravity than regular cars. The pack weighs 1,200 pounds, helping these vehicles to stick on the road when cornering. Instrument Panel Another distinctive area between a Tesla and a regular car is the instrument panel. A regular automobile comes with lots of switches, buttons, knobs, and joysticks. Contrarily, a Tesla EV instrument panel features a massive, center-mounted, 17-in. (43.18-cm) display screen for clear, easy-to-use touch controls. The only buttons you’ll find on a Tesla’s dash are the glove box release and hazard lights buttons. Tesla’s unique instrument panel comes in handy, especially when driving at night. You won’t have the glare that comes with regular panels, allowing you to concentrate on the road. A Tesla projects speedometer and other systems’ information onto the screen, unlike conventional cars that feature analog and digital dials. Propulsion System Regular cars feature ICEs and multi-speed transmissions. Because of that, they come with hundreds of moving parts that require regular maintenance. On the other hand, Tesla EVs use electric motors with only two moving parts and gearless single-speed transmissions. Unlike other cars with about 200 moving parts in their drivetrains, a Tesla EV’s drivetrain has only 17. Because of that, a Tesla car is virtually maintenance-free. Since it’s controlled electronically, you can repair its systems through software adjustments. Faster Updates The rapid speed of updating a Tesla is another remarkable distinction from other cars. These EVs feature wireless, 4G connectivity, and touchscreen control panels that send real-time data to the manufacturer. The company also releases fixes that can be downloaded overnight. However, if you drive a regular car, you may have to wait for weeks, months, or even years before the manufacturer avails updates. In some cases, updating your car may require a physical visit, increasing the time it takes to update your car. Blind-Spot Assist Tesla pushes the envelope when it comes to the development of blind-spot assist tech. While regular cars come with orange lights that light up on side-view mirrors when a vehicle is in your blind spot, Tesla cars feature ultrasonic sensors and cameras that show the vehicles in your blind spot on the touch screen. Tesla cars also come with extra features, such as the option to activate audible chimes that sound when another motorist is in your blind spot. This video demonstrates how this technology works: Performance Tesla cars are designed for performance. Here are some aspects that back this statement up: They are quicker than most regular cars on the road. They come with regenerative braking. It allows the car to slow down without braking, thanks to the one-pedal driving feature. You don’t have to spend a lot of energy pressing the brake pedal. They’re cost-effective. For example, a Tesla S 85D consumes up to 34kWh for every 100 miles (an equivalent of 100 MPG). With an average electricity cost of $0.12/kWh,

The wave of futuristic cars has begun with the creation of the Tesla self-driving car. They are true pieces of technological wonder and show just how far humanity has come to achieving the futuristic world spoken of in science fiction. So, exactly do Tesla cars drive themselves?  Tesla cars drive themselves through a complicated system of artificial intelligence, software, and a network of cameras that allow them to see and understand what is around them. They cannot fully drive themselves currently, but they are on the brink of reaching that potential. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about how Tesla cars drive themselves, the artificial intelligence that keeps them operating, and how the technology will soon be perfected. Tesla Cars’ Autopilot Mode Tesla cars come equipped with an autopilot feature. This feature allows Teslas to drive themselves under certain conditions. This is the feature most people think of when they imagine Tesla’s self-driving abilities. While it is capable of quite a bit, some limitations still exist. The Tesla car and its autopilot have some wonderful capabilities. The autopilot comes equipped with all the necessary hardware and software for future updates that will allow Tesla cars to fully drive themselves when that technology is finally made available to Tesla owners.  Autopilot essentially allows your car to drive you to any place that you so desire, but it only has the ability to drive itself in its current lane. If you need to switch lanes or something similar, you will need to do that yourself. This, however, is not a major limitation and will only affect you ever so often, rather than affecting you all the time. Tesla’s autopilot allows the vehicle to steer, accelerate, and brake automatically in its current lane. This can vastly decrease the need for you to focus on the annoying aspects of driving. Even though the Tesla can not drive itself by switching lanes or making turns, it can take control of those drives that require a single-lane route.  Teslas Can Drive, But Not Autonomously  While Teslas have a lot of impressive capabilities, they are not quite able to autonomously drive themselves without driver intervention. There are still a fair amount of limitations, but the company is constantly working on improving these limitations to make the cars fully self-driving and autonomous. Some of Teslas’ current self-driving limitations include: Requiring the attention of human drivers when they are in self-drive mode Requiring the human driver to touch the wheel periodically Requiring the human driver to take control in the event of something unexpected Tesla cars still require the attention of a human driver when they are in self-drive mode. This is because Tesla cars are not yet fully autonomous and need a human driver to ensure that the car’s passengers stay safe if something unexpected happens. A Tesla car is not yet able to make adequate split-second decisions. The human driver must let the car know that they are still there by touching the wheel periodically. It does not have to be a heavy touch or turn of the wheel, but drivers must touch the wheel every once in a while, or the car will drop out of self-driving mode.  Tesla’s Autopilot Mode Versus Fully Self-Driving Cars Tesla offers its customers two different self-driving packages. The two packages include different levels of self-driving capabilities. Drivers can decide how much control their cars have.  Regardless of if you get a Tesla with the basic autopilot mode or the full current self-driving functionality, you still have to remain with the vehicle with your hands on the wheel. This helps keep you and your passengers safe since the self-driving technology has not reached full autonomy yet. Always use your common sense and follow the traffic laws that exist when your Tesla is on autopilot or in self-driving mode. Having a car that can drive itself does not excuse you from remaining attentive and observant of what is currently happening around you. Remember, the car is not fully autonomous, and you should not treat it as such.  Tesla’s Camera System Tesla cars all come equipped with a large assortment of cameras that are used when the car is driving itself, with either autopilot or full self-driving. These cameras form a large portion of the Tesla car’s self-driving capabilities. Tesla cars use these cameras to observe what is happening around them at all times.  If you have a Tesla, your car is equipped with more than eight cameras that face in all directions and continually feed data and information to your car’s system. This system is equipped with some of the most powerful processors that exist. They are 40 times more powerful than Tesla’s previous processors, which is already a huge step towards getting Teslas to fully autonomous status. Alongside these cameras is a system of ultrasonic sensors and radar that ensure the Tesla has no blind spots anywhere as it is driving. Without these cameras, sensors, and radar, even the most basic of the Tesla autopilot features would not be able to work.  Front Forward-Facing Cameras The first system of cameras that Tesla cars employ are the front forward-facing cameras. These cameras have different sight levels and are angled differently, giving them complete and total coverage of everything in front of your car. They are located behind your windshield. A wide-vision camera with a 120-degree lens capable of capturing traffic lights, and obstacles ahead Main camera with a range of 150 meters ahead for general purpose Narrow front camera with a range of 250 meters to watch what is approaching from the front The wide-vision camera is most useful when driving in urban settings. The main camera is great for scoping out obstacles in the distance. The narrow front camera is useful in high-speed situations, like on a highway, when obstacles may approach at high speeds from a distance.  Frontward-Facing Side Cameras  The next system of cameras that exist on the Tesla is the frontward-facing side cameras. These