Tesla

A frequent question perspective buyers (and owners) likely have around electric vehicle ownership is what happens if your vehicle runs out of charge. Clearly it’s best not to allow your Tesla to run out of charge, but in the real world it can happen. Essentially, you’ll need to have the vehicle towed to somewhere it can be charged, preferably a Tesla Supercharger for fastest charging possible or to your intended destination (assuming you don’t need it charged faster at that location). Perhaps in the future we’ll have more vehicle to vehicle charging options. There are some mobile charging companies popping up, but they’re not as widespread with service and charging times can be much slower. For the first time in 6 years of electric vehicle ownership, I got down to a displayed 0% charge on a vehicle – our Tesla Model X. Read along as I detail how I misjudged the amount of energy I would need for a towing trip I made a handful of times previous. Big Factors that Affect Your Range This was a trip in which I was dealing with three of the biggest energy draining variables associated with electric vehicles: Towing a trailer Uphill driving through a mountain pass Colder temperatures in the low to mid 30’s (Fahrenheit) My destination was to a cabin we recently purchased in north Central Washington and was another trip I was hauling our 6×12 enclosed cargo trailer. In fact, this was a trip I had just made a week or two prior without issue. The Trip I stopped off at Monroe, WA and Supercharged to 81% before I took off. The Tesla estimated I would reach my destination with 47% charge. I knew this wasn’t the case since I was towing a trailer and going through the mountains. It was also colder temperatures. While the vehicle does adjust expected range when towing, I’ve come to expect a fluctuation up to 30% on previous trips to to our cabin with the enclosed cargo trailer. With an expected 47% at destination, I thought for sure I’d get to the cabin with at least 17% charge or more. When I First Had Concern Traveling east of Stevens Pass is mostly a downhill descent. I noticed my estimated range at arrival started to drop substantially. I kept an eye on things and the expected percentage upon arrival continued to drop. Range Anxiety Kicks In As I’m probably less than a mile from my turn, I notice the expected range now shows I’ll reach our cabin with only 2%. At this point I’m starting to worry and punch in the next nearest Supercharger which is in Leavenworth, WA. It shows I’ll reach the Supercharger with 4%, so I figured that will give me a better buffer than trying to reach the cabin. The Supercharger was approximately 15 miles away at this point. I decide to keep the Supercharger as my new destination and slowly watch the estimated range drop to 3%, a few miles later 2%. Panic Mode Sets – Warning Message I Can’t Reach my Destination As mentioned above, I have now seen the estimated percentage drop from 4% to 2% and I’m officially going into a panic mode. I’m now considering whether or not I should detach the trailer along the highway somewhere to Supercharge and come back for it. I decide to keep going, and see the estimated range now drop down to 1%. I’m now a few miles from downtown Leavenworth and my battery has now hit 1% and it is estimating I will get to the Supercharger with 0%. As I continue traveling, I’m nearing the downtown area, but I’m getting a warning I need to charge before I can reach my destination. I keep pushing onward as there aren’t many areas to pull over to see what happens. As I hit downtown, I’m still 1.5 miles from the supercharger and there’s imminent worry I won’t make it to the charger. Trying to find a 110v plug isn’t an option I wanted to consider, so I continued on. Reaching the Supercharger with 0% Luckily, I make it into the Dan’s Food Market parking lot where the Tesla Supercharger is located. No one else is charging, so I make a wide u-turn to pull in sideways to avoid having to disconnect the trailer, still wondering if the vehicle is going to simply power off. With relatively short cables at Superchargers, pulling in sideways doesn’t always give enough reach. I literally don’t know if I’ll need to pull up a few inches further (and whether or not I’ll have charge to be able to do so). The charging cable does reach, and I begin charging and can finally take a sigh of relief. Conclusion This is certainly not a situation I want to experience again. Ironically, I already planned on this being the last trip we made to the cabin towing a trailer until the Spring a week prior. This certainly affirmed it though. Despite seeing gradual drops in range as the weather began getting colder, this was by far the most energy used on the same trip with the same trailer. It may have even been the lightest load I was carrying this time. I’ve seen videos where other owners have shown a bit of additional range despite showing 0% which is the only reason I continued driving. See the warning message later appear that I needed to stop to charge in order to reach my destination was certainly worrisome. Word of advice, even though it takes longer to charge once you hit 80% (or even 70%), sometimes those extra minutes to get additional charge may be worth it. Especially in colder environments, uphill driving, and certainly when towing a trailer. If I didn’t make it to the Supercharger (those last several miles were nerve racking), it would have been time for a call to Tesla Roadside assistance or possibly other towing services.

Tesla has long been known as the best of the best in electric car design. Their cars are stylish and come equipped with every innovation Tesla can pack into them. However, how do Tesla’s electric vehicles stack up from a practical standpoint? Does the charging length and capacity of a Tesla speak to their stellar reputation? The length of time it takes to charge a Tesla depends on three factors: the charging system, the battery capacity, and the onboard charger. While knowing the time needed for a charge is essential for planning purposes, you cannot overcharge your Tesla due to the car’s monitoring features. It is typically recommended to charge your Tesla between 50-80% charge, depending on your daily driving needs. Charging to 100% frequently can prematurely degrade your battery. With three factors impacting charging time, it is quite the math problem to figure out how long it takes to charge your Tesla, and although you cannot overcharge your Tesla, you can reduce the battery life with certain charging practices. Do not get stressed yet! We have researched for you. Keep reading for everything you need to know about charging a Tesla! The Basics of Charging a Tesla Before we can start looking at the specifics of charging a Tesla, it will be helpful to cover exactly what happens when you charge an electric vehicle. When we fuel a gasoline-powered vehicle, we think of distance in miles per gallon. This many gallons will get me this far. Electric vehicle’s fuel capacity is in kilowatts per hour (kWh). The car stores so many kWh in its battery, which you use up as you drive. The distance you can go on 1 kWh depends on the car, your driving, and the terrain. When you charge an electric vehicle, the charger ability is measured in kilowatts of energy, but the battery storage within the car is in kilowatts per hour, so what is happening? Kilowatts is the speed of energy flow, while kilowatt-hours is the amount of energy stored. A charging unit has a kilowatt rating, which tells you how fast it can transfer kW to your Tesla, while the Tesla itself has a kilowatt per hour storage, which tells you how much energy your Tesla can hold. Thus charging time is determined by how fast the energy is flowing (kW) and how energy your Tesla can hold (kWh). Sounds simple enough, right? Higher kW means faster-charging speed, and higher kWh means more time needed to fill the battery and a longer-lasting charge. Now that we understand the basic principle let’s look at the specifics that change charge time. The Onboard Charger Most electrical outlets from which we get electricity use AC (alternating current). However, batteries, such as the one in your Tesla, use DC (direct current). This means that your Tesla must have a system to convert the AC into DC that can be stored in the battery. This system is called the onboard charger. The onboard charger has its own restrictions on how fast it can convert energy. Teslas come with either an 11.5 kW (48 amp) or a 7.7kW (32 amp) onboard charger. If you plug your Tesla into an AC outlet, then, no matter what the outlet’s power, it cannot charge at a faster rate than the onboard charger will allow, 11.5kW or 7.7kW depending on the Tesla. It can, however, charge at a slower rate. The amp ratings on the onboard charger represent the max the system can handle. The kW ratings given are based on charging your Tesla with a 240V AC outlet, which is the highest AC to which you would have access. The math behind this is quite simple. kW is the product of amps and voltage divided by 1000. If you plug your Tesla into a 240V outlet and your Tesla’s onboard charger has an amperage of 32, then your kW would be 240 x 32/1000, which equals 7.68kW, which Tesla has rounded to 7.7kW. To ensure your Tesla is reaching its kW rating, you will need to ensure that the onboard charger is pulling the maximum amount of amps it can. For a 48 amp onboard charger, Tesla thus recommends a 60 amp circuit breaker, and for a 32 amp onboard charger a 48 amp circuit breaker. Levels of EV Chargers The first, and also most important, thing to consider when figuring out how long you need to charge your Tesla is the charging system. The charging system determines your kilowatts, which is to say that it determines the speed at which energy is transferred to your Tesla. The more kilowatts a charging system uses, the faster your Tesla will charge. There are 3 levels of electric vehicle charging systems. These levels are divided by their voltage ratings. Level 1 Level 1 EV charging is charging your vehicle with a standard 120V outlet, which is what a basic electrical outlet around your house is. Level 1 EV charging (120V) is the slowest form of charging. It generally only provides 2 to 4 miles of driving for every hour of charge. A 120V outlet at your house is AC. Thus the onboard charger will come into play to convert this to DC. If your Tesla has the 11.5 kW 48 amp onboard charger, then plugging it into a 120V outlet only allows a charge of around 5.8 kW. At that rate filling, a 100 kWh battery will take at least 17 hours. Except there is a problem. 48 amps are how much your onboard charger can handle, but that does not necessarily mean that is what your outlet is giving. A 120V outlet probably only has 15 amps. Knowing that your Tesla’s charging rate decrease to 1.8kW. Filling a 100kWh battery will take around 55 hours. These numbers come from an ideal setting in which things such as temperature and efficiency do not also reduce charging time. In addition, Teslas charge more slowly as they reach capacity in order to protect the battery.

Tesla, the California-based company specializing in renewable energy and luxury electric vehicles, likes to set itself apart from the emerging competition. The Tesla models are leaders in the pack and are known for constantly-evolving technology. Competitors are starting to produce more electric vehicles, but Tesla continues to be in a different category. One of the main factors that set Teslas apart from the competition is the high-risk, high-reward thinking behind the industry. The company does not “play it safe” and opts for cutting-edge design, groundbreaking features, and constant evolution. If you’re looking to find out what makes Teslas different from other electric cars, read on to find out more about how the company works and the impact of its business model. With Higher Risks Come Higher Rewards Tesla is known for not playing it safe. The company makes many promises about the products on offer. While they’re not always ready when planned, they continue to push the envelope to reach the point they wish to reach. From the start, Tesla has been striving to go further than anyone else in the field. Breaking into the electric vehicle world came with many challenges for the company, mostly because this was and continues to be a developing industry. Tesla emerged in the field with its first electric vehicle offering, the 2008 version of the Roadster, and immediately broke the mold.  The Roadster was the first fully electric vehicle that was legal to drive on highways. It was also the first fully electric car with 200 miles of drive per charge, the first to use lithium-ion battery cells, and even the first car to be launched into space with one of Space X’s Falcon Heavy rockets in 2018. Tesla has been playing a high-stakes game ever since. The 2008 Roadster has been discontinued, but it’s been followed by models that keep making headlines. The Tesla Model S, released in 2012, was named the bestselling plug-in electric car across the world in 2015 and 2016. The Model X followed in 2015 and introduced the falcon-wing doors. The Tesla Model 3 broke another record by becoming the bestselling electric vehicle globally and has delivered more than half a million units to customers! The Model Y, the newest vehicle to be released, is following in its predecessor’s footsteps. Despite this continued success, Tesla continues to take risks in the name of innovation and sustainability. Constant Updates Bring Constant Improvements Tesla releases its electric vehicles as finished products, but they continue receiving upgrades long after they are delivered. Tesla releases over-the-air software updates regularly. This makes the luxury electric models long-term investments that never feel outdated.  With Tesla’s drive to reach new heights in terms of technology and features, the over-the-air updates contribute to its business model’s success. These updates are delivered directly to the electric vehicle through Wi-Fi and are available to be discovered in the software section of the touchscreen command center. The updates can introduce new features or enhance existing ones. They breathe new life into existing models without making users feel like they’re missing out by not immediately purchasing the newest model released on the market. The over-the-air updates are one of the most user-friendly parts of the Tesla models. Updates continue to improve upon existing Tesla electric vehicles while keeping interest alive for those in development. As the technology continues to evolve, it is distributed retroactively to existing models and can immediately deliver instant upgrades that only require the time necessary to download and install. The over-the-air updates can make it seem like you’ve purchased a new car without the extra investment and will make you feel kept in the loop throughout your experience as a Tesla owner. The updates are rolled out regularly, with bigger upgrades released around once per month and smaller ones delivered throughout the month at varying lengths. The usual time to download these updates is less than half an hour, making it easy to get your car upgraded before you have to start your day. These upgrades keep adding bonuses to your Tesla investment. Tesla’s Cutting-edge Design is a Huge Draw Tesla vehicles are known for their cutting-edge design. The models are usually: Sleek Minimalistic Packed full of features Tesla invests in some of the best car designers, like Franz von Holzhausen, who joined the company from General Motors during the early days and has since gone on to design some of the most influential vehicles in the world. The Tesla luxury electric vehicles are designed to be visually striking. The aesthetic impact is taken into consideration as one of the deciding factors behind the finished product. Tesla models make a statement when they appear on the road, not just through their performance but through their appearance.  Franz von Holzhausen designed the Tesla bestsellers and was the mind behind the Models Y, 3, X, and S. The upcoming offerings of the Tesla Semi, the Cybertruck, and the new version of the Roadster are also directly influenced by his vision. The initial version of the 2008 Roadster was based on a Lotus design, but they have all been originals since then. The falcon-wing doors of the Model X made waves when the vehicle was announced and continue to be one of the more striking design features encountered in an electric vehicle. With each model, the design remains one of the biggest selling points. Tesla is continuing to invest in designs that will keep them ahead of the curve. Groundbreaking Features Keep the User Entertained Tesla vehicles are known for their wide range of features that are both innovative and entertaining. These features are some of the most attractive parts of purchasing Tesla models, and the company continues to bring them across in new and improved ways.  Software and Hardware With each software update, Tesla sends Easter eggs over-the-air to the touchscreen command centers. Tesla users now expect these, and the thrill of discovering them is an event that keeps customers hooked throughout their experience.  Models S and

In the age of modern technology, it seems like everything is getting faster. Computers, trains, and even internet connections are zooming toward the future while trying to beat out their competition when it comes to speed. Contemporary car companies are no different, and therefore no stranger to this phenomenon. The need for speed is a common trend for both manufacturers and consumers, trying to keep up with the latest buying trends in hopes of beating former Guinness Book world records for a chance to be the fastest. Any car faster than a Tesla can be considered on the list of fastest cars in the world. When it comes to battery-powered competition, only the Hybrid Electric McLaren P1, Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid, Ferrari LaFerrari Hybrid, and McLaren Speedtail Hybrid can go faster than a Tesla. The Tesla Y, Tesla S, and upcoming Tesla Roadster are among the most powerful vehicles in production today. According to Elon Musk, CEO and Tesla and SpaceX founder, Tesla’s fast all-electric cars are filling the need of the two main types of electric vehicles: large transport trucks and fast passenger urban transport cars. While Teslas are certainly doing this today, there are still a few electric cars that do manage to surpass Tesla’s battery-powered top speeds.  Electric vs. Gas-Powered Vehicles When comparing the speed of cars, it is important to understand which cars are electric and which ones are still powered by gas engines using fuel. Battery-powered cars and gas cars are essentially in two different categories since they are made differently and have completely different internal operating systems. All-Electric Battery-Powered Vehicles With a battery-powered car, the need for fossil fuels is essentially eliminated. All-electric cars allow people to drive using solely electric energy, including the possibility of charging their cars from home or even using solar energy to make their cars operate. All-electric battery-powered cars tend to have very fast acceleration. The electric motor of these vehicles provide instant torque. Combustion engines cars on the other hand, have far less torque and it’s not immediate. Accessible Hybrid Cars Hybrid cars are some of the most easily accessible cars for everyday driving. They utilize similar batteries of an all-electric car while also relying on fuel powered engines like a regular combustion-based car. Hybrid cars can charge their own batteries while pressing on the brake pedal while still driving. The first-ever hybrid-electric vehicle available for purchase by the general public was the very popular Toyota Prius, however there are now hybrid hyper cars produced. Traditional Gas-Powered Vehicles Today, traditional gas-powered vehicles are still created in the vein of how they were first invented when Carl Benz patented his gas engine vehicle in 1886. These cars operate by igniting a small explosion or spark within the car’s engine, referred to as a combustion engine. This happens because the oil is mixed with air in a chamber that causes the oil to ignite, which in turn starts the car and keeps it running. Pressing on the gas pedal allows for more fuel to flow, allowing the car to go faster and gain speed. While all-electric cars have reached some incredible speeds in the past few years, most of the world’s fastest cars are still gas-only vehicles. The Fastest Electric and Hybrid Cars The 2013 Hybrid Electric McLaren P1 In 2013, the British car company McLaren Automotive released its gas-electric hybrid sports car. With a top speed of 217 miles per hour, it has made Forbes Magazine’s number 18 top fastest car of 2020. Technically an upgrade to the McLaren F1 automobile, the P1 is a plug-in capable hybrid electric car equipped with a state-of-the-art twin-turbocharged V8 engine.  While the Tesla Y can reach up to 150 miles per hour and the 2021 Tesla Model S can reach up to 163 miles per hour, the McLaren P1 is only able to beat two of the three major Tesla models. The upcoming Tesla Roadster is still projected to be faster than the McLaren P1, with a top speed of over 250 miles per hour. The 2013 Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid The 2013 Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid is the perfect car for anyone craving both luxury and speed. Coming in at a strong number 17 on the Forbes list, this plug-in hybrid is both battery-powered and reliant on its mid-size engine.  The 2013 Porsche 918 Spyder packs a punch with its 875 total horsepower. It can go zero to sixty in just 2.1 individual seconds and has a top speed of 218 miles power, just one mile per hour higher than the 2013 McLaren P1. Compared to a Tesla, the Porsche 918 Spyder can out-race both the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model S but won’t match up to the coming speed of the Tesla Roadster. The 2013 Ferrari LaFerrari Hybrid Made in Marinello, Italy, Ferrari is known as the car brand of Italian celebrities and movie stars. Ferrari is a brand all about good quality and flash, and the Ferrari LaFerrari delivers just that. This car was developed with a hybrid system called the Hy-Kers system, combining its classic V12 engine with electric capabilities. The Ferrari LaFerrari hybrid’s top speed is 220 miles per hour, allowing it to be considered much faster than both the Tesla S and Model 3 Tesla performance versions. However, it doesn’t stand a chance to the 2021 Tesla Roadster’s top speed of 250 miles per hour. The 2020 All-Electric Faraday FF91 With a top speed of 250 miles per hour, the 2020 all-electric Faraday FF91 catches the 2021 Tesla Roadster is an exact speed tie. While it is definitely faster than the 2020 Tesla Model 3’s 162 miles per hour performance top speed and the 2020 Tesla Model S’s 163 miles per hour top speed, a race between the Faraday FF91 and the Roadster would need to be called by the millisecond. Tesla has yet to produce the new Roadster, so there’s still a good chance they make further refinements. If the SpaceX package does

As the demand for environmentally-friendly vehicles grows, many car companies are introducing their own electric options. Tesla has become a household name with its prominence in the electric car industry. The Model 3 is a particularly popular choice for those looking for an affordable car with great performance.  Cars that compete with a Tesla Model 3 include the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Bolt, giving you fully electric and stylish hatchbacks, while the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia Niro EV offer SUV options. These affordable choices offer similar features and performance to that of a Tesla Model 3. In the rest of this article, we will see the best features of the Tesla Model 3 and where you can find them in the electric car market. We will also explore each of these recommended competitors’ profiles to help you decide which alternative electric vehicle is right for you.  What Is the Tesla Model 3? The Tesla Model 3 is one of the top choices for people shopping for an outstanding and affordable electric vehicle. It can go from zero to 60mph in 3.1 seconds, which is one of the fastest accelerations we will see in our reviews today. It has a stylish design that makes it an appealing car on both the inside and out.  The Model 3 has an impressive range, with an estimated 353 miles of driving possible on a fully charged battery. When it comes to supercharging on the go, you will be able to charge up 175 miles to your battery in about 15 minutes. This ability makes charging breaks short and sweet, getting you back on the road quickly. The Model 3 blends technology and safety features to give its driver the best in cutting-edge smart driving tools. These tools include cameras and sensors to enhance the perception of the car’s environment at key moments. These can alert you to movement in your blindspots and possible hazards to you and your vehicle.  There are three options available for the Model 3. The most basic model has a starting price of $37,990. From there, you can choose more advanced models with more extensive features. The price tag will increase with each model as well.  If you are looking for a comparable vehicle that isn’t made by Tesla, there are still many options in the electric vehicle market. Let’s take a look at our top four competitors to the Tesla Model 3.  Chevrolet Bolt EV Chevrolet’s electric hatchback is a great option if you are looking for a small car that still offers you space. This electric vehicle’s design allows for quick acceleration, a feature that was lacking in initial hybrid and electric options. It can go from zero to 60mph in 6.5 seconds.  The Bolt also features regenerative braking, a braking system that allows you to gradually slow down without ever touching the brake pedal. Instead, you use the gear shift. Activate the “L Mode” and simply lift your foot off the acceleration pedal. This will signal your car to slow down. This regenerative braking system helps prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the brake pads that would cause you to replace them sooner over time. It also charges the battery when you lift off the acceleration, allowing you to drive for longer.  For the Bolt, its estimated range is 259 miles when its battery is fully charged. For your home charging station, you will be able to charge this vehicle in nine hours. If you need to quickly charge along the highway, you can expect to charge 90 miles of driving in 30 minutes of charging.  Inside the vehicle, you have a touchscreen display with plenty of features to assist the driver. The starting price for this vehicle is $37,495. Of course, if you are looking for an advanced model with more features, the price tag will rise accordingly.  Nissan Leaf This recommendation from Nissan is another great option when it comes to a fully electric hatchback at an affordable price. The Leaf comes in five different builds that allow you to choose the electric vehicle perfect for your needs. You can choose an option with the right battery size and horsepower capacity for you and your driving preferences. For the most basic option, the Nissan Leaf starts at $31,670. This vehicle will go from zero to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. You can expect to fully charge your Leaf in 7 hours when charging it at your home station. With your fully charged battery, you will get an estimated range of 226 miles. Its sleek exterior makes this hatchback a very attractive option.  Hyundai Kona Electric This SUV model from Hyundai gives you the space and elevation you want from an SUV but as a fully electric vehicle. It features a front-wheel drive and can go from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, meaning you can accelerate quickly in this fully electric SUV. It also has regenerative braking. On a fully charged battery, you will be able to drive 258 miles before needing to recharge. Inside the vehicle, you will have a touchscreen (the size will depend on the model of Kona you choose) loaded with features. These features increase as you go up in the models and their corresponding price points.  There are currently three options for the Kona Electric, but the most basic starts at $37,390. If you are looking for more advanced features, you will need to choose one of the more expensive models.  Keep in mind that even though the Kona Electric is an SUV, it is still a more compact version of a sport utility vehicle. It might not be as spacious as the largest non-electric SUVs on the market, but it certainly offers more room than some of the other options in this list.  Kia Niro EV This crossover SUV from Kia is a great choice when it comes to a spacious electric option. It is available in two varieties: the EX or the EX Premium.

One of the unique features of Tesla cars is their regular software updates. Understandably, many of us are only used to software updates on our mobile devices, PCs, and smart TVs, so the process of updating the software on a car may seem a little confusing. However, it’s pretty straightforward if you have the correct information. To update the software on a Tesla, connect the car to a Wi-Fi network and tap on the yellow download icon on the dash touchscreen. Owners can choose to start the installation immediately, and the download icon will change to green to show the installation progress. Owners can also schedule updates. This guide offers tips on how to install a Tesla software update. Read on to learn how to troubleshoot problems during an update. Why Do Tesla Cars Require Software Updates? Your car is already great when it comes out of the factory, so you may be wondering why it needs to be updated. Well, Tesla wants your vehicle to get even better over time, so they regularly roll out updates to improve your car’s functionality and add new features to it.  These updates make Tesla stand out from traditional cars that have preset onboard computer systems. The major Tesla updates typically arrive once each month and make your vehicle safer to drive. These crucial updates also enhance your vehicle’s navigation, handling, and performance capabilities. Tesla’s software updates also improve your car’s entertainment and enhance specialized features like Tesla Autopilot. One of the major benefits of owning a Tesla is receiving consistent free system updates and upgrades that don’t require a service visit.  How To Check for Software Updates on a Tesla You can find information about your current software by tapping the Tesla “T” logo on the center of the dashboard touchscreen. A digital window will open to show your car’s software version and other details like the battery configuration, vehicle avatar, and VIN.  To check for an update on your Tesla, tap “Controls’ and navigate to “Software.” The touchscreen of your car will display “Checking For Updates” and search available updates. If there are no pending updates, you’ll see the message “Your Car Software Is Up to Date” on the touchscreen. If an update is available, you’ll see “Update Available” and a yellow download icon on the touchscreen. You can also tap on “Release Notes” on the window’s bottom right-hand side to access information on the latest software update.  The notification will give you an estimate on how long the update installation will take to complete, although download times vary depending on the Wi-Fi signal strength. In most cases, you don’t need to check for an update, as you’ll be notified via your touchscreen and the Tesla mobile app once one is available.  These update notifications automatically appear when your car is connected to Wi-Fi. If you’re connected to Wi-Fi and still can’t receive update notifications, visit the “Software” window to configure your car to receive updates when they are available. Accessing the Advanced Settings will allow you to turn on  the automatic update installation feature. How To Install Tesla Software Updates When you receive a software update notification on your Tesla, you can either install it immediately or at a later time. If you choose to install it immediately, here’s how to go about it: Connect Your Tesla to Wi-Fi Before you can download and install a software update, you need to connect it to Wi-Fi. You can connect it to any Wi-Fi source, whether it’s your home network or mobile phone internet.  To connect your car to a Wi-Fi network, tap on the Wi-Fi symbol or the LTE icon on the top right of your screen. A list of available networks will show up that you can connect to. Now, select your home network, enter the Wi-Fi password, and tap “Confirm.” Tap on the Yellow Download Icon To begin the update installation, you’ll need to tap that little yellow icon. Once the installation starts, the icon will change to green and remain that way until the update is complete. If the icon does not change color, something may be wrong with your Wi-Fi connection. Wait for the Update To Finish Downloading Installation typically takes about 30 minutes or lesser, depending on the strength and speed of the network. During this time, you will not be able to drive or recharge your car. This limitation is a safety measure by Tesla to avoid any conflicts or malfunction with the features you’re updating. Also, you can’t cancel an update once you’ve started it. You’ll have to wait for the installation to complete before you start your car. As a result, it’s best to schedule your update installation when you don’t have an important meeting or event to attend. Here’s a video to further guide you on how to set up a Wi-Fi connection on your Tesla: More Tips on Tesla Software Updates If something goes wrong during a software update and it gets interrupted, you can’t directly restart it. You’ll have to contact Tesla Customer Support to request that your update be restarted. If your car or touchscreen malfunctions or becomes unresponsive after an update, don’t panic. Some features may become unavailable during a software update. However, if you don’t get a “Software Update Complete” after about 30 minutes, it’s possible that the software update did not complete, and you’ll have to call Customer Support. If you received the notification that your software update is complete, but your touchscreen or care is still not responding, Tesla recommends taking one of the following steps to troubleshoot the problem. Do a Touchscreen Reboot This action is performed by pressing and holding the two scroll wheels located on either side of the steering wheel for about 5 seconds until the screen turns off. As the system reboots, you’ll start to see the Tesla “T” logo appear on the touchscreen. It can take several seconds for it to boot back up. Power Off the Vehicle

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