Electric Vehicles

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

If you are interested in buying a Tesla car you may be wondering how the heater works, among other things. Many people are unsure of how the heater would work since Tesla is known for energy efficiency, and typically car heaters are not always that efficient. Heaters in Tesla cars work by using a resistance heater to warm up the car. As the Tesla vehicle is heating up, the resistance heater will use 400 volts of energy to increase a decline in currents. This allows for the inside of the car to be cozy while being much more efficient than most cars.  You probably would still like to have an in-depth explanation of how the car heaters work for Tesla. Throughout the rest of this article, the process of heating a Tesla car will be explained along with other questions you may be pondering as well.  How Are Tesla Cars Heated? Tesla vehicles use a method of heating that many cars do not have the luxury of using. Because Tesla is electric, there is not as much energy being wasted while heat is trying to circulate throughout the car.  There are several steps that go into heating up a Tesla. Keep reading to find out what happens. Tesla has a heater that uses energy instead of antifreeze that is normally used. They use a resistance heater, which reduces the currents typically happening that warm a car up. Since there are 400 extra volts available, Tesla uses them to reduce the amount of energy that regular cars take to produce heat. Do All Teslas Use a Resistance Heater? All Teslas do not use a resistance heater. Since the Model Y Tesla has made its first appearance, the concept of a heat pump has been brought to the attention of all Tesla car owners. The pump has been around for much longer, though. Even though Tesla by themselves are more energy-efficient than most vehicles, whenever the heat is on, the resistance heaters decrease the amount of distance a Tesla can drive. Heat pumps change the game by saving you the extra miles that are lost when a resistance pump is doing its job.  Does it Really Matter Which Heater I Have in My Tesla? The answer to this question really depends on what matters to you. However, most people would agree that a pump heater is better than having a resistance heater. Here are some of the reasons why people believe this. Resistance heaters take away the electricity that can be used to drive the car and heat the interior instead. Heat is made by recycling the colder out from the outside of the car. Heater pumps are being improved upon People are more likely to invest in an electric vehicle that has a heat pump, especially those who live in colder climates. Many have been cautious about switching to a more energy-efficient car because of many reasons, one being that they are unsure of how efficient the car actually is. Having a heat pump helps eliminate those suspicions and demonstrates a positive environmental impact. Some Helpful Tips For The Cold If you are not able to have a pump heater in your Tesla, that is not necessarily a horrible thing. You may, however, want to know of some tips that will be of great benefit to you when the weather gets chilly.  Let The Charging Finish Right Before You Go Basically, the battery needs to be heated up before it can charge at the perfect rate. When the battery is warm, that means your car will become warmer quicker. You can do this by scheduling your charging time through the Tesla app on your phone. Whenever you tell the app to charge your car, it will complete all but a small percentage so that it will be completed right as you are preparing to go. Be Cautious of Where You Leave Your Car Your Tesla will keep heat in your car even if it is turned off, as long as you are smart about where you park it. Here is a list of some places that are recommended to leave your Tesla: Garages Areas shielded from the weather A dry, confined space Ensure Your Battery is Warm Enough Like previously mentioned, the battery needs to be warmed up before the car can go anywhere. It is crucial that this process happens so all energy is released. If the battery is too cold, you will probably see a snowflake icon on your screen that is blue. Whenever the battery is hot enough, the snowflake will go away and your available energy will be used.  Be Prepared to Brake Normally Any person who has been driving a Tesla for a while now is accustomed to the regen braking that is so loved. While it is nice, be sure to remember that it is not always effective in frosty weather.  In fact, regen braking may not be able to work at all until you have been driving for a bit and the car is warmer. Be prepared to switch to the braking you learned when you were practicing for your driver’s license at sixteen.  Be Energy Savvy While Driving Just like you need to consider conserving energy while at home, the same needs to be done on the road. When you are driving, here are a few things you can do to help preserve your Tesla energy. Do not accelerate often Keep the inside of your car cooler Stay at a consistent speed  These ideas are helpful during any time of the year, but they are especially important during the winter season. Be Sure To Defrost Give your car ample time to warm up before anything happens. Just like the car battery needs to be heated, your windshield needs to be clear before you can travel anywhere.  On both our Model X and Nissan LEAF, we’ve noticed it can take the vehicle longer to defrost a windshield when it becomes fogged than your

Tesla’s electric cars are well-known for their reliance on technology. From their minimalistic touchscreen center consoles to their advanced safety and security features, Tesla vehicles are game-changers in the EV industry. For a first time electric vehicle owner, a Tesla charger may be foreign for new drivers and prospective buyers.  To remove a Tesla charger, first ensure the charge port is unlocked. Simply having your key card or fob with you also work. You can unlock the charge port via the Quick Controls on the touchscreen. Press and hold the charge connector button, and wait for the LED to turn white before removing the charger. You can also unplug the charger manually through the release cable located in the trunk, though this should be a last resort. If you’re concerned about charging your Tesla or how to remove a charger from the car, then you couldn’t be in a better place. Read on as we break down several ways to remove your charger, even when it gets stuck. Unlock the Charge Port You can only remove the connector if your chargerport is unlocked because the connector is designed to lock when the car is plugged in and charging. This prevents a random person from walking up to your Tesla and unplugging it. Press the Charge Connector Button Once your car is unlocked (or with your key fob or key card nearby), the next step is to press and hold the button on the connector for two to three seconds. The LED on the charge port should turn white to indicate that the connector is safe for unplugging.   The charge port can also be unlocked through the touchscreen in the quick controls menu: Manually Release a Tesla Charge Cable Tesla’s have a manual release cable. Be sure to follow the instructions in the owner manual for your specific model as these steps and precautions may be updated. The release cable is located in the rear trunk area on the driver side. These are the current steps listed in the Model X Owner’s Manual. If the usual methods for releasing a charge cable fromthe charge port (using the charge handle release button,touchscreen, or mobile app) do not work, carefullyfollow these steps: Ensure that Model X is not actively charging bydisplaying the charging screen on the touchscreen. Ifnecessary, touch Stop Charging. Open the rear trunk. Pull the charge port’s release cable downwards tounlatch the charge cable. Pull the charge cable from the charge port. CAUTION: Use the release cable only in situations where you can not release the charge cable using the usual methods. Continuous use can damage the release cable or charging equipment. When To Be Cautious  Please note that Tesla strongly advises against using manual cable release techniques frequently. The EV manufacturer insists that the release cable or levers are for situations where the normal charger release methods don’t work.   Another precaution given by Tesla is to refrain from manually releasing the charger cable when the car is charging. Removing the cable when the vehicle is charging can lead to electric shock and serious car damage.   Tesla further adds that you should never pull the release cable and the charger cable simultaneously. The right way to do things is to pull the release cable before you attempt to remove the charger cable from your car. Doing both activities at the same time increases the chances of electric shock and car damage. If the vehicle is still charging, stop charging via the touchscreen. What if My Charge Connector Is Stuck and the Charge Port Color Is Yellow? Your charger connector is likely to get stuck when incorrectly positioned in the charge port. In such situations, the charge port color will be yellow, an indication of incorrect connector positioning. Pressing the button on the connector will only make the situation harder and more confusing for you.  Instead, push the connector carefully such that it fits firmly in the charge port. Observe if the charge port LED switches to flashing or solid green. If the LED is green, the car is fully plugged in. You can then press the connector button and safely remove it from the charge port. Understanding Tesla’s LED Lights Going through your owner’s manual is integral to safe and efficient Tesla charging. You should understand what the LED lights mean and how to navigate past the various colors. Below is a brief explanation of what some LED lights mean when charging a Tesla Model 3. White: A white color means the charge port door is open and your car is ready to charge, but the connector is yet to be inserted. White also signifies that the port latch is unlocked, and it is safe to remove the connector. Blue: A blue light indicates that the connector has been plugged incorrectly. A blue blink is a sign that the car is in communication with the connector and is preparing to charge. It could also indicate that the car is scheduled to start charging at a specified time. Green: Blinking green signifies that your Tesla is charging as expected. The frequency of the blinks tends to reduce as the car approaches full charge. A solid green should then follow after a while, indicating that the car is fully charged. Amber: Be wary of solid amber as it is an indication that you’ve not properly or fully plugged in the connector. In such situations, try realigning it and inserting it fully inside the connector. Blinking amber is usually a sign that your Model 3 is charging at a slow pace (AC charging only). Red: Red is a danger sign indicating that charging has come to a halt due to a fault. Proceed to check for a fault message on your touchscreen whenever red appears on the charge port LED. Charge port LED colors can change depending on the model you’re using. However, these are standard LED colors associated with most Tesla releases. But to be on the safe side, always consult with

Tesla electric vehicles are known for their lower carbon footprint and reduced fuel expenses. Besides getting the most out of the advanced tech featured in these vehicles, Tesla owners also enjoy not having to rely on conventional gas stations. The most convenient way to charge a Tesla for most owners is at home with a Level 2 charger. The best Tesla EV home chargers are compact, Wi-Fi compatible, allow smart charging, and work with indoor and outdoor installations. They are weather-resistant and can prevent overheating. They’ll come with lights for monitoring the charge status and long cables for flexible mounting. Read on for comprehensive reviews of the best alternatives for Tesla EV home chargers available on the market. Note: These are recommendations for J1772 Level 2 chargers. You’ll need a a Tesla J1772 adapter in order to charge your Tesla with these units. If you don’t feel you have a need for a J1772 connector, strongly consider the Wall Connector from Tesla. ChargePoint Home Flex The ChargePoint Home Flex tops the chart of the most popular EV chargers. This charger is designed to produce up to 50 Amps, a feature that edges out its alternatives, mostly rated 32 Amp or 40 Amp. Therefore, this product offers fast, high-powered charging. With that rating, you can rest assured that this charger will power your Tesla car to the maximum level. The charger offers a 23 ft (7.01 m) cable and can come with either the NEMA 14-50 plug or the NEMA 6-50 plug. Additional selling points include a Wi-Fi compatible, smart-charging function, an integrated holster that swivels up when you remove the charger’s connector, a tapered edge for easy return, and backlighting for comfortable use in poorly lit installations. MSRP: $699 JuiceBox 40 The JuiceBox 40 deserves a distinction as one of the best EV chargers on the market. This electric vehicle charging station (EVSE) checks all the essential boxes: it’s compact, high power, Wi-Fi enabled, portable, and comes with a 25 ft (7.62 m) cable for flexible mounting. You can also schedule the JuiceBox 40 to charge at off-peak times. It produces 40 Amps, reducing charging times, and it’s a plug-in EVSE, making installation easy and quick. Earlier on when JuiceBox first started, they weren’t UL certified, but today they are both UL and Energy Star certified. MSRP: $629 Morec EV Charging Station The Morec EV level 2 charger can supply up to 240V and is quite versatile – it’s compatible with indoor and outdoor installations and works for all EVs. The charger has a crystal-clear display, making it easy to read, and the power leveler comes in handy for maintaining balance during multiple charges. Other pros include leak-proof construction that also minimizes overheating and a waterproof build that prevents water damage. You’ll never go wrong on safety with the Morec EV Charging Station. The gripe? The charger’s connector is a little stiff on some EV models – you may need to apply extra force to set it up in such cases. Siemens VersiCharge Home Charger If you’re looking for convenient EV charging, then the VersiCharge Home Charger is what you need! This charger comes with an adjustable start time that allows you to set the time your EV will start charging. Better yet, the indicator halo lights enable you to monitor the charging status from a distance. Reviewers point out the Universal version of this charger is a plug-and-play solution that works indoors and outdoors. Controlling the Smart Grid version of the charger is a breeze since it’s Wi-Fi enabled and can be controlled remotely using an Android or iOS device, and the hardware version is designed for indoor applications. It comes with a 14 ft (4.67 m) cable, while the other two feature 20 ft (6.1 m) cables. ClipperCreek HCS-40P ClipperCreek is well-known for producing some of the most durable and reliable EV chargers, and the HCS-40p is no exception. This charger comes in as a plug-in or hardwired unit and produces 32 Amps. The charger comes with a 25 ft (7.62 m) long cable for versatile mounting. The external casing is rated NEMA-4, meaning it’s designed to withstand harsh elements. The remote connector holster is also easy to locate – you can quickly find the charge port from pretty far away. The dual-connector construction means you can charge 2 EVs simultaneously. And, installation is pretty simple, thanks to the long lag bolts included in the package.  The outside panel comes with display lights that indicate when the unit has power and when it’s charging, and two trouble lights that show when the charger is faulty. Blink HQ 100 The value-priced HQ 100 EV charger comes with a handy hook for easy installation and usage. Wider than other high-end charging stations, the HQ 100 comes with a control panel and a button that allows you to delay the start of charging. But there are even more selling points. For example, the charger is categorized as level 2 and produces 30 Amps, meaning it’s six times faster than the standard chargers that come with most vehicles. I also find the automatic resumption of charging after a power outage as an impressive feature worth mentioning. For safe mounting, the package includes a wall-mounting bracket. The stylish yet simple design allows you to use the charger without an application or home network. The cons? Non-Tesla electric vehicles won’t benefit from the high amperage since most of them can’t funnel higher currents. Bosch Level 2 EV Charger If you’re looking for a solid charging station, then the Level 2 EV charger from Bosch will never disappoint! The charger comes with a sleek, compact design and is made for any EV that meets the J1772 standard. That Bosch pushes the envelope in the production of high-end charging stations is evident in the charger’s NEMA 3R enclosure that’s weather-resistant and versatile and the product’s high-quality features that exceed international standards.   The charger comes with a thermal sensor that prevents overheating and LED lights that

If you are lucky enough to live in a part of the world that experiences all four seasons, you know how tumultuous winter driving can be. From the slippery snow to freezing car seats, to poor visibility to black ice, winter driving is no one’s favorite experience. So how does Tesla handle these undesirable driving conditions? Tesla’s, especially those equipped with all wheel drive can perform quite well in wintery conditions. With colder temps however, electric vehicles tend to get less range than during warmer conditions. Tesla has added a few features you can take advantage of within the app, and we’ll also cover some other tips to maximize your range, and safety, during less than ideal driving conditions. Electronic vehicles face a different set of challenges with cold winter weather than gas vehicles do. The more tech a vehicle has, the more that could potentially go wrong. This article will consider these specific challenges as well as advise you on how to best care for your Tesla model this winter season. Know the Winter Challenges That Come With a Tesla Most people do not like winter driving for a plethora of reasons. The snow and ice make driving on suburban roads a nightmare. The bad dream only gets worse when driving on the highway with more traffic at higher speeds. Tesla recognizes the problems electric vehicles have in winter and continuously tries to make the issues more manageable. Before the 1980s, it was a common practice to go out to your gas-powered car in the winter and let it warm up in the driveway for 10 minutes or so to ensure the oil was not frozen and could lubricate the car engine properly. Today, this practice is totally outdated and utterly unnecessary in your fossil fuel car. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, face a different set of problems and definitely benefit from preconditioning, or warming up the battery pack. The nice thing about Teslas is that you can turn on your car, prep the motor(s), and even defrost windows and mirrors remotely! With the Tesla app, the process is incredibly simple: Open the Tesla app on your smartphone Press to open the “Climate” section Turn the feature on By heating up the cabin interior, the battery will heat up as well. If you are able to preheat your car while it is plugged in at home, you will not waste any battery charge. Your car will also be nice and warm, inside and out, and ready to drive. The only downside is heating up your Tesla can take up to an hour. To defrost windows and mirrors, the process is almost exactly the same. Open the Tesla app on your smartphone Press to open the “Climate” section Press on the defrost icon Use Scheduled Departure to Heat Up Your Car If you want to save a little time in the morning before you head out to work or to an appointment, you can also use the Scheduled Departure feature. Your Tesla model will automatically start charging and preconditioning itself at the best time so you can be out on the road when you need to be. To use the Scheduled Departure feature: Tap on “Charging” lighting bolt icon Press on “Schedule” and punch in the time you want your car to be ready Everything from using the radio to warming your seat to running the heater uses up your battery charge. On the other hand, your battery can be warmed up with driving, charging, and preconditioning your vehicle. To keep your Tesla model working in the best possible way, it is important to keep your battery charged and warm. If your car is not properly heated before you use it, you will not be able to access all of the perks of having a Tesla vehicle. Cold weather can quickly decrease your battery charge and prevent you from accessing all the power storage. If your car battery is too cold, displayed with a blue snowflake on the touchscreen, your usage may be limited. Cold weather also limits your access to regenerative braking and battery power. Regenerative braking is a remarkable technology that allows the forces involved in braking to recharge your battery. This is super helpful to prolong the driving time in your Tesla vehicle. Know the Winter Difference Between EVs and Gas Vehicles Thus far this article has touched on the general interior driving lifestyle of a Tesla owner, but another equally important ownership factor to consider is how the operator of an electric vehicle will have to change their driving practices in the winter. Electric motors produce considerably more torque than your traditional gas-powered engine. This greatly influences how an electric vehicle will handle slippery roads. Luckily, Tesla has created technology to combat this inevitable factor and is constantly trying to improve the way Teslas’ onboard computers handle icy conditions. Consumers have found that in recent years, the traction control system in their Tesla models manage the tires in such a way that the power transfer and power limiting technology prevents the car from spinning out on slick surfaces.  This means that when the car senses itself losing control, the system is able to control the power output and limit the transfer of that power to the wheels so driving on icy roads is much easier. This keeps the wheels from spinning out and losing too much traction to propel the car forward. Use Slip Start to Escape Deep Snow Tesla also has a technology called Slip Start. This function allows the wheels to spin more freely and create more slip in the tires. You might think that this is the opposite of what you would want in a winter driving technology, but it is actually very helpful for snowy conditions. Turning off the traction control with Slip Start helps the tires spin which comes in handy when driving in deep snow. High-performance off-road vehicles use a very similar feature to dig themselves out of

Most cars come with some safety and protection, but as with all other conventional car features, Tesla went a step further to provide cutting edge protection. Although already enabled with several safety features, none are as innovative and vigilant as Sentry Mode. Tesla’s Sentry Mode provides an active layer of protection for a Tesla by monitoring the nearby surroundings for threats. However, in order to provide this protection, the Tesla is using a number of functions onboard. When used together and for long periods, battery drain is inevitable. On average, expect to loose about 1 mile of range per hour. Learn more about why Sentry Mode drains the batteries, what Sentry Mode does, and more. We will also discuss how you can combat Sentry Mode draining your Tesla’s battery as well. Why Does Sentry Mode Drain the Battery? Being on high alert for a long period of time would be exhausting for a human. Using that logic, it is not impossible to understand that asking a Tesla to do the same would be equally draining on the power available. A Tesla never completely “turns off.” Even while sitting idle being charged, the battery is in use. Therefore, when Sentry Mode is activated, a Tesla is incorporating more features and requiring more battery. However, the drain of the battery in Sentry Mode depends on the length of time the Tesla is kept in this mode. What Is Sentry Mode? Sentry Mode only became available on Tesla vehicles after August 2017. Sentry Mode monitors the car’s surroundings and determines potential threats. But how? Sentry Mode is activated when the owner engages the mode. When the Tesla senses movement near the car and Sentry Mode is activated, it immediately starts arming the alarm and cameras on board. While this mode does not actively resist a break-in, it will certainly provide the first level of security to scare off less determined criminals. How Does Sentry Mode Monitor the Surroundings? Teslas are equipped with several safety features, including cameras and alarms. When placed in Sentry Mode, the Tesla is using all many of its features to keep the car safe and is therefore far from idle or turned off. A joint effort is made using sensors, the computer, and cameras to keep the Tesla aware of its surroundings and vigilant in deterring theft or tampering. Usually triggered by motion within a certain proprietary distance of the Tesla, Sentry Mode will enter one of two modes: Alert Alarm The Alert State of Sentry Mode The Alert State of Sentry Mode is engaged when the threat is deemed as minor. Something as non-threatening as leaning on the Tesla can trigger the Alert State. When Alert State is activated, the Tesla will not sound the alarm but does immediately start recording. Of the two states, the Alert State is the least aggressive. When triggered, the Alert State causes the Tesla to politely flash its lights and displays a message on the interior screen that the vehicle is recording. The Alarm State of Sentry Mode The Alarm State of Sentry Mode really does step up the attention-getting shenanigans. After the Alert State’s gentle nudge, Tesla spared no expense to announce a problem when they arise. The Alarm State is activated when something truly impactful happens to the Tesla. Something as obvious as a broken window will trigger the Alarm State. In this event, the interior center screen will become brighter than the Alert State, and the alarm sounds. As a bonus, the Tesla will also play music from the sound system at maximum volume. Battery Usage in Sentry Mode As you can see, although a Tesla may appear “off” and unguarded, several functions are actively engaged in Sentry Mode. The surroundings are monitored by: Sensors Cameras Additionally, internal displays, lights, and even the radio are all on standby when Sentry Mode is enabled. Sentry Mode reduces battery life at the rate of one mile per hour, according to Motoring Research. That means if you were to leave your car unattended for 11 days, you would come back to a dead Tesla. For comparison, parked Teslas can go as long as 20 days before losing their charge. As such, Sentry Mode does in fact cause additional battery drain. More movement and activity around your vehicle will use more electricity. Areas such as busy parking lots can trigger a lot of activity. The 20% Fail-Safe Regardless of how it happens or how fast, battery drain is a threat to a car that requires battery power to run. Tesla thought about that, too. In response to this, they installed a fail-safe system to try to make sure that a Tesla owner never comes back to a completely dead car. To that end, once the Tesla drops to 20%, Sentry Mode will automatically turn off. How to Combat Battery Drain Here is some information to help you combat battery drain: Find a charging station for long-term parking. The easy and obvious answer when facing long-term parking and enabling Sentry Mode is to use a charging station. Have a charging plan. One Tesla owner suggests having a charging plan at the ready. Have the car charged to near 90% before parking and access to charging upon accessing the vehicle again. Be aware of likely movement. It is not clear how far away movement must be to trigger the Alarm mode. However, some say any movement engages the functions. As such, be aware and attempt to limit the car’s visuals of movement. This aims to limit the number of times that Alarm Mode is engaged. Do not use 3rd party apps to check battery drain. Some suggest that using third party applications to check on the battery, engage more of the battery to check the vitals. Similarly, the number of times the car is checked equates to more power loss. Additional Tesla Security Aside from Sentry Mode, what protection does a Tesla offer? The options regarding protection for a Tesla are somewhat dependent on

Many people purchase a Tesla in the hopes of reducing their carbon footprint. In reality, the energy that charges the electric vehicle is often generated by less than environmentally friendly fuels. It begs the question of why the world’s top producer of electric vehicles and a pioneer in solar energy systems have not combined the two. Tesla does not put solar panels on cars because there is not enough surface area on a standard electric vehicle to generate sufficient power. Many electric vehicles come with solar panels, but they provide little to no benefit, barely getting a few miles of travel time after hours of charging. With a lack of practicality, this concept is one that just will not happen unless serious developments in modern solar panels are made. The impracticality of solar panels on the electric vehicle itself has been addressed by Tesla in the past. Read on to learn why solar panels and your Tesla are not that compatible. Solar Panels on Cars Is Inefficient When generating solar power, more area exposed to the sun equals more energy generated for later use. Cars, especially electric cars, are compact. They are often kept in a garage or under a carport. Their exposure to the sun is little to none unless they are driving or parked on the street. Keep in mind they need direct solar exposure too. There were talks back in 2017 to put panels on the Tesla Model 3. The way the system was proposed to operate would see a convertible solar panel unfold from the trunk to cover the electric vehicle when parked. This increase in surface area would definitely generate more power, but the practicality was called into question. Some problems include: Deployment times could be inconvenient The panel could take up too much space in more enclosed areas The power generated would still be very limited The panel would add to production cost The panel would be another concern for maintenance Elon Musk has gone over the glaringly obvious drawbacks of solar panels being installed onto the electric vehicle itself. For an extra twenty to thirty miles of range versus all of the time, energy, and resources needed to develop this system, the ends do not justify the means. Tesla has pointed to these obstacles many times before. The best systems that exist today in other electric vehicles generate enough power to drive less than two miles after eight hours of charging. As you can see, this is an impractical idea that just will not happen until panels can produce much more output. Tesla’s Solar Roof and other systems are viable options for those seeking clean energy. Are There Panels on Larger Tesla Vehicles? In 2021 people will potentially see the first generation of solar panels on a Tesla vehicle. Elon Musk has hinted that the tonneau cover on the Cybertruck could be covered with solar panels. He’s also mentioned the possibility for additional fold-out solar panels. These would likely come from the sail pillar store area on the side of the bed. The desire to have an efficient, solar-powered vehicle is there, but the yield is not enough for any substantial generation. This feature will add around 15 miles of range a day without having to be folded out from the trunk every time you park. The fact that you can leave the electric truck alone and simply charge the battery, coupled with its larger size, makes it a much more practical option for carrying solar panels. However, do not expect any major charging. This increase is minimal and will not be anywhere near the amount of power needed to charge the entire battery. The same can be said for Tesla’s largest electric vehicle, the Semi. When you do the math, you will see that even on this electric vehicle, with a plethora of surface area from the trailer and large cab, your yield is lackluster. While there is an increase in output with these larger vehicles, it simply is not enough for self-sufficiency. It does not hurt to add some panels with the available space for some increase in efficiency as long as realistic production costs can be maintained. There will always need to be a dedicated charging station for these electric vehicles. Why Are Companies Putting Small Panels on Electric Cars? There is unused space on electric vehicles. Some companies, Tesla included, are beginning to toy with the idea of adding smaller panels to increase efficiency. Despite the minimal increase in the longevity of your daily range, companies are experimenting with the concept of solar systems on electric vehicles. In most cases, you will not see an electric vehicle that can charge its battery to 100% from these panels, but they will give you some increase in range if they receive good amounts of direct solar exposure. If these additions do not alter the production cost in a bad way, then some charge is definitely better than no charge. The problem comes when consumers and manufacturers want a self-sustaining solar mounted system on the vehicle. Maximizing unused space can be beneficial, but only on a limited scale. Could You Mount Enough Solar Panels for a Tesla? As mentioned before, the surface area and a large number of panels are key to an efficient solar energy system. On an electric vehicle, even the largest ones, there is not enough surface area to meet the demands of the impressive battery, which is exactly why Tesla has shied away from using solar panels to charge their vehicles in the past.  With the Tesla Model 3, you would need somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 kilowatts to fully charge the battery. To generate that much power, you would need around 200 panels and a whopping 4,000 square feet of surface area with excellent solar exposure. You would also need an inverter. Doing this would triple the weight of the vehicle. Inverters usually weigh 40 to 60 pounds. 4,000 square feet of solar panels would