Key Takeaways
1. Tesla is introducing an Accessory Power mode to keep 12V sockets powered overnight or during use.
2. The previous solution for battery drain in Sentry Mode cut power to 12V outlets, affecting accessory use.
3. Sentry Mode was found to drain 14% of battery capacity in 24 hours, prompting optimization of video processing.
4. The new update will include a “Keep Accessory Power On” option, allowing continuous power until battery drops below 20%.
5. The Accessory Power feature will work independently of Sentry Mode, preventing previous phantom battery drain issues.
Tesla owners who have had to leave their devices charging in their vehicles overnight or run a small fridge will be pleased to hear that an upcoming Accessory Power mode will restore power to their 12V sockets.
Previous Battery Drain Issues
Last year, Tesla addressed a significant battery drain problem linked to Sentry Mode, which it has now activated automatically to safeguard against vandalism. This was part of the 2024.32.6 software update. However, the solution it implemented was quite simplistic; it cut off power to the 12V outlets and USB ports when no one was in the car while in Sentry Mode. This less than smart fix meant that many Model Y owners couldn’t keep accessories like the Acopower TesFridge working overnight or charge laptops and tablets in their vehicles without power by morning.
Confusing Power Management
The way Tesla tackled the phantom battery drain issue in Sentry Mode, which drained 14% of the battery pack’s capacity in just 24 hours, was a bit puzzling. It was partly because of the Vision cameras recording during Sentry Mode, so Tesla optimized the video processing algorithms to significantly lower their power usage. However, for devices and accessories that needed to stay plugged into the Model Y while the driver was away, the company simply cut off power to the 12V and USB sockets. This rough approach is set to be improved with the new Accessory Power mode.
Exciting Update Ahead
With the upcoming Spring Update, Tesla is expected to introduce a new “Controls > Charging” menu option that allows users to select “Keep Accessory Power On.” This will ensure that all 12V sockets and USB ports receive continuous power until the vehicle’s battery level drops below 20%.
The best part is that the new Accessory Power feature won’t require Sentry Mode to function, avoiding the risk of the phantom battery drain issues cropping up again.
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