Tesla is developing a software update to cut Sentry Mode power usage by approximately 40%, aiming to reduce “vampire drain” on parked vehicles.
While it may seem like a minor update, the impact could be substantial.
Electric vehicles experience power loss when parked, often referred to as “vampire drain.” Factors contributing to this drain include battery temperature control and active connectivity features.
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For Tesla vehicles, a significant contributor to vampire drain is Sentry Mode. This feature uses the vehicle’s cameras, primarily intended for driver-assist features and future self-driving capabilities, to monitor and record suspicious activities around the vehicle.
Agreed, sentry mode power consumption needs improvement, the team is working to reduce by ~40% in a Q2 software update.
— Drew Baglino (@baglino) February 22, 2024
Sentry Mode gained popularity for helping deter vandalism, such as keying, targeting Tesla cars a few years ago. However, the feature consumes a considerable amount of power. Some Tesla owners reported a drain of 7.2 kWh per day with Sentry Mode active, roughly 10% of the battery capacity of a long-range Model 3 or Model Y.
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Drew Baglino, Tesla’s Senior Vice President of Powertrain and Energy Engineering, announced that the company is working on an update to reduce Sentry Mode’s power consumption by up to 40%. The update is expected to be released in the second quarter of this year (April through June).
