Tesla has made strides in reducing the battery drain caused by its Sentry Mode, an anti-theft system that has been a source of frustration for many vehicle owners. The system, which alerts owners to suspicious activity around their vehicles by recording footage from cameras and sensors, has long been known to drain significant amounts of battery power. The issue was particularly pronounced when the system was left on for extended periods.
Sentry Mode is designed to be activated by voice commands or through the Tesla app. Once enabled, it keeps the vehicle’s cameras and sensors powered while in Park mode, recording video footage of any potential threats. However, this constant recording and processing have led to concerns about excessive battery consumption, with some Tesla owners reporting up to 14% battery drain in a 24-hour period, particularly in the Model Y.
Tesla has begun to address these concerns through a series of software updates. The 2024.32.6 update introduced a solution by cutting power to the car’s 12V outlets and USB ports while the car is in theft-prevention mode. This change prevents any connected devices, such as portable chargers or fridges, from drawing power from the vehicle’s main battery. While this solution may not be ideal for owners who rely on in-car charging, it helps mitigate direct power drain from peripheral devices.
In a more comprehensive update, Tesla has rolled out version 2024.38.4, which delivers a significant improvement in reducing the battery drain associated with Sentry Mode. According to reports, the update reduces power consumption by up to 40% by optimizing how video feed processing is handled. The update is currently being deployed to the Cybertruck, with plans to extend it to other models like the Model 3 and Model Y.
These updates come after growing awareness among law enforcement about the potential value of Sentry Mode footage for crime scene investigations. In some cases, police have towed Teslas to download the footage when the owner cannot be reached, emphasizing the importance of the system despite its previous drawbacks in terms of battery efficiency.
Tesla’s ongoing improvements to Sentry Mode aim to balance its security benefits with the practical need for battery conservation, providing Tesla owners with enhanced vehicle security while minimizing power drain.
Source: NotAteslaApp
