Tesla has introduced a new feature designed to help electric vehicle owners preserve battery life when their cars are parked for extended periods. The update, called “Low Power Mode,” aims to reduce so-called phantom drain — a gradual loss of charge that occurs when standby systems remain active.
While Tesla models are among the most energy-efficient EVs, they continue to consume power when stationary to keep functions such as Sentry Mode and Summon Standby available. This can lead to noticeable battery depletion if vehicles are left idle for days, such as at airports.
The update follows previous reports of owners experiencing unexpected battery loss, including a Cybertruck that consumed significant power while parked overseas. Chief Executive Elon Musk had intervened in that case, and the new feature appears to address similar situations. Tesla said the mode is intended for drivers who want to better conserve their vehicle’s charge when not in use.
Tesla writes in the release notes for the feature:
“When Low Power Mode is enabled, your vehicle will conserve energy by automatically disabling the following features:
-
- Sentry Mode
- Summon Standby
- Outlets
- Keep Accessory Power On
- Keep Climate On and Camp Mode
- Scheduled Preconditioning
- Cabin Overheat Protection
While charging with Low Power Mode enabled:
-
- Sentry Mode and accessory power will remain available
- Keep Climate On and Camp Mode are only available when Supercharging
While in Low Power Mode, your vehicle continues to use energy for standby functions, screen activity, and Tesla app interactions. In cold weather, available energy may drop more quickly.”
