Tesla Model X gets Camper mode
Update will allow A/C, heater, lights and sound system to operate for more than 48 hoursTesla chief executive, Elon Musk, has announced the Tesla Model 3, Model S and Model X will soon receive an over-the-air update that will add a "Party & Camper mode" to their infotainment repertoire.
The new features, designed for people who take weekend camping trips with their pure-electric vehicles, allows the battery pack to keep powering the car's air-conditioning or heating, selected interior lights, sound system and power outlets for 48 hours or more.
This, the car-maker hopes, will allow its vehicles to be used as impromptu camper vans in hot or cold climates.
Until now, owners had been using their own 'camper modes' which involve tricking the onboard computers to keep the battery feeding the air-con or heating for extended periods. This included owners leaving their car in neutral, parking brake on, with both the instrument and infotainment systems dimmed to their lowest settings.
The main drawback of these 'cheats' was the bright daylight running lamps remained illuminated, leading some owners to use blankets to cover the headlights in busy camping sites or carparks overnight to avoid drawing attention to themselves.
Musk has not yet indicated when the new Party & Camper Mode will be available to owners.
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