A very popular gadget in Tesla vehicles is the so-called guard mode, which is currently only available in this form from Tesla. When this mode is activated, the vehicle uses the cameras installed all around it to permanently monitor the vehicle. This is particularly useful to prevent break-ins or if the vehicle is parked in unsafe areas or parking lots where it is more easily exposed to damage by strangers or vehicles. Of course, this monitoring and the constant activation of the systems consumes power, so that a few percent of the battery capacity may well be consumed when guard mode is activated. There have been reports of high power consumption in the past. Apparently, Tesla is now planning to significantly reduce power consumption in response.
Drew Baglino, Senior Vice President of Tesla, has now announced in a post on X that he is developing a new software update that will reduce power consumption in Sentry Mode by around 40%. This measure is intended to reduce the so-called "vampire consumption" of parked vehicles. The planned update should be available in the second quarter, which covers the period from April to June. Details of exactly how power consumption is to be reduced have not yet been provided. It remains to be seen how this software update will improve the driving experience for Tesla owners by optimizing both the safety and energy efficiency of their vehicles.
If you want to learn more about how Guard Mode works, check out our guide to this feature.
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
