Tesla Cuts Power to Outlets in Sentry Mode: No More Fridge-Powered Beers, Laptop Charging While Protecting Your Car
While Tesla has been busy rolling out its Light Pulsing feature for Sentry Mode to more models, including the refreshed Model S and Model X, there's another change in the latest 2024.32.6 software update that's not sitting well with owners: the car will no longer power outlets in Sentry Mode.
Goodbye to Fridge-Powered Beverages and Laptop Charging
This means the 12V outlets and USB ports in Tesla vehicles will be deactivated while Sentry Mode is active. This cuts off power to devices like portable fridges, laptops, and phones that owners plugged in to charge. The impact is felt most keenly by those who rely on their Tesla's power to keep essentials running.
Tesla's Reasoning and Customer Backlash
Tesla's former battery chief explained that they're exploring ways to reduce power consumption in Sentry Mode to conserve battery life. While this might seem like a good idea on paper, it has sparked outrage from Tesla owners who find the feature impractical and inconvenient.
Tesla Service is already receiving numerous complaints, and the issue is reportedly being escalated to higher management for consideration. It remains to be seen whether Tesla will reverse this decision or find alternative solutions.
Camp Mode: A Potential Workaround
While Sentry Mode disables outlets, Tesla owners can still use Camp Mode to keep devices powered. However, Camp Mode keeps the vehicle unlocked, making it unsuitable for theft prevention. This workaround isn't ideal for owners seeking both safety and power.
The Future of Tesla's Sentry Mode
This update highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing security, convenience, and energy efficiency. It's a reminder that while Tesla strives for innovative features, they sometimes come with unintended consequences.
Keep an Eye Out for Updates:
We'll be monitoring this situation closely and providing updates on whether Tesla decides to reverse this feature or find an alternative solution.
