Tesla tackles "vampire drain" with an app update

Tesla just released an app update hoping to combat the pesky problem of "phantom drain," that silent energy thief that nibbles away at your car's battery when it's parked.

Sometimes dubbed "vampire drain," the issue involves the energy an EV loses while sitting idle. It's a common issue among electric cars, but Tesla's high-tech features, while awesome for drivers, have been known to be particularly bad at it. Each ping or notification can wake the car's systems, drawing power and reducing your range.

Tesla took a swing at this issue earlier in 2024 with an update to Sentry Mode, a security feature notorious for being a power hog. That update reportedly cut Sentry Mode's energy consumption by 40%. Now, Tesla's taking the fight directly to your smartphone.

With the release of Tesla app version 4.35.0, a subtle but significant change has taken place. Previously, simply opening the app would "wake up" your Tesla, triggering various systems and draining the battery. Now, the app has become more considerate. It won't rouse your car unless you specifically send a command, like pre-heating the cabin on a chilly morning or checking your charging status.

At first glance, this might seem like a minor tweak, but depending on your usage patterns it may actually have a notable effect on the range you are getting. Here's hoping the update works as expected.

Via