Tesla has released a software update to make sure that your Model S is charging correctly at all times, even if a component outside of the vehicle isn’t working properly.
Every device out there, from cars to tablets to smartphones, comes with a warning to only charge it per the device’s instructions, but not everyone follows those rules. Sometimes you might even think you’re charging correctly, but you never really know if the charge your device is getting is actually within a device’s specified parameters. It might cause minor problems if the device in question is your phone, but if it’s your Tesla Model S, then Tesla aims to help make sure you don’t hurt your car.
The company has released a software update that will automatically reduce the charging current on the Model S by 25 percent if it detects fluctuations in the power source. This is only if it fluctuates outside of a predetermined range, and it won’t completely stop charging, but will just scale back the juice a bit.
This means that a 40 amp charge rate will become a 30 amp charge rate if the power fluctuates too much. So, your vehicle will still charge, but you might be waiting for it a little longer than usual. The update didn’t detail just how much of a fluctuation is required, but it’s likely one Tesla has determined is enough to potentially cause trouble for the Model S.
The update comes after a fire in a Tesla Model S that was plugged in and charging in an owner’s garage. The incident happened in Irvine, CA back in November and fire investigators determined that the fire didn’t originate on the vehicle side of things, but on the wall side.
Updating the software to scale back charging in the event that the current coming from the source is somehow off might possibly prevent a fire or damage to the Tesla Model S.
Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. Nicole also writes for NerdApproved and GeekMom.
