Tesla Inc executive, Drew Baglino, recently announced that the company is working on a software update to reduce power consumption in its sentry mode. Sentry mode is a feature on Tesla cars that activates the vehicle’s cameras and sensors to record any suspicious activity around the car when it is parked.
Baglino, who serves as the Senior Vice President of Power and Energy Engineering at Tesla, acknowledged that sentry mode currently consumes a significant amount of power. He stated that the team at Tesla is working on a software update that will reduce power consumption by approximately 40%. The update is expected to be released in the second quarter of this year.
Vampire drain, also known as phantom drain, is a term used to describe the battery drain that occurs when vehicles are left idle. The software update aims to address the overt power consumption in sentry mode and improve the overall efficiency of the feature.
Sentry mode has faced privacy concerns in the past, with some critics raising issues about potential privacy violations. In February 2023, the Dutch Data Protection Authority concluded its investigation into sentry mode for a potential privacy violation but did not impose any fines or sanctions on Tesla.
Overall, the upcoming software update for reducing power consumption in sentry mode is a positive development for Tesla owners. By improving the efficiency of the feature, Tesla is demonstrating its commitment to enhancing the user experience and addressing potential privacy concerns.
As Tesla continues to innovate and improve its products, it will be interesting to see how these advancements contribute to the overall success of the company in the future.