Tesla has made a significant change in a recent software update to how power is delivered to the 12V power sockets and USB ports, disabling them in most scenarios other than when driving.
Previously Tesla owners could utilize the 12V power sockets and USB ports, found in the center console, glove box, or trunk, or some combinations of these depending on the vehicle you own, to power aftermarket accessories. Many of these accessories are used when driving, but others are used when not inside the vehicle, such as trunk fridges that are popular among car-campers.
The 12V power sockets provided a continuous source of power to the trunk fridge, so long as Sentry Mode was active, allowing you to keep foods and drinks at a comfortable temperature for extended periods. However, after the 2024.32 software update, these sockets are now turned off unless someone in the vehicle, rendering these accessories almost useless.
While there was no mention of this change, which impacts both the 12V power sockets and the USB ports, in the release notes, the Interior Electronics section of the Owner’s Manuals has been updated. It now says these are only powered when someone is in the car or interacting with the touchscreen.
“Note: Power is available when the vehicle detects that a user is present. A user is considered present when a person is in the driver seat or interacts with the touchscreen. Power is also available whenever the low voltage battery is being charged or is in use, when you charge the high voltage Battery, or when the vehicle is communicating with the mobile app. Leaving an accessory plugged in does not deplete the low voltage battery.“
There is a workaround to this change, and that is to turn on Camp Mode, but there are notable drawbacks to this. Using Camp Mode works if you are staying in your vehicle, but during the day, while out sightseeing or hiking, the fridge no longer works because Camp Mode is off. Additionally, Walk-Away Door Lock is inactive when Camp Mode is on.
Tesla likely made this change for a couple of reasons. The first is to prevent accessories from depleting the battery faster than normal. The other is likely to clear Tesla from any liability of leaving aftermarket accessories plugged in for extended periods, a situation where these electronics could overheat and potentially lead to a fire.
This change has impacted a lot of owners, and most are calling on Tesla to allow owners to override this setting with a toggle to keep the power flowing to the power sockets and USB ports. This toggle would include an acknowledgement that by doing so could deplete the battery faster than normal, and a release of liability.
Does this change impact you? Let us know in the comments below.
