Tesla has announced a new Low Power Mode for its cars. This mode helps stop battery drain that happens when vehicles are parked for long periods. Owners have often complained that their cars lose battery while sitting idle, especially at places like airports. This issue got more attention after a Cybertruck owner posted about returning to a much lower battery after an international trip, which led Elon Musk to respond.
Phantom drain: why batteries lose power parked
When a Tesla is parked, some features keep working and use up battery. Sentry Mode, Summon Standby, and climate controls keep taking power. Sentry Mode alone can drain about 7 to 14% of battery per day, or close to one mile per hour in range. For someone leaving their car at an airport, this can mean a big battery drop by the time they return.
How Low Power Mode works
Low Power Mode turns off most features that use extra energy. Here’s what it disables:
- Sentry Mode
- Summon Standby
- Outlets for 12V and USB ports
- Keep Accessory Power On
- Keep Climate On and Camp Mode
- Scheduled Preconditioning
- Cabin Overheat Protection
These features stay off unless the car is charging. If a Tesla is plugged in, Sentry Mode and power outlets can still work. While Supercharging, “Keep Climate On”, and “Camp Mode” can be used.
Some basic things like standby and screen activity still use a bit of battery, even in Low Power Mode. If it’s cold, more energy may be lost.
How to use Low Power Mode
Owners can turn it on from either the car or the Tesla app. In the vehicle, go to Controls, then Charging, then Low Power Mode. In the app, use the Quick Actions menu. Owners can turn some items back on if needed, but Tesla gives a warning before reactivating features that will use more battery.
Updates to reduce battery use
Tesla has added more fixes to lower battery drain along with Low Power Mode. The 2024.38 update cuts Sentry Mode’s energy use by about 40%. This was first sent to Cybertrucks and is planned for other vehicles.
The update changes how video is processed: the FSD computer now handles motion detection and video compression, while the MCU only works when saving data to a USB drive. USB ports and 12V outlets are now disabled when not needed.
Phantom drain by model and conditions
Recent stats show that battery loss depends on the model and how it’s used:
- Model 3: about 7% loss in 24 hours with Sentry Mode turned on
- Model Y: about 8–10% daily
- Cybertruck: can lose up to 16 kWh per day
- Cold weather: can mean 20–30% more battery loss
Low Power Mode lets owners turn off many battery-hungry features with just one step, making it easier than switching off each one by itself.
Trying the new "low power mode" while I travel – you can enable it in vehicle controls menu->charging->low power mode or through the mobile app quick actions.
— Wes (@wmorrill3) August 23, 2025
I use hands free frunk function, so I replaced the frunk quick action and enabled low power mode. 196 miles 8/23 1:30pm pic.twitter.com/E0zzXtwHmr
Tesla has included the Low Power Mode code in app version 4.48.1. The feature is expected in the 2025.32 software update, which is still being tested by employees.
Tesla keeps working to help owners get the most out of their cars, balancing advanced tools with practical battery management. Low Power Mode adds to Tesla’s tools for saving energy, like letting Sentry Mode skip home and work locations to help batteries last longer in safe places.
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