Summary
- Tesla owners can now enable the charging port heater separately with a new over-the-air update
- The update will be rolled out across all Tesla models to help owners cope with charging in winter
- The charging port heater feature was added with software version 2024.44.3.1, allowing owners to enable it independently
- The charging port heater prevents ice buildup, making it easier for owners to open the port in winter
- Tesla owners in cold climates will benefit most from the charging port heater, as it helps keep the port ice-free without expending additional energy
Article
Tesla Enables Separate Charging Port Heater Control
A new over-the-air update from Tesla allows owners to enable the charging port heater separately, without having to warm up the entire car. This update will be rolled out across the entire Tesla lineup, helping owners better cope with the challenges of charging in winter. Teslas started getting charging port heaters in the second part of 2020, although not all vehicles produced that year have it. Now all models get this dedicated heater that specifically warms the charging port to prevent ice buildup, allowing owners to easily open it in winter, but how you enable it isn’t obvious.
New Feature with Software Version 2024.44.3.1
Until now, Tesla owners have not been able to turn the charger on separately. The charger could be enabled together with the rear defrost or heating the cabin, but not on its own. However, with the new software update version 2024.44.3.1, Tesla has introduced a feature that finally allows owners to only enable the port heater without it being paired with something else. This feature has been confirmed on the Model Y and Model X, and is sure to come to the rest of the model lineup. Users will find an option called Charge Port Heater in the Controls then Service section of their vehicles.
Benefits for Owners in Colder Climates
Owners living in colder climates will benefit the most from this new feature, as it allows them to keep the charge port ice-free without expending additional energy to defrost the windows or heat up the cabin. The charging port heater still comes on automatically with the general defrost functions, as well as when preconditioning the battery for charging or selecting a Supercharger as the destination via the car’s navigation. While frozen charging ports are not a common issue, frozen doors and windows have been a bigger concern for Tesla owners in winter.
Addressing Common Winter Issues
Frozen door handles are a source of annoyance for Tesla owners, especially for those with the Model S and Model X, whose door handles are powered and meant to extend when the vehicle is unlocked. In addition, frozen door handles and charging ports are among the most common winter issues faced by EV owners. Model Y and Model 3 door handles, which are not powered, have been redesigned by Tesla to make breaking ice easier. If you have faced any of these issues, let us know in the comments how you dealt with them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tesla’s new software update that enables separate control of the charging port heater is a welcome addition for owners facing winter charging challenges. The ability to prevent ice buildup at the charging port without having to warm up the entire car will make charging in colder climates more convenient. This update, accompanied by redesigned door handles on certain models, aims to address common winter issues faced by Tesla owners. As Tesla continues to improve its vehicles through over-the-air updates, owners can expect more features to enhance their driving experience.
Read the full article here
