Tesla’s newest firmware update for the Model S is bringing with it some notable improvements — Firmware 5.0 introduces an improved sleep mode, a Tow Mode, the ability to connect to WiFi networks and to tether, a Screen Cleaning Mode, an improved “creep performance,” enhancements to the mapping program, and the option to control radio presets with steering-wheel controls.
The most notable of the Tesla Model S updates is no doubt the one made to the “Improved Power Management When Not In Use” — also known as the “sleep mode.” The update is said to address the “vampire loss” that the Model S experienced while turned off — “vampire loss” referring to the energy lost while the car was turned “off.” Reports state that the new update reduces the losses by about 50–70%. There’s a trade-off for this reduced energy loss, though, a slightly longer start-up time for some of the car’s functions — now it will take roughly 10 seconds, after the car door has been opened, for some of the Model S’s systems to wake-up and be ready to go.
Image Credit: Tesla Motors
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