Tesla Adds Bioweapon Defense Mode as Retrofit Option for Model Y

November 22, 2023

By Kevin Armstrong

Tesla is offering a HEPA filter retrofit option for the Model Y

michaeltfang / Not a Tesla App

Tesla has launched a retrofit service for its 2020 and 2021 Model Y vehicles in the United States and Canada, offering an upgrade to include HEPA filters and enable Bioweapon Defense Mode. This retrofit becomes available two years after the Fremont factory started manufacturing the electric SUV.

Introduction to HEPA Filters in Tesla Model Y

Initially, the Model Y, released in early 2020, did not feature HEPA filters, well-known for capturing and filtering out 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 micrometers. Initially, only the Model S and Model X were equipped with these filters.

Despite the initial absence of HEPA filters in the Model Y, the design allowed enough space for their future inclusion. In June 2021, Tesla began incorporating these filters in the Model Y production line. The new retrofit service, now available through the service section of the Tesla app, addresses the demands of existing owners seeking to upgrade their vehicles.

The retrofit service is priced at $330 USD. Owners can schedule the service via the Tesla mobile app.

Will the Model 3 be Next?

Elon Musk mentioned the impracticality of fitting these "giant" filters in the Model 3. In 2018, he posted:

Model S & X also have an acid gas filter, an alkaline gas filter & a carbon monoxide detector that autoswitches car to recirc mode. We should prob tell people about this more. Filters are giant, so too big to fit in Model 3.

Tesla's new Model 3 was speculated to have a HEPA filter, however it appears it'll continue to be the only Tesla without Bioweapon Defense Mode.

Bioweapon Defense Mode: A Leap in Air Filtration Technology

Utilizing the HEPA filter, Tesla's Bioweapon Defense Mode is inspired by hospital-grade air filtration systems and offers a strong defense against various air pollutants, including pathogens and allergens. This mode operates by pulling external air through the HEPA filter and an additional activated carbon filter, ensuring the removal of harmful particles and contaminants. Furthermore, it creates a positive pressure environment in the cabin, akin to those in medical settings, preventing external air infiltration.

Tesla has showcased the effectiveness of its Bioweapon Defense Mode through various tests and experiments. In one demonstration, a Model Y equipped with this mode was compared to a BMW X3 in a controlled environment filled with smoke, highlighting Tesla's system's superior air filtration capability.

The company is recognized as producing the safest cars on the planet, but that safety goes further than airbags and rollover protection. The importance of air quality in vehicles is increasingly recognized, especially considering the health impacts of prolonged exposure to air pollutants. Tesla's advanced air filtration system enhances passenger well-being and differentiates it from other automakers. While many vehicles have air filtration systems, few rival the comprehensive protection offered by Tesla's Bioweapon Defense Mode.

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Tesla 'We, Robot' Robotaxi Event: How and Where to Watch [Updated]

October 10, 2024

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

Tesla’s Robotaxi event is coming up later today, and there’s lots of hype. It’s absolutely going to be a must-see event, so we’ve outlined how you can watch it tonight.

We’re even running a Robotaxi Event Prediction Contest – so go sign up to win some prizes from our fantastic sponsors.

If you weren’t one of the lucky lottery winners who managed to snag a ticket, there are a few ways to watch the Robotaxi event.

When

Tesla says the event will start at 10 PM EST or 7 PM PST. However, expect it to start fashionably late as usual. The agenda Tesla has provided is below.

Watch Live

The event is expected to be available on X, YouTube, and Tesla’s website. The links for X and YouTube are below. We’ll update this as the day goes along and Tesla adds additional sources.

Watch the Robotaxi event live on X.
Watch on YouTube (below)

Agenda

This is the agenda Tesla has provided. All times are PST.

3:00 PM: Parking Lot Opens

5:00 PM: Doors Open

5:30 PM: Check-In Begins

7:00 PM: Remarks

Watch in Tesla Showrooms

Tesla is also running events at its local showrooms worldwide. Many of these pop-up events have been organized by the Tesla showrooms or in conjunction with local Tesla Owner’s Club groups.

You can go to Tesla’s Events Page here and see if there are any showrooms open in your region. These events are in-person, and a good way to hang out with local Tesla fans and owners to watch one of the biggest events in Tesla’s history. If you don’t see an event listed, try calling your local Tesla showroom or contacting your local Owner’s Club. Other events may be running locally that you could attend.

Location

Warner Brothers Studios

3499 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 90068

New Tesla Charging Visualizations Expected in the Future

October 10, 2024

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

Tesla’s Alex Guichet, Mobile App Engineer and Designer, posted on X that they are hiring a new C++ UI Engineer. According to Alex, this position will be focused on building the charging UI in Tesla vehicles.

While the charging UI received some basic updates back with the big Spring Update, it hasn’t really seen major changes in a long time. So, let’s take a look at what this position is exactly, and dig into what we’d like to see in the future.

Senior Software Engineer

The position that Tesla is hiring for is a Senior Software Engineer, Vehicle User Interface Charging – working out of Tesla’s Global Engineering Headquarters in Palo Alto, California. The position will be specifically responsible for the look and feel of the user charging experience, focusing on Tesla’s in-vehicle Infotainment UI.

Tesla expects the position to also work alongside business, product, engineering, and design teams to build simple, intuitive, and fluid user experiences.

That’s a broad job description, but Tesla pays well for what it offers – with the position starting at $120,000 a year, up to $210,000 a year. If you’re interested in the position, you can read more and apply here.

Charging Visualizations

Tesla’s current charging visualizations are fairly simple and to the point, both in the app and in the vehicle. Adding some flare to both visualizations would certainly be nice. If Tesla’s new parked visualization in AMD vehicles is any indication, we’re in for a treat with these upcoming visuals. Tesla could even add different visualizations depending on whether you’re charging with a Supercharger, Wall Connector, Mobile Charger, or a third-party charger.

Imagine if Tesla implements some of these visualizations directly into the vehicle’s visuals. You could pull up to a Supercharger and see them rendered directly on the screen and maybe even see how much each vehicle is charged, so you have a better idea of which stall will be available first.

We’d also love to see better and improved integration for Charge on Solar and PowerShare. There’s certainly a lot Tesla can do.

We’re excited to see the future of the charging UI but don’t expect these changes anytime soon since Tesla just started hiring for the position. However, it’s great to know where Tesla is headed and what they’re planning.