You can activate Bioweapon Defense Mode from the climate section of your Tesla
Not a Tesla App
Tesla is known for its advanced technology and innovative features, and 'Bioweapon Defense Mode' is one of those features. With increasing concerns about air pollution worldwide, this advanced air filtration system demonstrates Tesla's commitment to passenger safety and well-being.
What is Bioweapon Defense Mode?
Bioweapon Defense Mode is a state-of-the-art air filtration system designed to protect vehicle occupants from various air pollutants, including exhaust fumes, smoke, allergens, airborne pathogens, and other potentially hazardous particles. This feature uses a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, capable of capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 micrometers in diameter, and a secondary filtration system with activated carbon filters to remove odors, gases, bacteria, viruses, pollen, and mold spores.
Tesla's Inspiration and Development of Bioweapon Defense Mode
Tesla's commitment to protecting passengers from air pollution goes beyond merely producing electric vehicles to contribute to a cleaner environment. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has credited Google co-founder Larry Page for inspiring him to develop a more powerful air filtration system for Tesla vehicles. The idea is not only to reduce local air pollution but also to minimize the direct impact of air pollution on the occupants of Tesla vehicles.
How Does Bioweapon Defense Mode Work?
The HEPA filter in Bioweapon Defense Mode is inspired by air filtration systems used in hospitals, clean rooms, and the aerospace industry. When activated, the climate control system pulls in outside air and filters it through the HEPA filter and secondary filtration system. This process effectively removes harmful particles and contaminants from the air.
In addition to the filtration process, Bioweapon Defense Mode creates a positive-pressure environment inside the cabin. This feature, borrowed from hospital settings, prevents outside air from leaking into the vehicle. The result is an air-tight cabin that continuously filters and circulates clean air to protect passengers from pollutants, pathogens, and allergens.
Which Tesla Models Have Bioweapon Defense Mode
Tesla introduced the HEPA filter and Bioweapon Defense Mode in 2016 on the Model X and Model S with the new front fascia. As of 2020, Bioweapon Defense Mode also became standard on Model Y. Tesla could not include the large HEPA filter required for the Bioweapon Defense Mode in Model 3 due to space constraints. However, the bigger Model Y does have enough space to accommodate the filter. Tesla initially introduced the filter and Bioweapon Defense Mode in electric SUVs produced in China and later made it a standard feature in all Model Y vehicles produced.
How to Check If You Have Bioweapon Defense Mode
Tesla owners can confirm whether their vehicle is equipped with Bioweapon Defense Mode by opening the HVAC control screen and looking for the biohazard symbol. If the vehicle is equipped with Bioweapon Defense Mode, there will be a biohazard icon located near the top right of the screen, next to the recirculation icon. If the symbol is present, the vehicle has the feature.
How to Turn On Bioweapon Defense Mode
You can activate Bioweapon Defense Mode from within your car or through the Tesla mobile app.
To activate it within the car, go to the climate control screen and tap the biohazard symbol. The vehicle will immediately start using air from outside the vehicle and running it through its HEPA filter.
To enable the filter from your Tesla app, you can go to the Climate section then swipe up from the bottom. This will reveal several options, including Bioweapon Defense Mode.
Bioweapon Defense Mode Retrofits
For Model S and Model X owners without the HEPA filter, Tesla offers a retrofit option for $500, which includes shipping and installation at a Tesla service center.
Tesla does not offer an official retrofit for for the Model Y, although some owners have shown that it is possible through a DIY solution.
Scientific Testing of Tesla's Bioweapon Defense Mode
When Tesla first introduced the Bioweapon Defense Mode in the Model X in 2015, the company released test results with particulate matter 2.5 air quality readings. The results showed that the system significantly improved air quality when needed. This further validates Tesla's claims about the effectiveness of its advanced air filtration system in protecting passengers from air pollution and other harmful particles.
Demonstrating the Effectiveness of Bioweapon Defense Mode
Tesla's test shows on Bioweapon Defense Mode cleans the air inside of the vehicle after just a couple minutes
Tesla
Tesla has conducted experiments (video below) to demonstrate the effectiveness of its HEPA filtration system and Bioweapon Defense Mode. In one such experiment, a Tesla Model Y and a BMW X3 were parked inside a giant bubble, and smoke bombs were detonated. The Model Y had Bioweapon Defense Mode activated, while the BMW X3 relied on its standard filtration system.
During the experiment, a Tesla employee sat in the driver's seat of the Model Y to showcase the company's confidence in its product. The video showed that the cabin of the Model Y remained free from red smoke, while the interior of the BMW X3 was invaded by it. After the experiment, Model Y's activated carbon filters and HEPA filters were removed, revealing that they had captured a significant amount of red dust.
The filtration system is active whenever climate control is pulling in outside air. In extreme conditions, users can activate Bioweapon Defense Mode, which positively pressurizes the vehicle’s cabin, preventing pollutants from leaking. All air is filtered through the HEPA and gas media filters in this mode.
The Importance of Air Quality in Vehicles
Air pollution is a global issue, and prolonged exposure to air pollutants, such as when stuck in traffic, can have significant health effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues. With more time spent in vehicles, ensuring that the air inside the cabin is clean and safe for passengers is crucial. Tesla's Bioweapon Defense Mode addresses this concern by providing a superior air filtration system that reduces exposure to harmful pollutants. This feature not only contributes to the overall well-being of passengers but also sets Tesla apart from other automakers who may not offer such advanced air filtration systems.
Comparison with Other Automakers
The HEPA filter and activated carbon filters in the Model Y
Tesla
While other automakers offer air filtration systems in their vehicles, few can match the level of protection provided by Tesla's Bioweapon Defense Mode. For instance, the BMW X3, which was used in the previously mentioned experiment, does not offer a feature similar to Bioweapon Defense Mode. The experiment highlighted the stark contrast between Tesla's advanced air filtration system and the standard filtration systems found in other vehicles, emphasizing Tesla's commitment to innovation and passenger safety.
Tesla's Bioweapon Defense Mode is a groundbreaking feature demonstrating the company's dedication to passenger safety and well-being. By offering an advanced air filtration system capable of protecting occupants from various air pollutants, Tesla sets itself apart from other automakers in the industry. As air quality continues to be a significant concern worldwide, the Bioweapon Defense Mode is a valuable asset for Tesla owners, ensuring they can breathe clean and safe air inside their vehicles.
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest Tesla news, upcoming features and software updates.
After years of anticipation, the wait is over. Tesla's Robotaxi network officially launched with its first public rides for early access users in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, June 22nd.
The launch was a veritable firehose of new information, revealing everything from the booking process and in-car experience to new FSD features expected in the next version of FSD. Here’s a complete recap of everything we learned from what is sure to be a historic first day.
The Robotaxi App
The experience begins in a new, dedicated Robotaxi app. For now, access is invite-only and that app is not available in the App Store. Invitees received a special link to download the Apple-only app onto their device. Once you’re in the app, you’re asked to log in with your Tesla account, which will then bring over all your settings from the Tesla app, such as your profile photo and payment details.
While the app is only available for iPhone users today, an Android version is already confirmed to be in the works.
Booking a Trip
Once you’re in the app, you can set your destination and hail a ride. Once you have a ride booked, the app provides live tracking of the approaching Robotaxi, including its exact location and the estimated time of arrival.
One limitation noted by early-access testers is that the pickup point is currently fixed, and you can’t change it. The pick-up location will be relatively close to where you requested the ride, but some users noted having to walk up to a block to get to the pick-up location chosen by the app.
After initiating a ride, your phone will display a Live Activity, providing an auto-updating view of your taxi's location and ETA. This is similar to the Supercharger Live Activity that Tesla launched recently.
The Live Activities on iOS for the Robotaxi App
Joe Tegtmeyer on X
In-App Tips
While many early Robotaxi users are expected to be Tesla owners, Tesla is creating a user-friendly experience by offering in-app tips, such as how to open the Model Y doors.
When your ride arrives, its exterior lights pulse, letting you know this vehicle is picking up a passenger at the given location. This helps it differentiate between other Tesla vehicles on the road and other Robotaxis potentially dropping someone off at the same location.
The helpful tip on how to open the door handles.
@DirtyTesLa on X
The exterior lights pulse prompt in the app.
@DirtyTesLa on X
Information Synced to Robotaxi
To get that special Tesla touch of magic, once your vehicle arrives, it automatically syncs the rider’s personal vehicle details to the Robotaxi.
That means when you go to play Spotify, YouTube Music, or other media, you’re already signed in and it’s using the same account you use on your own personal Tesla. Even Netflix and other video services are signed in, so that you can start streaming them in the back seat.
The hub of the passenger experience, for now, is the 8-inch rear touchscreen of the new Model Y. The UI is clean and simple, displaying the trip map, estimated arrival time, and controls for media and climate.
The screen also provides passengers with access to key safety features, including a large “Pull Over” and “Support” button. For the early access program, a human Safety Monitor sits in the front passenger seat and has access to one additional control on the main screen - Stop in Lane.
Once you’re inside the vehicle and have fastened your seatbelt, the ride doesn’t begin immediately. You must tap the “Start Ride” button on either the rear passenger screen or within the Robotaxi app for the vehicle to start moving.
The Ride and Geofence
One of the most important questions is: How does it drive? The first impressions have been overwhelmingly positive. Early-access riders have mentioned that FSD’s performance is extremely smooth, noting that it handles turns, speed bumps, and stops with a new level of grace. While FSD V13 is already incredibly smooth, Tesla may have tweaked it for this Robotaxi version, or it could be taking things a little slower with the initial rollout.
Robotaxi slows down really nice for speed bumps. Extremely smooth stops as well pic.twitter.com/H8R2pXllWB
The service operates within a defined geofence in Austin, which initial reports suggest takes about 30 minutes to go from one side to the other.
Interestingly, you can actually book a trip that has a destination or start point outside the geofenced area. In these cases, the Robotaxi will simply take you to the edge of the service area or choose a pickup location that’s within the service area.
The current service area for Robotaxi
@SawyerMerritt on X
Robotaxi Command Center
The significance of this day hasn’t been lost on Tesla’s teams. Ashok Elluswamy, VP of AI, shared a photo from what appeared to be a launch party at the Robotaxi operations center.
The command center features various TVs showing real-time information from the active Robotaxis. According to what Musk shared a couple of weeks ago, Tesla planned to have 10 Robotaxis on the first day, which aligns with what is displayed on the list on one of the TVs.
Other TVs are showing live views from the Robotaxis’ cameras, displaying six of the vehicle’s cameras, which appear to include the front camera, repeaters, B-pillar cameras, and rear camera. The only cameras excluded appear to be the front bumper camera, the front-facing wide-angle camera, and the cabin camera.
Another TV is displaying a weather radar, while another is displaying a live view of the Robotaxi vehicles on a map. However, one of the most interesting is one near the middle, which is displaying Robotaxi statistics. The display shows that there have been 112 rides across 499 miles as of the time the photo was taken. Another statistic shows a value of 35, but it’s unclear what this number represents. Given the 10 expected Robotaxis, this likely has to do with how many users are queued for a ride, or includes active riders plus users waiting for a ride.
Many team members have also taken to X and commented on the significance and status of the launch, celebrating a decade’s worth of hard work finally coming to a culmination. While there’s still a lot of work to do, the launch is a huge first step to Tesla opening up its Robotaxi service to everyone and releasing FSD Unsupervised for customer-owned vehicles.
Check out this smooth start-to-finish ride from Sawyer Merritt:
Here is my experience (in 4K) from earlier today in one of the world's first ever public Tesla Robotaxi rides in Austin, Texas with FSD Unsupervised! No-one is in the driver seat and the safety monitor in the passenger seat does not have a steering or pedals.
Next up? We expect Tesla to open up rides to the general public and gradually expand its geofence area. There’s also a new FSD update coming that increases parameters by 4.5x, which should make the vehicles even smoother and more capable.
With the first Tesla Robotaxi rides starting shortly for early access users in Austin, Tesla has published a detailed set of rules for its first passengers.
They outline everything from who can ride to how you can behave in a car with no driver, and are designed to ensure safety. Tesla is using a safety monitor during the initial rollout phases, so the front passenger seat will not be available for customers.
Who Can Ride
Tesla has laid out clear guidelines on who is eligible to be a passenger, as well as some expected in-car conduct.
You must be at least 18 years old to book a ride and to ride alone. Riders are permitted to bring one guest, provided that the guest is also over the age of 18. You cannot book a ride for another person; the account holder must be present for the entire trip.
That’s all pretty straightforward, and we expect Tesla to relax some of the rules in the coming months. That means that once the safety monitor is gone, the number could increase to three or four.
How to Behave
All passengers must remain seated with their seatbelts fastened for the entire duration of the ride. There is a strict prohibition on smoking, vaping, or consuming alcohol or other drugs inside the vehicle.
Riders are also asked to be courteous and leave the Robotaxi in the same condition as they found it. Those who damage or dirty the vehicle may be charged an additional, currently unspecified fee after the ride.
Hands Off: Driverless Vehicle
This is where the rules get a bit more interesting, focusing on the unique fact that the Model Ys that Tesla is using still have driver controls.
Riders are prohibited from sitting in the front-left driver’s seat. Additionally, riders must not tamper with, modify, or attempt to physically manipulate any vehicle equipment, including the steering wheel and pedals.
Interestingly, Tesla also has a rule on reverse-engineering and intellectual property protection. While photos and videos of the experience are permitted, riders are prohibited from bringing onboard instruments or equipment intended to record, measure, or conduct surveillance on Robotaxi.
Service Animal Exception
For riders with disabilities, Tesla has outlined a specific policy. Only small service animals that are trained to work or perform tasks are permitted in the vehicle. No other pets are allowed.
However, riders are not required to provide proof; however, support may ask you to confirm that the animal is required due to a disability and what task it is trained to perform.
At this point, we’re not sure whether Tesla will allow non-service animals in its Robotaxi Network in the near future. It would make sense if they did - many people travel with their pets, or need to take them from one location to another - but for now, only service animals will be allowed.
Tesla is definitely taking a safety-first approach in the initial launch, and with the presence of the Safety Monitor, they’re being very cautious. There is a long way to go before the average person becomes comfortable with an autonomous vehicle with no one in the driver’s seat, and building public trust is a good first step.
![Tesla Officially Launches Robotaxi: Features, Command Center and First Impressions [VIDEO]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/img/containers/article_images/2025/robotaxi_rear_screen.jpg/bf5ea088bdebda8ca7e0aa1503b69f4e/robotaxi_rear_screen.jpg)
