Tesla Adjusts 'Actually Smart Summon' to Mitigate Battery Drain

Covers infotainment, ADAS and software updates. Daily: Hyundai Ioniq 5. Project car: NB Miata with a homebrew CarPlay retrofit.
Tesla has made notable adjustments to its 'Actually Smart Summon' (ASS) feature in response to customer complaints about battery drain. This move highlights Tesla's commitment to enhancing user experience by fine-tuning its advanced vehicle features.
Tesla vehicles are celebrated for their cutting-edge features, such as Sentry Mode and Cabin Overheat Protection, which ensure the car remains alert and responsive to various conditions. However, these features come at the cost of battery life, particularly when the car is parked. Owners have reported battery losses of up to five percent, a significant concern for those without home charging facilities. Tesla has been actively addressing these issues, notably with updates to Sentry Mode that have reduced battery drain. The introduction of a 'Low Power Mode,' which deactivates certain features when battery levels fall below 20 percent, further demonstrates Tesla's ongoing efforts to optimize energy efficiency.
A feature associated with ASS, 'Summon Standby,' keeps the vehicle ready for quick connectivity, allowing owners to summon their car swiftly. However, this readiness results in continuous battery consumption. Previously, Summon Standby was automatically activated when the car was parked at home, requiring manual deactivation to conserve energy. Tesla has now implemented automatic deactivation conditions to alleviate this problem. According to a report by Not a Tesla App, Summon Standby will now auto-deactivate from midnight to 6 a.m., based on data indicating these are the least-used hours. Additionally, the feature will turn off if the vehicle remains parked for over 24 hours, a useful adjustment for scenarios like long-term airport parking.
These updates are similar in concept to the earlier introduced Low-Power Mode, which prioritizes battery conservation by disabling non-essential functions when the car's energy levels are critically low. By integrating these changes, Tesla demonstrates its responsiveness to user feedback and its commitment to sustainable practices. Owners have expressed appreciation for these updates, as they potentially extend the battery life during periods of inactivity, ensuring that energy is conserved without compromising the functionality of their vehicles.
The adjustments to the Summon Standby feature are part of Tesla's broader strategy to enhance its vehicle software and address customer concerns proactively. By relying on user data to inform these changes, Tesla not only improves its products but also strengthens customer trust and loyalty. This approach underscores Tesla's innovative edge in the automotive industry, where software updates can significantly enhance vehicle performance and user satisfaction.
Looking forward, Tesla's continuous improvement of its vehicle features aligns with its mission to lead the electric vehicle market through technological innovation. The company's ability to quickly adapt and refine its systems based on real-world usage data positions it favorably in the competitive automotive landscape. As Tesla continues to fine-tune its offerings, customers can expect further enhancements that will make owning a Tesla even more convenient and efficient.

About Noah Stein
Covers infotainment, ADAS and software updates. Daily: Hyundai Ioniq 5. Project car: NB Miata with a homebrew CarPlay retrofit.