Model Y has one of the most sophisticated battery systems
in the world. The most important way to preserve the high
voltage Battery is to LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE PLUGGED IN
when you are not using it. This is particularly important if you
are not planning to drive Model Y for several weeks.
NOTE: When left idle and unplugged, your vehicle
periodically uses energy from the Battery for system tests
and recharging the low voltage battery when necessary.
There is no advantage to waiting until the Battery’s level is
low before charging. In fact, the Battery performs best when
charged regularly.
NOTE: If you allow the Battery to discharge to 0%, other
components may become damaged or require replacement
(for example, the low voltage battery). In these cases, you are
responsible for repair and/or transporting expenses.
Discharge-related expenses are not covered by the warranty
or under the Roadside Assistance policy.
The peak charging rate of the Battery may decrease slightly
after a large number of DC Fast Charging sessions, such as
those at Superchargers. To ensure maximum driving range
and Battery safety, the Battery charge rate is decreased
when the Battery is too cold, the Battery’s charge is nearly
full, and when the Battery conditions change with usage and
age. These changes in the condition of the Battery are driven
by battery physics and may increase the total Supercharging
duration by a few minutes over time. You can minimize the
amount of charge time by using Trip Planner (if available in
your market region) to warm the Battery while driving to a
Supercharger. See
Trip Planner on page 148 for more
information.
Battery Care
Never allow the Battery to fully discharge.
Even when Model Y is not being driven, its Battery
discharges very slowly to power the onboard electronics. The
Battery can discharge at a rate of approximately 1% per day,
though the discharge rate may vary depending on
environmental factors (such as cold weather), vehicle
configuration, and your selected settings on the
touchscreen. Situations can arise in which you must leave
Model Y unplugged for an extended period of time (for
example, at an airport when traveling). In these situations,
keep the 1% in mind to ensure that you leave the Battery with
a sufficient charge level. For example, over a two week period
(14 days), the Battery may discharge by approximately 14%.
Discharging the Battery to 0% may result in damage to
vehicle components. To protect against a complete
discharge,
Model Y enters a low-power consumption mode
when the displayed charge level drops to approximately 0%.
In this mode, the Battery stops supporting the onboard
electronics and auxiliary low voltage battery. Once this low-
power consumption mode is active, immediately plug in
Model Y to prevent a jump start and low voltage battery
replacement.
NOTE:
If Model Y is unresponsive and does not unlock, open,
or charge, the low voltage battery may be discharged. In this
situation, try jump starting the low voltage battery (see Jump
Starting on page 214). If the vehicle is still unresponsive, use
the mobile app to schedule a service appointment.
Temperature Limits
For better long-term performance, avoid exposing Model Y
to ambient temperatures above 60° C or below -30° C for
more than 24 hours at a time.
Energy Saving Feature
Model Y has an energy-saving feature that reduces the
amount of energy being consumed by the displays when
Model Y is not in use. On newer vehicles, this feature is
automated to provide an optimal level of energy saving.
However, on older vehicles, you can control the amount of
energy being consumed by the displays by touching
Controls
> Display > Energy Saving. For more information on
maximizing range and saving energy, see Getting Maximum
Range on page 167.
Submerged Vehicle
As with any vehicle, if your Tesla has been exposed to
flooding, extreme weather events or has otherwise been
submerged in water (especially in salt water), treat it as if it’s
been in an accident. See
Submerged Vehicle Guidance on
page 217 for more information.
NOTE: Damage caused by water is not covered under
warranty.
Battery Warnings and Cautions
WARNING: The high voltage system must be serviced
only by a trained technician. Under no circumstances
should you open or tamper with the Battery. Do not
disassemble, remove or replace high voltage
components, cables or connectors. High voltage
cables are typically colored orange for easy
identification.
CAUTION: If the Battery’s charge level falls to 0%, you
must plug it in. If you leave it unplugged for an
extended period, it may not be possible to charge or
use Model Y without jump starting or replacing the low
voltage battery. Leaving Model Y unplugged for an
extended period can also result in permanent Battery
damage. If you are unable to charge Model Y after
attempting to jump start the low voltage battery,
schedule a service appointment.
CAUTION: The Battery requires no owner maintenance.
Do not remove the coolant filler cap and do not add
fluid. If the touchscreen warns you that the fluid level is
low, use the mobile app to schedule a service
appointment.
High Voltage Battery Information
157Charging and Energy Consumption