Sometimes, you need to charge a few USB-powered devices in your car while you’re out and about. Maybe your phone or wireless headphones have a low battery, or you’ve got a tablet or laptop that you need to use later and won’t have power.
You can leave your devices charging in your vehicle by making sure the USB ports stay powered on, but there are a few things to know.
Keeping USB Ports Powered
Power to USB ports are normally powered off when the vehicle goes to sleep after about 15 minutes of inactivity. However, there are some things you can do to keep the USB ports powered. If you activate Sentry Mode, Keep Climate, Dog Mode, or Camp Mode, then power to the vehicle’s USB ports will also remain on. Keep in mind that all of these modes will consume power themselves, so if your only goal is to charge your device, then you’ll likely want to use Sentry Mode so that the HVAC doesn’t stay running.
In most modes, you can keep your vehicle locked and secure while your devices charge off either the USB ports in the front console, the USB-A port in the glovebox, or the USB ports behind the center armrest. Some of these ports may be USB-A or USB-C depending on the model and year of your vehicle.
What Not to Use
Camp Mode keeps the vehicle unlocked. While it’s a good choice if you’ll be around the vehicle, avoid it if you want your vehicle to stay locked. Camp Mode will also keep the climate system enabled and the display on.
Locking Your Vehicle
If you’re charging a phone that is also a phone key for your vehicle, then you'll want to be sure to turn off Bluetooth on your device or disable the phone key feature, or else your vehicle won’t lock. You can disable Phone Key by navigating to Security & Drivers in the Tesla app and turning off the Phone Key option. Whichever method you use, you’ll need to keep two things in mind. Be sure to lock your vehicle with another phone or with the buttons on the screen, and make sure you have your Tesla key card with you so that you can get back in.
Cybertruck
The Cybertruck in particular has one additional option – it’s equipped with 120V and 240V outlets – the same type you’ll find in your home in North America. The 240V outlet located in the bed can also be left running when you’re out of the vehicle – and all these outlets can be powered while the vehicle is locked.
In order to get these running, you’ll want to go into Vehicle Controls > Outlets & Mods, and then enable the “Keep On Cabin and Bed Outlets”. One thing to note is that power to the outlets is disabled automatically if the vehicle is plugged in (even if not charging), or if ambient temperatures are exceedingly low.
Tesla doesn’t state what the minimum temperature is, but if you know, give us a shout on social media!
The first Robotaxi prototype has been spotted, with a hefty layer of camouflage over its body – at the Warner Bros. Studios, where the Robotaxi event is expected to occur. This news comes right after Tesla recently announced that a stock draw was going to take place for Robotaxi event tickets.
Tesla has already begun to gather data in the WB Studio area using its Robotaxi mules – but this is the first actual Robotaxi prototype we’ve seen. The mule vehicles have been Model 3s with odd-shaped camera mounts in the rear windows – which appear to approximately line up with the shape of the new vehicle that’s rolling around the studio streets today.
Robotaxi Prototype
The prototype itself appears to be roughly the same size and shape as the Robotaxi Concepts that we’ve seen, along with a box in the back to maybe make its shape harder to discern. Of course, the Tesla-like headlights, aero caps, and curves are fairly obvious to the seasoned observer, and it looks like a compact Model Y.
Most interestingly, it seems that Tesla has camouflaged this vehicle to try and prevent people from discerning what it is – but astute Tesla fans on Reddit have noted seeing this vehicle and several others wrapped in eye-catching bright yellow, along with fake body panels.
@philroberts
It seems the prototypes have two doors and steering wheels, at least currently. In a now-deleted comment, a Reddit user also mentioned they caught sight of a straight and solid rear lightbar, similar to the Cybertruck—and perhaps the leaked Model Y Juniper that was seen last month.
Unlike the Cybertruck event – where the “unbreakable” windows shattered on stage, Tesla appears to be putting a lot of effort into preparing for this event and making sure everything goes right. It definitely feels like attendees will get to experience calling for a Robotaxi and getting a ride at the Warner Bros. studio, which will make this unlike any other Tesla event before.'
We’re looking forward to seeing all the cool things Tesla will reveal at the upcoming Robotaxi event – which is on October 10th. If you haven’t already signed up to be included in the random drawing for tickets, be sure to sign up soon, as entries for the drawing close on Tuesday, September 17th!
Tesla has announced that it will be doubling the annual openings of its Destination Charging Network.
Destination Chargers are located at hotels, restaurants, parking garages, and other locations where you’ll be likely to spend several hours using a facility. These are all level 2 chargers, providing you with a chance to plug in, charge, and relax while you’re on a trip.
Today, Tesla has over 40,000 Wall Connectors installed at its destination charging sites – and it is planning to continue increasing that number.
Tesla previously announced back in 2023 that it was partnering with Hilton Hotels to equip 2,000 hotels across the United States, Canada, and Mexico with a staggering 20,000 Universal Wall Connectors – which are capable of charging any EVs – not just Teslas. Many of these locations are already on track to be installed or have been installed – as the plan began in early 2024.
Destination Charging
Destination charging locations are available through your vehicle navigation – they appear as either one-bolt or two-bolt chargers at many locations. While destination charging isn’t as fast as Supercharging, you can pick up a full charge overnight at a hotel with destination charging, or top off your charge with a 1-hour dinner at a restaurant. Most destination chargers will be 11.5 kW or 9.6 kW, which will charge about 35-44 miles every hour, depending on your model.
11.5 kW (48 amps)
9.6 kW (40 amps)
Model S
41
34
Model 3
44
37
Model X
35
29
Model Y
44
37
With its Certified Installers program, Tesla also partners with local companies to get Tesla destination or urban chargers installed into environments. The Certified Installers program allows businesses to quickly find and work with Tesla-certified electricians and contractors who will be able to install the correct charging solution – and once it's enabled – make it show up within vehicle navigation.
Cost & Charging
Using a Destination Charger is as simple as plugging your vehicle in, in most cases. Some locations may charge to use them, and the Tesla app will get you squared away with automatic recognition and billing – just like using a Supercharger. One item of note is that Destination Charging prices are set by the location owner – not Tesla – so prices may vary. Many businesses use them as a way to attract customers and offer free charging.
Destination Charging is a fantastic solution for EV drivers to get from location to location without relying on Level 3 charging stops if they’re taking it slow. It also serves as a way for urban areas to get charging added to parking garages, theaters, restaurants, and other locations.
The best part about Destination Charging installs is that because its Level 2 charging for the most part – it only requires 48-amp services, which doesn’t require special infrastructure like a Supercharger does. This means that most businesses can install it fairly easily and without a big bill. We look forward to seeing Tesla’s 40,000 sites rapidly expand to the next big marker – 50,000, and then 100,000.
