Posted on 01/14/2022 7:31:00 AM PST by Red Badger
As you may have heard, Tesla Model Y and Model 3 owners in Canada are having issues with their cars' heat pumps. This is a major problem that could be life-threatening, so it needs to be addressed and fixed as soon as possible.
That said, Transport Canada has put the cars under an “Issue Assessment Investigation.” The investigation is specifically related to Tesla's HVAC systems and potential problems with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in frigid weather.
The government organization has not yet issued a recall. However, automakers must make Transport Canada aware of defects and potential safety concerns, and the information must be shared with all impacted owners.
Thus far, the organization has received at least 16 complaints from Model 3 and Y owners in Canada. As we previously reported, the complaints pertain to a lack of heat in extremely cold weather.
Transport Canada is working to figure out exactly what the issues are and whether or not they pose a real safety concern. However, at this point, according to a report by Teslarati, the organization's primary concern is the fact that the cars may not be able to appropriately clear the windshield for safe visibility. This is not only the ice or snow on the outside of the windshield, but also the "fog" that collects while driving, which can freeze and inhibit visibility.
We can only assume that Transport Canada also has concerns with the lack of heat, in general. However, Tesla owners can preheat their vehicles, make an effort to park them indoors, and use seat heaters for warmth. This isn't ideal, but it may assure that people remain relatively warm and safe while Tesla finalizes an over-the-air software update to correct the issue, which appears to have been caused by a previous firmware update.
Tesla's heat pump is a relatively new feature on the Model 3 and Model Y that's supposed to help in cold weather, especially related to range. However, if the software isn't working correctly in the coldest weather, it needs to be updated immediately.
Thankfully, Tesla is aware of the problem and working to fix it. In fact, Teslarati reported that a Tesla technician shared the following message on a Tesla Owner's Club forum:
“Tesla is taking this cold weather climate problem very seriously – they’re very worried about the safety of drivers and have definitely prioritized this issue.”
Hopefully, Tesla will be able to roll out the update ASAP. In the meantime, there's a chance a recall could happen. If you own a Model Y or Model 3 – and live in an area with cold weather – be sure to follow the necessary steps to remain safe and warm. You can find the most recent suggestions in the first article linked below. Moreover, if your windshield begins to fog up, pull off the road and clear it before continuing to drive.
Has Transport Canada put any Canadian crazy enough to buy an electric car (except a golf kart) under a “Mental Assessment Investigation”?
Solution: Wear a heavy coat and have a window scraper for the inside of the car and well as the outside. A tough sell when you are paying 50 grand for a car.
Hey, it is the nature of the beast — an electric car produces much less wasted energy in the form of heat. I bet that you run your battery down quickly by running an electric filament heater.
They could put a heat exchanger around the electric motor to capture the heat..................
“Pull over and clear window before you drive!”
Well without a reliable source of heat it’s pretty darn hard to keep the windshield in a car from fogging and freezing up in really cold climates. Who didn’t see this coming?
Guess they could roll down the windows and let the temperature equalize on both sides of the glass, that should clear it right up!🥶
Notice that the left keeps after Tesla. They are non-union and cannot be allowed to thrive and yet they do.
Tesla’s appear to be best served where the temp stays as consistent as possible year round with no chances of power outages or rolling blackouts.
San Diego weather without the California politicians
Is there such a fairy tale land somewhere?
Well, that issue has taken a back burner now that the new goal is self-driving by GPS.
Yes, it’s called FLORIDA...................
Teslas are built for the parts of California where it doesn’t freeze. Yet to be seen how EVs perform over the long run in cold climates. Suspect the batteries will run down fast and will wear out from frequent recharges. Simply would not depend on an EV if mandatory driving required more than 100 miles even with a “full” charge.
Then there is a recharge cycle. I can “recharge” my gasoline powered car in minutes whereas an EV takes hours.
Yes, it’s called FLORIDA.................
BINGO !!
:)
Not sure I want to be in a Tesla in a Thunderstorm.
I’ve observed in years past that electric cars need a Webasto cabin heater with a 1-2 gallon diesel tank to provide extreme cold weather heating ability.
Is there enough heat? Electric motors by design have to be very efficient. The battery charge lasts longer that way.
““Tesla is taking this cold weather climate problem very seriously”
They’re just becoming aware of the problem?
Also wow, the car has a heat pump! Not saying it’s bad idea but hadn’t heard that. Suppose that means a separate electric motor for it.
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