American electric automaker Tesla has launched a major update to its range calculation system to include “battery age” as it seeks to deliver more accurate predictions for its owners.
Range prediction challenges
Accurately calculating electric vehicles‘ driving range remains a challenge for most automakers, considering the multiple factors they need to consider such as driving conditions, battery degradation, and temperature.
In that sense, Tesla continues to work to offer the most efficient long-range models since its launch in the electric vehicle industry. However, the Musk-led company is still having a hard time calculating the energy consumption of its electric vehicles on every trip.
For context, Tesla’s navigation system provides drivers with an estimated remaining range at their destination. However, range prediction might differ from the EPA range. Nonetheless, drivers do not need to worry about range anxiety as long as the prediction stays true.
Tesla intensified its efforts to provide more accurate range prediction over the past few years, including the introduction of “crosswind, headwind, humidity and ambient temperature” in a software update in 2022. It then introduced tire pressure to the list of factors. In 2023, the company disclosed all factors that apparently affect its range prediction.
Now, Tesla has considered a new crucial factor in its range calculation, which is the battery age.
Range calculation system update
Tesla’s latest update in its range calculation system is under the new 2024.2.6 software version, as spotted by Not A Tesla App.
With this software update, Tesla vehicles will integrate extra factors associated with battery aging into the vehicles’ estimated range calculations. Some of these include individual battery degradation patterns, real-time environmental conditions, and driving behavior.
In effect, the provided range will now comprise the battery’s age and its impact on the energy storage capacity.
“Your estimated battery range now incorporates additional characteristics related to battery aging over time.”
Tesla
Pre-conditioning time monitoring
Apart from the battery age consideration, Tesla has also launched a new feature that notifies owners about the necessary pre-conditioning time for the battery before arriving at a Supercharger station.
Once the driver enters a Supercharger location into the navigation system, the Tesla EV starts to pre-condition its battery for more efficient charging.
It is part of the American electric vehicle giant’s efforts to optimize charging efficiency and minimize charging time, alleviating range anxiety among its owners. It highlights Tesla’s strong commitment to continuously improve its electric vehicle technology to ensure customers’ satisfaction and avoid range concerns.
