To: Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and Drew Baglino, CTO of Tesla
Tesla Lithium 12v support
Tesla’s internal 12v electronics (screen, stereo, etc.) draw their power from a 12v battery charger that only supports failure-prone lead acid batteries, not most lithium batteries. Sign this petition if you’d like to see a future Tesla update that provides an option for lithium 12v battery charging, which would allow for a much more reliable and upgradable 12v electrical system for Tesla vehicles.
Why is this important?
Petition requesting full 12v lithium charging support for Tesla Vehicles:
Even though Tesla’s electric motors use lithium batteries, which are among the best in the world, Tesla doesn’t support lithium charging for its 12v internal electronics. It should.
Why 12v Lithium Matters
Tesla owners deal with frequent failure of the 12v battery because Tesla uses outdated lead acid batteries that can barely support the car’s basic functions, let alone support after market upgrades (e.g. power inverters for camping, stereos, tow winches, and other high current upgrades). Lithium batteries live much longer, prevent failure, and support high current accessories.
Why Teslas Don’t Yet Fully Charge 12v Lithiums
Currently, Tesla vehicles will assume that the 12v battery is lead acid, even if you install a high quality lithium 12v battery. This results in a constantly under-charged lithium battery, but the fix would be simple for Tesla to implement through a firmware update.
Charging a Bit Longer Would Support Lithium
Tesla cars already charge at a voltage that works for lithium (14.8 v), but the car’s internal charger will only charge a 12v battery to a level considered “full” for a lead acid battery (roughly 12.6v). But compared to lead acid, lithium batteries aren’t fully charged until they reach a higher voltage (roughly 13.4v). In fact, what is considered full for a lead acid battery (12.6v) is actually a low state of charge for a lithium battery. As a result, Tesla vehicles prematurely stop charging 12v lithium and won’t adequately maintain lithium 12v batteries unless lithium support is implemented.
An On-Screen Option Could Fix the Problem
A firmware update could add a simple toggle switch in a menu to select “Lead Acid” or “Lithium” for the 12v battery charging profile. By default, the setting would be set to “Lead Acid,” since that’s appropriate for the stock 12v battery. But having the option for “Lithium” would allow owners to take full advantage of their upgraded lithium 12v batteries. It would also facilitate lithium upgrades for owners who have not yet upgraded.
Current Work-Around Until Requested Update
Until Tesla implements the 12v lithium support described here, the only way to keep an aftermarket lithium 12v battery fully charged is to use an external charger. That entails buying such a charger and leaving it plugged in overnight in order to pick up where the car’s charger leaves off. This should not be necessary.
Tesla cars are more than capable of fully charging lithium 12v batteries, and owners should be able to access that potential. Please sign!
Even though Tesla’s electric motors use lithium batteries, which are among the best in the world, Tesla doesn’t support lithium charging for its 12v internal electronics. It should.
Why 12v Lithium Matters
Tesla owners deal with frequent failure of the 12v battery because Tesla uses outdated lead acid batteries that can barely support the car’s basic functions, let alone support after market upgrades (e.g. power inverters for camping, stereos, tow winches, and other high current upgrades). Lithium batteries live much longer, prevent failure, and support high current accessories.
Why Teslas Don’t Yet Fully Charge 12v Lithiums
Currently, Tesla vehicles will assume that the 12v battery is lead acid, even if you install a high quality lithium 12v battery. This results in a constantly under-charged lithium battery, but the fix would be simple for Tesla to implement through a firmware update.
Charging a Bit Longer Would Support Lithium
Tesla cars already charge at a voltage that works for lithium (14.8 v), but the car’s internal charger will only charge a 12v battery to a level considered “full” for a lead acid battery (roughly 12.6v). But compared to lead acid, lithium batteries aren’t fully charged until they reach a higher voltage (roughly 13.4v). In fact, what is considered full for a lead acid battery (12.6v) is actually a low state of charge for a lithium battery. As a result, Tesla vehicles prematurely stop charging 12v lithium and won’t adequately maintain lithium 12v batteries unless lithium support is implemented.
An On-Screen Option Could Fix the Problem
A firmware update could add a simple toggle switch in a menu to select “Lead Acid” or “Lithium” for the 12v battery charging profile. By default, the setting would be set to “Lead Acid,” since that’s appropriate for the stock 12v battery. But having the option for “Lithium” would allow owners to take full advantage of their upgraded lithium 12v batteries. It would also facilitate lithium upgrades for owners who have not yet upgraded.
Current Work-Around Until Requested Update
Until Tesla implements the 12v lithium support described here, the only way to keep an aftermarket lithium 12v battery fully charged is to use an external charger. That entails buying such a charger and leaving it plugged in overnight in order to pick up where the car’s charger leaves off. This should not be necessary.
Tesla cars are more than capable of fully charging lithium 12v batteries, and owners should be able to access that potential. Please sign!