Friday, December 27, 2024

2024 TESLA FRIDGE AND TESLA CAR

Design and Build Quality

The Tesla Fridge - 35L Refrigerator has been meticulously designed to complement the Model Y's design aesthetics and maximize storage efficiency. With its sleek exterior, the fridge fits snugly into the sub-trunk space, which is a storage compartment beneath the vehicle's rear trunk. This innovative design not only ensures the fridge remains securely in place but also maintains the vehicle's clean and modern look without intruding on the cabin or cargo area.

The fridge’s 35-liter capacity provides ample space for keeping food and drinks cool. Despite its compact size, it is robust and designed to withstand the demands of travel. The materials used in its construction are durable and able to handle the temperatures within the fridge, ensuring longevity and reliability over time. The design feels premium, mirroring the high standards Tesla is known for in their electric vehicles.

Cooling Performance

One of the most important features of any refrigerator is its cooling performance, and the Tesla Fridge doesn’t disappoint. The fridge is equipped with a high-quality compressor that is capable of chilling items quickly and efficiently. It has an impressive temperature range, capable of cooling from 50°F down to -4°F. This allows it to handle both refrigeration and freezing needs, making it versatile for a wide range of items, from beverages to frozen foods.

In terms of performance, the Tesla Fridge cools down items within about 30 minutes, a fast and effective cooling time for a unit of its size. Users have found it particularly useful during long road trips or outings, as it maintains the freshness of perishables and keeps drinks cold, even under the heat of summer. Whether on a cross-country adventure or a weekend camping trip, the fridge ensures that essential items like snacks and beverages remain at an ideal temperature.

Power Efficiency and Usage

The Tesla Fridge is designed to be energy-efficient, consuming roughly 0.9 kWh per day. This makes it a suitable option for long-term use in a vehicle without draining the battery too quickly. It draws power from the Model Y's 12V accessory power outlet, which can easily be connected to the fridge. However, there are important considerations regarding Tesla’s software and power management.

Tesla’s latest software updates, particularly those affecting power outlets when the vehicle is unoccupied, have made it necessary for some users to activate Camp Mode in their vehicles. Camp Mode ensures that the 12V outlet remains powered on while the car is stationary, allowing the fridge to continue operating even when the vehicle is not in use. This can be a crucial aspect for users who plan to keep the fridge running overnight or during long stops. Without activating Camp Mode, the fridge may be turned off automatically to conserve power, potentially disrupting its operation.

While the power consumption is relatively low, owners should be mindful of their vehicle’s overall battery life when using the fridge for extended periods, especially in remote locations where charging stations may not be readily available.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Installation and Setup

User Feedback and Real-World Experience

In terms of user feedback, the Tesla Fridge has received generally positive reviews. Owners appreciate its seamless integration into the Model Y and the convenience it offers. The fridge’s cooling performance has been praised, particularly for keeping beverages cold during long trips. The app-based control system has also received favorable remarks for adding an extra layer of usability and convenience.

However, some users have mentioned a few challenges, mainly related to the power supply. Due to recent software updates that have affected the 12V outlet's availability when the vehicle is unoccupied, some users have found it necessary to keep the vehicle in Camp Mode to prevent the fridge from turning off. While this is a minor inconvenience, it is a relatively easy workaround that ensures the fridge remains operational for those who need it most.

Price and Value

Conclusion


 

Whether you're heading for a road trip, a day at the beach, camping adventure or simply need to keep your groceries fresh, this fridge has you covered. The 1.75" insulation, 50% thicker than standard consumer-level fridges, ensures superior insulation and quick stabilization to your desired temperature. 

 

Our Model Y fridge offers versatility in power options, including a 12V power cable for easy plug-and-play convenience. Simply connect it to the 12V port on the left side of your Model Y trunk, and you're ready to experience efficient cooling wherever you go.  At your campsite, the fridge can be powered external to the Tesla using any standard 45W DC 12/24V source (via included cigarette lighter adapter).  

 

Our Model 3 fridge includes a 12V power cable for easy plug-and-play convenience. Simply route the wire to the front cigarette (in the car) lighter via our included long cable,  and you're ready to experience efficient cooling wherever you go.  At your campsite, the fridge can be powered external to the Tesla using any standard 45W DC 12/24V source (via included cigarette lighter adapter).  

 

With Sentry Mode activated, your Tesla remains locked, and the trunk 12V battery remains active, ensuring continuous power supply to the fridge. We conducted a test with the fridge set at -2°C while Sentry Mode was active, leaving it in the car overnight for 12 hours. The outcome revealed a mere 2% reduction in electricity consumption. This clearly highlights that the primary power usage is attributed to Sentry Mode drawing power from the car, not the fridge.

 

Now, here’s the part where I get to talk about Elon Musk’s infamous “Autopilot with Full Self-Driving.” With the system set to its most comprehensive setting, allowing it to “drive itself” to the fullest of its abilities, I tested it on both normal and stop-and-go roads and highways. For the most part, it works well. It keeps itself in a lane perfectly, it shows you exactly what it sees and what it’s doing, it can stop at red lights, and it can follow traffic just fine. I also like that it tells you why it’s doing certain things, like, for example, changing into a faster lane to better match your desired speed, which I appreciate. 

 


The Model 3’s closest competitor, in terms of price, performance, and quality, is probably the aforementioned Hyundai Ioniq 6. The BMW i4 is much nicer inside and the better sports sedan but it’s significantly more expensive, with a starting price north of $60,000 for a dual-motor car. The Polestar 2 is pushing 60 grand if you’d like the AWD version. Meanwhile, Hyundai will sell you a fully loaded Ioniq 6 Limited with a dual-motor powertrain for under $55,000 before incentives. Its only downside is being low on range compared to the Model 3, with just 270 miles compared to the Tesla’s 341. However, Hyundais will be able to use Tesla’s Supercharger network starting in Q4 of this year. 


More important than range, though, is charge speed. If you can charge up quickly and conveniently, outright, full-charge range becomes less of a concern. And there’s no easier charging solution than Tesla’s Superchargers. They just work brilliantly. If you’ve ever fussed with an Electrify America station, you know that charging any other electric car can be maddening. You plug the car in, wait for the station to connect, either link your account or pay with a card, wait again for it all to initialize, then it starts charging. It is routinely a multi-minute process before electrons even begin flowing. And that’s if it actually works properly, which is far from a guarantee. However, there’s no fuss with a Supercharger. You simply plug in and walk away. When you’re done, you press the button on the charging handle or a button on the interior screen, charging stops, and you unplug and drive away. 

     Value and Verdict

The 2024 Tesla Model 3 is fundamentally a good car. It’s quick, handles well enough, and has great range. However, it also comes with a lot of aggravating baggage. Just unlocking the car is annoying, having to either trust the mobile app to work properly or use the little keycard (which does not act like a keyless entry fob, you have to tap it against the B-pillar). It also feels as cheap as a ‘90s Corolla inside. Now that mainstream automakers have electric sports sedans, the only advantages the Model 3 has are range and charging—which, admittedly, are a couple of big, big advantages. But as more and more automakers switch over to the NACS port and gain Supercharger access, the latter advantage is about to become moot. 

Everything great about the Model 3 inherently—its smooth electric power, decent handling, and gas-free driving—can also be said about the Hyundai Ioniq 6. And while the Hyundai lacks the Tesla’s outright range, it’s more affordable, has a much nicer interior, comes with a far better warranty, and has a much wider dealer network (a quick search shows 820 Hyundai dealers in the U.S. versus 240 Tesla stores). Subjectively, I also think it looks far more interesting.

The Model 3’s importance to the market can’t be overstated, as it was a game-changer when it first came out in 2017. But since then, the competition has caught up and its luster is lost. Unless you simply must have the electric compact sedan with the most range, it’s hard to see why anyone would buy one over the current, and future, competition

Space and Practicality: Despite its compact size, the Model 3 offers a surprising amount of interior space. The cabin feels airy, with ample headroom and legroom for front passengers. Rear seating is also comfortable, though adults might find the space a little tight for longer trips.
New Features:A new LED strip across the dashboard provides ambient lighting.
The cabin is quieter than before, thanks to acoustic laminated glass and better noise isolation.
Rear passengers now have access to their own touchscreen to control climate settings and entertainment, such as Netflix and YouTube.

Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD): The Long Range model comes with dual motors for enhanced performance and grip, providing excellent handling.
Performance Trim: The top-tier model delivers outstanding acceleration (0-60 mph in under 3.1 seconds), making it one of the quickest electric cars in its class.
Handling: The suspension is stiff yet well-calibrated, delivering a smooth yet sporty ride. The car feels planted in corners, and the all-wheel-drive system provides confidence in various weather conditions.
Adaptive Dampers: The Performance trim includes adaptive dampers that automatically adjust to the road conditions, ensuring both comfort and control.

Software Updates: Tesla’s over-the-air updates ensure that the Model 3 constantly improves over time, with new features and performance enhancements being pushed regularly.
Driver Assistance and Autopilot:The car comes standard with Tesla's suite of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist.
Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving options are available for those seeking more advanced features, including self-parking and automatic lane changing.
Entertainment and Connectivity:
Tesla’s in-car entertainment system includes streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify, along with games and video streaming options for passengers.

Charging: The Model 3 supports Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, allowing for fast charging on long trips. Superchargers can add up to 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes of charging.
Home Charging: For daily use, the Model 3 is compatible with standard home chargers, allowing users to recharge overnight at home.
Energy Efficiency: Thanks to its aerodynamics and electric drivetrain, the Model 3 remains one of the most energy-efficient electric vehicles on the market, with a competitive MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) rating.

2024 Tesla Model 3 Specs RWD Long Range AWD
Base Price (as tested) $40,630 $48,880 ($57,130)
Powertrain single-motor rear-wheel drive | 57.5-kWh battery dual-motor all-wheel drive | 82-kWh battery
Horsepower 271 394
Torque 310 lb-ft 377 lb-ft
Seating Capacity 5 <<
Curb Weight 3,891 pounds 4,030 pounds
Cargo Volume 21.0 cubic feet | 3.1 cubic feet (frunk) <<
0-60 mph 5.8 seconds 4.2 seconds
Top Speed 125 mph <<
Max Charging Speed 170 kW 250 kW
EPA Range 272 miles 341 miles
Quick Take The Model 3 is still a good car but, now that its competition has caught up, it isn’t as special as it used to be.
Score 7/10

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