Tesla is calling foul on those who are violating an agreement with the company. It’s all about using the electric vehicles to power owners’ homes.
In the wake of the devastating winter storms during which many Americans used their cars for warmth and power, some Tesla customers taking the next step – but that’s a no-no.
Tesla is voiding your warranty if you try to power your home with your car battery pack.
A Twitter account, @greentheonly, warned those trying it “DO NOT” put it out on social media. People were talking about using their Teslas for power on a Tesla owners Facebook group.
The warranty agreement is voided if the owner is found “using the vehicle as a stationary power source.”
Without trying to explain this too scientifically, let’s just say the process is complicated but not impossible.
Tesla vehicles are not necessarily intended for vehicle-to-grid or vehicle-to-home connectivity, there’s actually a way to power some devices using your Tesla vehicles: just grab your 2,000-watt inverter and plug it into your car’s 12-volt battery or the “penthouse” under the backseat.
But they’ll find you.
Example given, via Tesla owner Bob Schatz wo wrote on the Tesla Owners Club Portland Facebook group (via Green on Twitter):
“So if you are out of power from the storm you can power parts of your home from your car. here I’m using a 2,000 watt inverter from Harbour Freight for $170. Connect to your battery, the shorter the wires the better. Then I have an extension chord to my gas furnace to power the blower and furnace computer. That alone draws about 1,100 watts. Then I still have enough for my refrigerator and a few lights.”
Tesla found Shatz in violation of the warranty.
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