Getting the most range out of your Tesla means understanding which settings actually save battery — and which ones are myths. This guide covers chill mode, cruise control, energy saving mode, and other practical tips that genuinely help you maximise efficiency.
Does chill mode save battery on a Tesla?
Yes — modestly. Chill mode limits acceleration to a gentler rate, which reduces energy consumption in stop-start driving. Instead of the full torque being available instantly, chill mode softens the power delivery, resulting in:
- 5–10% less energy used in urban driving with frequent acceleration
- Minimal difference on motorways at constant speed — once you are cruising, acceleration mode does not matter
- Less tyre wear — gentler acceleration is easier on tyres, which indirectly helps efficiency
Chill mode is most effective for city driving. If you spend most of your time on motorways, it will not make a meaningful difference to range.
To enable it: Controls → Pedals & Steering → Acceleration → Chill.
Does cruise control save battery on a Tesla?
Yes — cruise control is one of the most effective battery-saving features. It maintains a constant speed and avoids the energy spikes caused by human speed variation. On a motorway journey:
- Autopilot / Traffic-Aware Cruise Control typically uses 5–15% less energy than manual driving at the same speed
- The car optimises regenerative braking and avoids unnecessary acceleration
- Maintaining a steady 60 mph instead of varying between 55–70 mph makes a significant difference over a long journey
The biggest factor is speed itself. Air resistance increases exponentially with speed. Cruising at 60 mph uses roughly 20–25% less energy than cruising at 70 mph.
What is energy saving mode?
Energy saving mode (found in some Tesla software versions under Controls → Display → Energy Saving) reduces background processes to save battery while parked. When enabled, it:
- Puts the car to sleep faster when parked
- Reduces the frequency of background connectivity checks
- Disables some convenience features (like instant climate pre-conditioning response)
This primarily helps reduce vampire drain — the slow battery loss that occurs while the car is parked. Typical vampire drain without energy saving is 1–3 miles per day; with energy saving enabled, this can drop to under 1 mile per day.
Note: in newer software versions, Tesla has largely automated these optimisations, and a separate energy saving toggle may not appear. The car manages sleep states intelligently by default.
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Check your real-world winter range →More practical battery saving tips
Regenerative braking
Keep regenerative braking on the Standard setting (not reduced). One-pedal driving recovers energy every time you lift off the accelerator, which is especially effective in city driving. Some Tesla owners report 15–20% better efficiency with one-pedal driving in urban conditions.
Tyre pressure
Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and reduce range. Check pressures monthly and keep them at Tesla's recommended levels (typically 42 PSI / 2.9 bar for Model 3 and Model Y). Even 5 PSI below recommended can reduce range by 3–5%.
Pre-condition while plugged in
Use the Tesla app to pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin while the car is still plugged in. This uses mains electricity instead of battery power, so you leave with a warm cabin and full range. This is especially important in winter — cabin heating can use 2–4 kW, which significantly impacts range if drawn from the battery.
Limit unnecessary Sentry Mode
Sentry Mode uses approximately 250–350 watts continuously, draining 1–2% per hour. Exclude trusted locations (home, work) to avoid unnecessary battery drain overnight.
Charge to 80% for daily use
Setting your daily charge limit to 80% (for LFP batteries, 100% is fine) preserves long-term battery health and ensures the battery operates in its most efficient range. Only charge to 100% before long trips.
Summary: what actually saves battery
| Setting / habit | Energy saving | When it matters most |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise control at 60 mph | 15–25% | Motorway journeys |
| Regenerative braking (Standard) | 15–20% | City driving |
| Chill mode | 5–10% | Urban stop-start |
| Correct tyre pressure | 3–5% | Always |
| Pre-condition while plugged in | 5–10% | Cold weather |
| Energy saving mode / disable Sentry at home | 1–3 miles/day | While parked |
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Order with referral link →Frequently asked questions
Does chill mode save battery on a Tesla Model 3?
Yes. Chill mode works the same on all Tesla models. On a Model 3, expect 5–10% better efficiency in city driving. On motorways the difference is negligible since acceleration rate does not affect cruising consumption.
Does Tesla cruise control use more battery than manual driving?
No — the opposite. Cruise control typically uses less battery than manual driving because it maintains a constant speed and avoids inefficient speed variations. Autopilot is even slightly more efficient due to optimised acceleration and braking patterns.
What drains a Tesla battery the most?
Speed is the single biggest factor. Driving at 70 mph uses roughly 25% more energy than 60 mph. After that, cabin heating in winter (2–4 kW), Sentry Mode while parked (~300W), and aggressive acceleration all contribute significantly.