Exciting News: Tesla Introduces New ‘Accessory Power’ Option to Re-Enable 12V Sockets

Recently, Tesla made headlines when it disabled power to its 12V sockets in their vehicles when no one was inside. This move affected all Tesla models, including the popular Model Y, and was aimed at preventing potential safety hazards caused by unauthorized modifications. However, this left many accessories, such as vehicle fridges, unusable as they relied on power from Sentry Mode.

Currently, Tesla vehicles deactivate the rear 12V sockets and USB ports when no occupant is detected, making it challenging to use certain accessories. The only workaround was to activate Camp Mode, but this came with its drawbacks, such as increased energy consumption.

This change also affected the USB power supplied through the vehicle’s ports, making it difficult for users to run accessories that require continuous power. The Model Y and Model X have a 12V socket in the rear left pillar, while the Model S and Model 3 only have USB ports and a front 12V socket. The Cybertruck stands out with its 110V sockets.

Introducing the New Accessory Power Feature

In a surprising turn of events, Tesla is now offering a new option called “Accessory Power” to restore access to the 12V sockets when the vehicle is turned off. This feature allows users to enable power to the 12V socket, rear plug (if equipped), and USB ports even when they are not in the vehicle.

To activate this feature, users need to enable the “Keep Accessory Power On” option in the vehicle settings under Controls > Charging. This enhancement provides a more efficient way to keep accessories powered without the need for Sentry Mode, which consumes a significant amount of energy.

Limitations and Release Date

It is important to note that the accessory power feature is only active when the option is enabled and the vehicle’s battery level is above 20%. Additionally, keeping this feature on may result in increased energy consumption, even when no devices are connected.

Although this feature was expected to be included in the 2025.8 update, it has not been rolled out yet. It is anticipated that it will be available in a future update, potentially in the upcoming Spring Update.

Tesla’s responsiveness to user feedback is evident in this new feature, showcasing their commitment to customer satisfaction. Users who heavily rely on accessory power can now enjoy the convenience of using their preferred accessories like fridges and laptops with ease.

If you are a frequent user of accessory power, share your primary use case with us. Whether it’s charging devices or running essential accessories during road trips, we welcome your input on how Tesla can further enhance this feature. Join the discussion on our forums or social media platforms.