During the cold winter months, Tesla owners may notice a blue snowflake icon next to the battery indicator on their vehicle’s touchscreen and in the Tesla app. This icon is not just a design choice; it provides crucial information about the battery’s state, especially in cold weather conditions.
Interpreting the Blue Snowflake Icon
The blue snowflake indicates that the battery is too cold to operate at full power and range. This can result in reduced regenerative braking, acceleration, and range, as well as slower charging, particularly at Superchargers. Tesla implements this feature to protect the battery from damage in cold temperatures, as lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to extreme temperatures.
Extent of Battery Affected
In the Tesla app, the blue portion of the battery icon represents the unusable part of the battery due to cold temperatures. By accessing the Charging section in settings, users can see the restricted capacity visually. The larger the blue section, the more restricted the battery capacity.
Impact on Range and Restoration
The displayed range already considers the portion of the battery affected by cold temperatures. As the battery warms up through driving, charging, or preconditioning, the additional range becomes accessible, and the blue snowflake disappears. Achieving normal operating temperature is essential to unlock the temporarily restricted range.
Prevention and Mitigation
To prevent the blue snowflake icon, Tesla recommends keeping the vehicle plugged in, maintaining a charge level above 20% when unplugged, storing the vehicle in a garage, and using preconditioning before driving. These practices can enhance battery performance and reduce the impact of cold weather on the vehicle.
By following these guidelines and incorporating preheating, Tesla owners can optimize their vehicle’s performance in colder climates and minimize the occurrence of the blue snowflake icon.