Bluetooth®
Compatibility
You can use your Bluetooth-capable phone
hands-free in Model S provided your phone is within operating range. Although Bluetooth
typically supports wireless communication
over distances of up to approximately 30 feet
(9 meters), performance can vary based on
the phone you are using.
Before using your phone with Model S, you
must pair it. Pairing sets up Model S to work
with your Bluetooth-capable phone (see Pairing a Bluetooth Phone on page 88).
You can pair up to ten Bluetooth phones.
Model S always automatically connects to the
last phone that was used (provided it is within
range). If you want to connect to a different phone, see Connecting to a Paired Phone on
page 89.
Note: On many phones, Bluetooth turns off if
the phone’s battery is low.
Note: In addition to phones, you can also pair
Bluetooth-enabled devices with Model S. For example, you can pair an iPod Touch or an
iPad or Android tablet to stream music.
Pairing a Bluetooth Phone
Pairing sets up Model S to work with your
Bluetooth-capable phone. Once a phone is paired, Model S can connect to it wheneverthe phone is within range.
To pair a phone, follow these steps while
sitting inside Model S:
1. Ensure both the touchscreen and the
phone are powered on.
2. On the touchscreen’s status bar, touch the
Bluetooth icon.
3. On your phone, enable Bluetooth and set
it to discoverable.
4. On the Model S touchscreen, touch Start
Search. The touchscreen searches then
displays the list of all available Bluetooth devices within operating distance.
5. On the Model S touchscreen, touch the
phone with which you want to pair. Within
a few seconds, the touchscreen displays a
randomly generated number, and your
phone should display the same number.
6. Check that the number displayed on your
phone matches the number displayed on
the touchscreen. Then, on your phone,
confirm that you want to pair.When paired, Model S automatically connects to the phone, and the touchscreen displays
the Bluetooth symbol next to the phone’s name to show that the connection is active.
Importing Contacts
Once paired, you can use the Bluetooth
settings screen to specify whether you want
to allow access to your phone’s contacts and recent calls.
If access is turned on, you can see your list of contacts on the Model S touchscreen. Touch
Phone > Contacts . You can then touch a
contact to dial its phone number or navigate
to its address.
Note: Before contacts can be imported, you
may need to either set your phone to allow syncing, or respond to a popup on your phone
to confirm that it is OK to sync contacts. This
varies depending on the type of phone you are using. For details, refer to the owner
documentation provided with your phone.
If access is turned on, imported information is
displayed when you touch the contacts tab on
the Phone app.
Unpairing a Bluetooth Phone
If you want to disconnect your phone and use it again later, simply touch Disconnect on the
Bluetooth settings screen. If you do not want
to use your phone with Model S again, touch
Forget This Device. Once you forget a device,
you need to pair it again if you want to use it
with Model S (see Pairing a Bluetooth Phone
on page 88).
Note: Your phone automatically disconnects
whenever you leave Model S.
Phone
88Model S Owner's Manual
During Navigation
During navigation, the touchscreen displays the navigation route on the map. Dependingon the map’s zoom level, you might not be
able to see the entire route. But as you drive,
the map shows your location on the map.
Whenever a navigation route is active, you
can display an overview of the route by touching the route overview icon:The route overview icon is
available on the right side of the
search bar whenever a navigation
route is active. You can toggle
between North Up, Heading Up
and Route Overview (see Using
Maps on page 90). As you travel
on your navigation route, the zoom
level adjusts to display an overview
of the route between your current
location and your destination.
The touchscreen also displays a turn-by-turn
direction list that includes estimated driving time, arrival time, and an estimate of howmuch energy will remain when you arrive atyour destination (see Predicting Energy Usage
on page 91).
During navigation, the instrument panel also
displays the turn-by-turn directions and you
will hear spoken instructions.
Model S detects real-time traffic conditions
and automatically adjusts the estimated
driving and arrival times based on traffic conditions. In situations where traffic
conditions will delay your estimated time of
arrival and an alternate route is available,
Model S reroutes you to your destination. You
can turn this feature off by touching
Controls > Settings > Apps > Maps &
Navigation > Traffic-Based Routing > Off .
Note: Traffic-based navigation is a BETA
feature in Release 6.0.
When you display the traffic layer on the map,
green traffic lines display under the route line,
whereas yellow and red traffic lines display on
top of the route line to ensure that heavy
traffic areas are easy to identify.
Model S can also monitor traffic to your work
location (on weekday mornings) and to your
home location (on weekday evenings) and
advise you if there is a better route in
situations where traffic conditions will cause a delay. You can set the time savings required
before the advice is given by touching
Controls > Settings > Apps > Maps &
Navigation > Min Improvement for Commute
Advice .
Note: Commute advice is available only if you
have saved a Home and Work Location (see Favorite Destinations on page 92).
Predicting Energy Usage
When navigating to a destination, Model S helps you anticipate your charging needs bycalculating the amount of energy that willremain when you reach your destination. Thecalculation is an estimate based on drivingand environmental factors such as predicted
speed and elevation changes. The
touchscreen displays this calculation in the
lower right corner of the turn-by-turn
direction list.
Throughout your route, Model S monitors
energy usage and updates the calculation as
needed. A popup warning displays above the
calculated amount advising you when:
• A yellow warning displays when you should drive slowly to converse energy.
Model S predicts that you will have very little energy remaining when you reach
your destination. For tips on conserving energy, see Getting Maximum Range on
page 70.
• A red warning displays when you must charge Model S to reach your destination.
Model S also lets you know if you have
enough energy for a round trip. Tap the
battery icon at the bottom of the turn-by-turn
navigation list to determine if Model S has
enough energy to get to your destination and
then return back to your starting point.
When navigating, the energy app displays
real-time energy usage for the current trip.
See Getting Maximum Range on page 70.
Maps and Navigation
Using the Touchscreen91
High Voltage Components1.Battery
2. DC-DC converter and junction box
3. High voltage cabling (colored orange)
4. 10 kW on-board master charger
5. OPTIONAL: 10 kW on-board charger
6. Charge port
7. Drive unitWarning: The high voltage system has no
user serviceable parts. Do not
disassemble, remove or replace high
voltage components, cables or
connectors. High voltage cables are
colored orange for easy identification.Warning: Read and follow all instructions
provided on the labels that are attached to Model S. These labels are there for
your safetyWarning: In the unlikely event that a fire
occurs, immediately contact your local
fire emergency responders.
Electric Vehicle Components
Charging101
About the Battery
Model S has one of the most sophisticated
battery systems in the world. The most important way to preserve the Battery is to
LEAVE YOUR MODEL S PLUGGED IN when
you are not using it. This is particularly
important if you are not planning to drive
Model S for several weeks. When plugged in,
Model S wakes up when needed to
automatically maintain a charge level that
maximizes the lifetime of the Battery.
There is no advantage to waiting until the
Battery’s level is low before charging. In fact,
the Battery performs best when charged
regularly.
Note: If the Model S Battery becomes
completely discharged in a situation in which
towing is required, the owner is responsible for towing expenses. Discharge-related
towing expenses are not covered under the
Roadside Assistance policy.
Battery Care
Never allow the Battery to fully discharge.
Even when Model S is not being driven, its
Battery discharges very slowly to power the
onboard electronics. On average, the Battery discharges at a rate of 1% per day. Situations
can arise in which you must leave Model S
unplugged for an extended period of time (for
example, at an airport when traveling). In these situations, keep the 1% in mind to ensure
that you leave the Battery with a sufficient
charge level. For example, over a two week
period (14 days), the Battery discharges by
approximately 14%.
Discharging the Battery to 0% may
permanently damage the Battery. To protect against a complete discharge, Model S enters
a low-power consumption mode when the
charge level drops to 5%. In this mode, the
Battery stops supporting the onboard electronics to slow the discharge rate to
approximately 4% per month. Once this low-
power consumption mode is active, it is
important to plug in Model S within two
months to avoid Battery damage.
Note: When the low-power consumption
mode is active, the auxiliary 12V battery is no
longer being charged and can completely
discharge within 12 hours. In the unlikely event
that this occurs, you may need to jump start
or replace the 12V battery before you can
charge. In this situation, contact Tesla.Temperature Limits
For better long-term performance, avoid
exposing Model S to ambient temperatures above 140° F (60° C) or below -22° F (-30° C)
for more than 24 hours at a time.
Energy Saving Feature
Model S has an energy-saving feature that
reduces the amount of energy being consumed when Model S is not in use. Touch
Controls > Displays > Energy Saving . For more
information on maximizing range and saving
energy, see Getting Maximum Range on page
70.
Battery Warnings and CautionsWarning: The Battery has no parts that an
owner or a non-Tesla authorized service technician can service. Under no
circumstances should you open or
tamper with the Battery. Always contact Tesla to arrange for Battery servicing.Caution: If the Battery’s charge level falls
to 0%, you must plug it in. If you leave it
unplugged for an extended period, it may
not be possible to charge Model S or use
the vehicle without jump starting or
replacing the 12V battery. Leaving Model S unplugged for an extendedperiod can also result in permanent
Battery damage. If you are unable to
charge Model S, contact Tesla
immediately.Caution: The Battery requires no owner
maintenance. Do not remove the filler cap
and do not add fluid. If the instrument
panel warns you that the fluid level is low, contact Tesla immediately.
Battery Information
Charging103
Opening the Charge Port
The charge port is located on the driver’s side of Model S, behind a door that is part of therear tail light assembly.
Park Model S so that the charge cable easily
reaches the charge port.
With Model S unlocked, or a recognized key
nearby, press and release the button on a
Tesla charge cable to open the charge port door. If the cable you are using does not havethis button, you can also open the charge portdoor using any of these methods:
• Touch Controls > Charge Port on the
touchscreen.
• Touch the battery icon at the top of the touchscreen to display the Charging
screen, then touch Open Charge Port.
• Hold down the rear trunk button on the key for 1-2 seconds.
To charge at a public charging station, attach
an adapter to the station’s chargingconnector. The most commonly usedadapter(s) for each market region aresupplied with Model S. Depending on thecharging equipment you are using, you may
need to start and stop charging using a control on the charging equipment.
Note: The charge port lights up white when
you open the charge port door. If you do not
connect a charge cable, the light eventually
turns off.
Note: If you do not insert the charge cable
into the charge port within a few minutes after
opening the charge port door, the latch
closes. If this happens, use the touchscreen to
open the charge port door.Caution: The connector end of the charge
cable can damage the paint if dropped onto Model S.Caution: Do not attempt to force the
charge port door open. Doing so can
damage the latch. A damaged latch
cannot hold the door closed.
Plugging In
If desired, use the touchscreen to change the
charge limit and the charging current.
If you are using the Mobile Connector, plug it into the power outlet before plugging it intoModel S.
Align the connector to the charge port and
insert fully. When the connector is properly
inserted, charging begins automatically after Model S:
• Engages a latch that holds the connector in place.
• Shifts into Park (if it was in any other gear).
• Heats or cools the Battery, if needed. If the Battery requires heating or cooling,
you may notice a delay before charging begins.
Note: Whenever Model S is plugged in but not
actively charging, it draws energy from the wall instead of using energy stored in the
Battery. For example, if you are sitting in
Model S and using the touchscreen while it’s is
parked and plugged in, the energy being used
is drawn from the power outlet instead of the
Battery.
Charging Model S
104Model S Owner's Manual
During ChargingDuring charging, the charge port pulses green
and charging status displays on the instrument panel. The frequency at which thecharge port’s light pulses slows down as thecharge level approaches full. When charging iscomplete, the light stops pulsing and is solid
green.
Note: If Model S is locked, the light around the
charge port does not light up.
If the light around the charge port lights up
red while charging, a fault is detected. Check
the instrument panel or touchscreen for a
message describing the fault. A fault can
occur due to something as common as a
power outage. If a power outage occurs,
charging resumes automatically when power
is restored.
Note: When charging, particularly at high
currents, the refrigerant compressor and the
fan operate as needed to keep the Battery cool. Therefore, it is normal to hear sounds
during charging.
Stopping Charging You can stop charging at any time by
disconnecting the charge cable or touching
Stop Charging on the touchscreen.
To disconnect the charge cable:
1. Press and hold the button on a Tesla
connector to release the latch.
2. Pull the connector from the charge port.
3. Push the charge port door closed.
Note: To prevent unauthorized unplugging of
the charge cable, Model S must be unlocked
or able to recognize a key before you can
disconnect the charge cable.
Note: Model S stops charging whenever you
double-click the key. If you do not unplug
within 60 seconds, charging resumes.Caution: Tesla strongly recommends
leaving Model S plugged in when not in
use. This maintains the Battery at the optimum level of charge.Charge Port LightWhiteThe charge port door is open and
Model S is ready to charge. The
connector either hasn't been
inserted yet, or the latch is
released and the connector is
ready to be removed.Solid
GreenCharging is complete.Blinkin
g
GreenCharging is in progress. As Model S approaches a full charge, the
frequency of the blinking is slower.BlueModel S detects that a connector has been plugged in, but charging
has not started. Either Model S is
preparing to charge, or a charging
session is scheduled to begin at a
specified future time.Solid
AmberThe connector is not fully plugged
in. Realign the connector to the
charge port and insert fully.Blinkin
g
AmberModel S is charging at a reduced
current (AC charging only).RedA fault is detected and charging
has stopped. Check the instrument
panel or touchscreen for a
message describing the fault.
Charging Model S
Charging105
Changing Charge SettingsThe charge settings screen displays on the
touchscreen whenever the charge port door is
open.
To display charge settings at any time, touch
the Battery icon on the top of the
touchscreen, or touch Controls > Charging
(located in the upper right portion of the
Controls screen).
Note: The following illustration is provided for
demonstration purposes only and may vary
slightly depending on the software version
and market region of your Model S.
1. Charge status messages (such as
Charging Scheduled, Charging In
Progress) display here.
2. To adjust the charge limit, touch Set
Charge Limit , then drag the slider bar. You
can charge to any level from 50% to 100%
based on your driving needs. The setting
you choose applies to both immediate
and scheduled charging sessions.
3. Location-specific schedule. With Model S
in Park, set a specific time when you want
Model S to begin charging at the current
location. If, at the scheduled time, Model S
is not plugged in at the location, it will
start charging as soon as you plug it in as
long as you are plugging it in within six hours of the scheduled time. If you plug in
after six hours, Model S does not start
charging until the scheduled time on the next day. To override this setting, touch
Start Charging or Stop Charging (see
item 4). When you set a scheduled
charging time, Model S displays the set time on the instrument panel and the
touchscreen.
4. Touch to open the charge port door or to
start (or stop) charging.
5. The current automatically sets to the
maximum current available from the
attached charge cable, unless it was
previously reduced to a lower level.
If needed, touch the up/down arrows to change the current (for example, you may
want to reduce the current if you are
concerned about overloading a domestic
wiring circuit shared by other equipment).
It is not possible to set the charging
current to a level that exceeds the maximum available from the attached
charge cable.
When you change the current, Model S
remembers the location. So if you
subsequently charge at the same location, you do not need to change it again.
Note: If Model S automatically reduced a
charging location's current because of
fluctuations in input power (see the note
in Charging Status on page 107), Tesla
recommends charging at the lower
current until the underlying problem is
resolved and the charging location can provide consistent power.
Charging Model S
106Model S Owner's Manual
Charging StatusThe following illustration is provided for demonstration purposes only and may vary slightlydepending on the software version and market region of your Model S.1. Charging rate per hour.
2. Total estimated driving distance (or
energy) available. Instead of driving distance as shown here, you can display
the percentage of battery energy
remaining. To do so, touch Controls >
Settings > Units & Format > Energy &
Charging .
Note: A portion of the battery image may
appear blue. This indicates that a small
portion of the energy stored in the battery
is not available on your drive because the battery is cold. This is normal and no
reason for concern. When the battery warms up, the blue portion is no longer
displayed.
3. Current being supplied/Total current
available from the connected power
supply (see Changing Charge Settings on
page 106).
4. Estimated increase in driving distance (or
energy) achieved so far in this charging session. Instead of driving distance as
illustrated above, you can change settings
to display the amount of energy achieved.
To do so, touch Controls > Settings >
Units & Format > Energy & Charging .
5. Charging status information displays here.
For example, if Model S is charging, it displays the time remaining until fully
charged at the currently selected charge
level. When scheduled charging is set fora location, it displays when charging will
start.
6. Voltage being supplied by the charge
cable.
Note: If Model S is charging and detects
unexpected fluctuations in the input power, it automatically reduces the charging current by25%. For example, a 40 amp current isreduced to 30 amps. This automatic currentreduction increases robustness and safety in
situations when a problem exists outside of
Model S or its charging electronics. For
example, a home wiring system, receptacle,
adapter or cord is unable to meet its rated
current capacity. When Model S automatically
reduces a location's charging current, it
retains the reduced current for that location
as a precaution. Although you can manually
increase it, Tesla recommends charging at the
lower current until the underlying problem is
resolved and the charging location can
provide consistent power.
Charging Model S
Charging107