Tesla has launched a retrofit service for its 2020 and 2021 Model Y vehicles in the United States and Canada, offering an upgrade to include HEPA filters and enable Bioweapon Defense Mode. This retrofit becomes available two years after the Fremont factory started manufacturing the electric SUV.
Introduction to HEPA Filters in Tesla Model Y
Initially, the Model Y, released in early 2020, did not feature HEPA filters, well-known for capturing and filtering out 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 micrometers. Initially, only the Model S and Model X were equipped with these filters.
Despite the initial absence of HEPA filters in the Model Y, the design allowed enough space for their future inclusion. In June 2021, Tesla began incorporating these filters in the Model Y production line. The new retrofit service, now available through the service section of the Tesla app, addresses the demands of existing owners seeking to upgrade their vehicles.
The retrofit service is priced at $330 USD. Owners can schedule the service via the Tesla mobile app.
Will the Model 3 be Next?
Elon Musk mentioned the impracticality of fitting these "giant" filters in the Model 3. In 2018, he posted:
Model S & X also have an acid gas filter, an alkaline gas filter & a carbon monoxide detector that autoswitches car to recirc mode. We should prob tell people about this more. Filters are giant, so too big to fit in Model 3.
Tesla's new Model 3 was speculated to have a HEPA filter, however it appears it'll continue to be the only Tesla without Bioweapon Defense Mode.
Bioweapon Defense Mode: A Leap in Air Filtration Technology
Utilizing the HEPA filter, Tesla's Bioweapon Defense Mode is inspired by hospital-grade air filtration systems and offers a strong defense against various air pollutants, including pathogens and allergens. This mode operates by pulling external air through the HEPA filter and an additional activated carbon filter, ensuring the removal of harmful particles and contaminants. Furthermore, it creates a positive pressure environment in the cabin, akin to those in medical settings, preventing external air infiltration.
Tesla has showcased the effectiveness of its Bioweapon Defense Mode through various tests and experiments. In one demonstration, a Model Y equipped with this mode was compared to a BMW X3 in a controlled environment filled with smoke, highlighting Tesla's system's superior air filtration capability.
The company is recognized as producing the safest cars on the planet, but that safety goes further than airbags and rollover protection. The importance of air quality in vehicles is increasingly recognized, especially considering the health impacts of prolonged exposure to air pollutants. Tesla's advanced air filtration system enhances passenger well-being and differentiates it from other automakers. While many vehicles have air filtration systems, few rival the comprehensive protection offered by Tesla's Bioweapon Defense Mode.
