The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is in full swing, with Tesla leading the way in innovative EV technology and user experience.
Two features that play a crucial role in optimizing your Tesla ownership experience are Scheduled Departure and Scheduled Charging. In this article, we will delve into the details of these two features and explore how they can help you get the most out of your Tesla.
| Feature | Scheduled Charging | Scheduled Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Optimize charging times to save on electricity costs and extend battery life | Prepare the vehicle for departure by ensuring a fully charged battery and ideal cabin temperature |
| Charging Flexibility | Allows you to set specific times for charging to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates | Focuses on preparing the vehicle for a specified departure time |
| Cost Savings | Reduces charging costs by charging during off-peak hours | May lead to energy savings by preconditioning the cabin, but primary focus is not cost savings |
| Battery Health | Maximizes battery life by controlling charge rate and reducing high-power charging sessions | Helps maintain battery health by avoiding deep discharges, but primary focus is not battery health |
| Customization | Limited customizability. | Allows customization of departure time and cabin preconditioning |
| Ideal Use Cases | Suited for daily charging routines where cost savings and battery health are priorities | Ideal for users with a set daily departure time, ensuring a fully charged and comfortable vehicle |
| Remote Control | Can be adjusted remotely through the Tesla app if plans change | Can be initiated remotely to precondition the cabin and ensure the vehicle is ready to go |
| Energy Efficiency | Focused on optimizing energy costs and battery longevity | Focused on ensuring a comfortable and ready-to-go driving experience |
| Charging Stops (Long-Distance Travel) | Useful for planning charging stops during road trips | Ensures the vehicle is fully charged and comfortable for long journeys |
| Seasonal Considerations | May require adjustments for different seasons | Preconditioning can be beneficial in extreme weather conditions |
What is Scheduled Charging?
Scheduled Charging is a Tesla feature that allows you to set specific times for your vehicle to begin charging. This feature helps you take advantage of off-peak electricity rates and ensures your vehicle is charged and ready when you need it.
Benefits of Scheduled Charging
Cost Savings: By charging during off-peak hours, you can significantly reduce your electricity costs.
Battery Health: Scheduled Charging helps maximize the lifespan of your Tesla’s battery by avoiding frequent, high-power charging sessions.
How to set up Scheduled Charging?
Setting up Scheduled Charging is easy. Go to Controls > Charging > Scheduled Charging and select the time from when you want your Tesla to start charging.
The scheduled charging and scheduled departure are two closely related features and both are on the exact location of your Controls menu. When you work with scheduled charging, the Scheduled Departure will go under this in gray color.
What is Scheduled Departure?
Scheduled Departure is another valuable Tesla feature that works in tandem with Scheduled Charging. It allows you to set a departure time for your vehicle, and your Tesla will ensure the battery is charged to your desired level and precondition the cabin temperature for a comfortable drive.
Benefits of Scheduled Departure
Fully Charged Battery: Scheduled Departure guarantees that your Tesla is fully charged when you’re ready to hit the road.
Climate Control Optimization: You can enjoy a pre-conditioned cabin, saving energy and maximizing comfort.
How to set up Scheduled Departure
Similar to the scheduled charging, you can find the scheduled departure setting on Controls > Charging > Scheduled Departure at this location under which you should find the option to Schedule the departure time.
When you select Schedule, you will have a pop-up menu setting up the time of departure. On the top right corner of the pop-up, there is a Settings option where you will find Preconditioning and Off-Peak Charging customization options.
Enabling Preconditioning will program the system to work with the climate settings so that the battery and cabin temperature are optimal before you get into the car.
The Off-peak charging is self-explanatory. You can select the start time of your local off-peak hour and the car will charge when the electricity price is lower.
Comparing Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure
Similarities between the two features
Both Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure aim to optimize your charging experience while considering battery health. They offer cost savings and the convenience of having your Tesla ready when you need it.
Key differences
However, there are distinct differences between the two:
Focus and Primary Use Cases: Scheduled Charging primarily focuses on optimizing charging times, while Scheduled Departure centers around ensuring your Tesla is ready for your daily commute.
Flexibility and Control: Scheduled Charging offers more flexibility in choosing when to charge, whereas Scheduled Departure is geared towards preparing your vehicle for your departure time.
Real-world Applications
To truly appreciate the value of Tesla’s Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure features, it’s essential to explore their real-world applications and how they can benefit Tesla owners in various scenarios.
Scenario 1: Daily Commute
Scheduled Charging Benefits for Daily Commuters: Imagine you have a daily commute to work, and you need your Tesla to be charged and ready to go every morning. This is where Scheduled Charging shines:
Cost Savings: For many people, electricity rates are lower during off-peak hours, typically at night. By setting up Scheduled Charging to coincide with these hours, you can reduce your charging costs significantly.
Battery Health: Daily commuting can put stress on your Tesla’s battery, especially if you’re frequently charging at high power levels. Scheduled Charging allows you to limit the charge rate, which can help prolong your battery’s lifespan.
Scheduled Departure Enhancements: Now, consider how Scheduled Departure can enhance your daily commute:
Fully Charged Battery: With Scheduled Departure, you can specify your departure time. Your Tesla will ensure that your battery is fully charged and ready at that time, eliminating any range anxiety and ensuring a smooth morning routine.
Climate Control: Tesla’s Scheduled Departure also preconditions the cabin temperature. In cold weather, you’ll step into a warm car, and in hot weather, you’ll find a cool and comfortable cabin, all without draining your battery.
Scenario 2: Long-Distance Travel
Scheduled Charging for Long-Distance Travel: For Tesla owners planning a long road trip, Scheduled Charging can be a game-changer:
Optimizing Charging Stops: When traveling long distances, you’ll need to stop and charge at Superchargers along your route. Scheduled Charging lets you plan your charging sessions to coincide with your meal breaks or rest stops, making the journey more convenient and efficient.
Reducing Wait Times: By starting your charging sessions during off-peak hours, you’re more likely to encounter fewer people at Supercharger stations, reducing wait times and ensuring you get back on the road faster.
Scheduled Departure for Long Journeys: Scheduled Departure can also enhance your long-distance travel experience:
Preconditioned Cabin: If you’re planning to start your journey early in the morning or after a long break, Scheduled Departure ensures that your car’s interior is at the ideal temperature, making the ride more comfortable.
Range Assurance: Long trips can sometimes lead to concerns about reaching the next charging station. Scheduled Departure takes care of that by ensuring your battery is fully charged when you’re ready to continue your journey.
In both scenarios, these Tesla features work together seamlessly to provide a stress-free and enjoyable driving experience. Whether you’re a daily commuter or embarking on a cross-country adventure, Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure make owning a Tesla more convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
Tips for Maximizing the Benefits
To fully harness the advantages of Tesla’s Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure features, consider the following tips:
1. Understanding Your Electricity Rates
Knowledge is Power: Before setting up Scheduled Charging, familiarize yourself with your local electricity provider’s rate structure. Electricity rates often vary throughout the day, with lower rates during off-peak hours. Understanding these rates will help you maximize cost savings.
Off-Peak Charging: Configure Scheduled Charging to start during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper. This simple adjustment can result in substantial savings over time.
2. Seasonal Adjustments
Adapt to Changing Conditions: Tesla owners in regions with distinct seasons should adjust their charging schedules seasonally. For example:
- In colder months, you may want to charge more frequently to ensure your battery’s optimal performance.
- In hot weather, avoid charging during the peak heat of the day to prevent unnecessary strain on the battery.
Customize for Comfort: In winter, set up Scheduled Departure to precondition the cabin, ensuring a warm interior when you start your day. In summer, cool down the cabin in advance for a more comfortable ride.
3. Remote Monitoring and Control
Utilize the Tesla App: Tesla’s mobile app allows you to monitor and control your vehicle remotely. Take advantage of this feature to:
- Check your vehicle’s charging status and battery level.
- Adjust your charging schedule on the go if your plans change.
- Activate Scheduled Departure from your smartphone to ensure a comfortable cabin temperature when you’re ready to leave.
Stay Informed: The app also provides real-time data on energy consumption and charging progress, helping you stay informed about your vehicle’s performance and efficiency.
4. Firmware and Software Updates
Keep Your Tesla Current: Tesla continually updates its software and firmware to enhance features and improve overall performance. Regularly check for updates and install them promptly to ensure you have the latest advancements in Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure.
Monitor Release Notes: Tesla release notes often highlight improvements to these features, including bug fixes and user experience enhancements. Familiarize yourself with these notes to make the most of your Tesla’s capabilities.
Concluding Remarks
In the era of electric vehicles, planning and optimizing your charging experience is paramount.
Tesla’s Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure features empower you to save costs, reduce environmental impact, and enjoy the convenience of having your Tesla ready when you need it.
Explore these features, customize them to your lifestyle, and enjoy the benefits of a smarter EV ownership experience.