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Tesla 'Dog Mode' Will Stop Pets From Overheating In Cars, Elon Musk Says (nzherald.co.nz)
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said his fleet of electric vehicles will be getting a "dog mode" to protect pets from overheating. The feature, which will be rolled out next week, will be able to detect when a pet is locked inside the car -- and keep the temperature at a safe level. The New Zealand Herald reports: There will also likely be a display or some form of communication to inform passers-by that the dog is safe. The feature was added after Musk was inundated with tweets from customers. In October, one Tesla driver asked him: "Can you put a dog mode on the Tesla Model 3. "Where the music plays and the air conditioning is on, with a display on screen saying 'I'm fine my owner will be right back?'" Musk replied: "Yes."
'Dog mode' will likely be an extension of Tesla's Cabin Overheat Protection System. This already prevents temperatures inside the car from reaching unsafe levels when kids or pets are inside. But the screen in Tesla models is likely to now flash a message to pedestrians informing them that the pet inside is safe. The "dog mode" update will be launched at the same time as a "sentry mode" -- designed to ward off would-be thieves. Sentry Mode will use the dashcam to record footage in the event of an attempted break-in. And it is rumored the car will play loud classical music through the stereo system to draw attention to the intruder and encourage passersby to call the police.
'Dog mode' will likely be an extension of Tesla's Cabin Overheat Protection System. This already prevents temperatures inside the car from reaching unsafe levels when kids or pets are inside. But the screen in Tesla models is likely to now flash a message to pedestrians informing them that the pet inside is safe. The "dog mode" update will be launched at the same time as a "sentry mode" -- designed to ward off would-be thieves. Sentry Mode will use the dashcam to record footage in the event of an attempted break-in. And it is rumored the car will play loud classical music through the stereo system to draw attention to the intruder and encourage passersby to call the police.
Is it dog only, or will it work with a baby?
According to TFA, there is a sensor to detect if a dog is in the car. It isn't clear if it would also detect a baby. But dogs and babies should have similar sensor profiles, so you should be fine. So, sure, feel free to leave your baby in the hot car. What could go wrong?
If you can't afford a Tesla, here is a low tech trick to avoid killing your baby: When you put the kid in the carseat, put your wallet & cellphone on the floor next to the baby. Then when you get where you are going and reach into your pocket for your cellphone to check your Facebook status, the phone is NOT THERE! Then you remember that you left your baby in the car. Broiled infant brain avoided!