Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) has apparently made use of its over-the-air update capabilities to protect against another fire risk for the Model S. An Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) employee who also owns a Model S, said on his Twitter feed (via Green Car Reports) that the automaker rolled out an update which is designed to protect against faulty wiring—even if that wiring isn’t inside the Model S itself.
Tesla battles garage fire
The latest issue Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) has been dealing with is a garage fire, which happened while a Model S was plugged in and charging at an owner’s home. The automaker said the charging system was not to blame for that fire, although the Orange County Fire Authority did blame the Model S sedan’s charging system, saying that there was “electrical failure” in the system.
Nonetheless, Tesla’s latest software update is described as an “automatic charge current reduction.” The update to the car’s charging system is aimed at enabling it to protect itself against fluctuations in the plug or electrical system the vehicle is plugged into. If there are unexpected fluctuations in the amount of power being supplied to the Tesla charging system, then the software update will cause the car to automatically slash 25% from the charging current.
Tesla protects against outside problems
According to Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA), this change will protect the Model S even when there is a problem with the wiring that is outside of the vehicle or “charging electronics.” A notice from the automaker said in addition to protecting the vehicle from outside wiring problems, it will “significantly increase robustness and safety” even if the wiring system in a home or garage can’t meet the rated capacity.
This latest update is the second in recent months which is aimed at protecting Tesla’s Model S from outside things or conditions which may cause a fire. The automaker also rolled out a software update which significantly increased the speed at which the vehicle will lower itself for better aerodynamics. Tesla said this will provide more clearance under the Model S to hopefully prevent things from puncturing the battery compartment and causing a fire. The company also said the only highways on which the Model S will lower itself is on ultra-high speed highways like Germany’s autobahn, which tends to be more free of debris than highways in the U.S.
As with all of the other times Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) has been upfront and proactive regarding problems, shares of the company’s stock rose. They were up nearly 2% in late morning trades.
