According to the information in the Tesla electric vehicle user manual, vehicles equipped with a heat pump as part of the standard climate system can emit steam from the front of the body in certain climate conditions.

In cold weather, ice may form on the heat exchanger of the cooling system. To facilitate proper charging, the onboard climate system heats the battery to 42 degrees Celsius, causing the ice to melt and turn into water, which then evaporates as steam.

While the release of steam is a normal feature of Tesla heat pump electric vehicles, some owners confuse it with smoke, causing unnecessary concern and emergency calls. Unlike smoke, vapor does not have a specific odor, but owners try to rely on their sense of smell for an accurate initial diagnosis.

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This misunderstanding causes car owners to call a tow truck to transport their cars for service, resulting in time and financial costs. It’s important for Tesla owners to be aware of this feature so they can distinguish a harmless pair from a potentially problematic one.

Although it visually resembles smoke, Tesla assures that the resulting steam does not indicate any malfunction or safety threat.

In light of these cases, Tesla urges vehicle owners to read the information provided in the vehicle’s user manual to avoid unnecessary concerns and actions. The statement is intended to address concerns potential EV owners may have about the safety of Tesla vehicles during fast charging sessions.