Tesla Introduces 'Accessory Power' Mode, Enabling 12V Sockets Again: according to reports
Tesla is set to introduce a new feature in its upcoming software update, dubbed the Accessory Power, which will allow power to flow to 12V outlets and USB ports even when the vehicle is not in use. This revelation comes after a previous change in September 2024 limited the usage of the 12V outlet during Sentry Mode, requiring either a person to be in the driver seat or Camp Mode to be turned on.
The Accessory Power feature, set to be available on some models like the Model Y and Model X, is a reversal of the company's previous decision to remove the 12V outlet feature due to concerns about high-power modifications. The new feature will be accessible under Controls > Charging > Keep Accessory Power On.
The 12V outlet, a socket in Tesla vehicles, has been a valuable resource for many Tesla owners, particularly during camping trips where it was used to power fridges and freezers. The change in September 2024 was frustrating for those who relied on it, as the 12V outlet could only be activated when a person was sitting in the driver seat or Camp Mode was turned on.
The new Accessory Power feature will enable power to all 12V outlets and USB ports, even when the vehicle is not in use. It's important to note that power will remain on until the option is turned off or the vehicle's battery drops below 20%. Additionally, the feature may still draw power even if nothing is plugged in.
The official release notes for versions around 2025.8 and 2025.8.8 focus on features like adjusting ride height via the Tesla app, steer-by-wire improvements, Standard Ride & Handling in Autopilot, minor bug fixes, battery health tests, and cabin radar updates. However, none of the detailed release notes or Tesla feature summaries from the latest 2025 updates mention such a feature. Furthermore, Tesla community discussions and general software update summaries up to August 2025 have not reported this Accessory Power feature being introduced in these versions.
This update is expected to be released in version 2025.8 or Tesla's upcoming Spring Update, just ahead of summer travel. The change comes as a welcome relief for Tesla owners who have been eagerly awaiting the reintroduction of the 12V outlet feature. The new Accessory Power feature is set to make Tesla ownership more convenient for those who rely on the 12V outlet for various purposes.
[1] Tesla's software update 2025.8 release notes [2] Tesla's software update 2025.8.8 release notes [3] Latest Tesla feature summaries [4] Tesla community discussions
- Tesla owners will appreciate the convenience brought by the Accessory Power feature in the upcoming software update, which will allow power to flow to 12V outlets and USB ports even when the vehicle is not in use, making electric-vehicle lifestyles more compatible with technology-dependent accessories such as car fridges or mobile devices.
- The new Accessory Power feature, accessible under 'Controls > Charging > Keep Accessory Power On', signals a return of the 12V outlet function in Tesla vehicles, providing extra adaptability to owners who relying on electric-vehicles for their lifestyle, especially during camping trips or long journeys with electric-vehicles like the Model Y and Model X.
