Tesla drivers are using Bioweapon Defense Mode to escape wildfire smoke
Published on Jun 09, 2023 at 6:46 PM (UTC+4)
by Adam Gray
Last updated on Jun 12, 2023 at 12:52 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
Tesla owners probably thought they’d never have to use the Bioweapon Defense Mode on their cars.
It’s a feature the automaker added to some of its models a few years ago.
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It acts as an air pressure buffer on top of the usual HEPA filtration, similar to the positive ventilation used in surgical facilities to keep any pollutants out.
It’s said to remove 99.97 percent of airborne particulates such as smoke, bacteria and pollen.
For extreme conditions, Bioweapon Defence Mode positively pressures the cabin.
Tesla isn’t the only automaker to include air-purifying HEPA filters, though; Mercedes-Benz’ “Air Balance” system also uses them.
“You can literally survive a military grade bio attack by sitting in your car,” Tesla claims.
That’s good to know.
Well, as it so happens, Tesla’s Bioweapon Defence Mode is being put to good use.
With Canadian wildfires raging on, New York is currently seing some of the worst air quality it’s seen in a long time.
So, New Yorkers – more specifically Tesla owners – are putting the feature to the test.
Those with a Tesla Model S, Model X or Model Y have been going into their climate control and turning on Bioweapon Defence Mode.
By doing so, it filters out particulates and keeps the air in the car clean.
Californians found it useful during the state’s fires in recent years, too.
People have taken to reddit to talk about the feature.
“I have used this a lot during California wildfire season. Works amazingly well,” one reddit user commented.
“As someone who drives through central Illinois often, I love this feature,” another wrote.
“Never thought I’d have to use this feature,” said another.
Despite thinking they’d never use the feature, it’s clearly evident Tesla owners are seeing the value of it.
Let’s just hope New Yorkers won’t have to use it for long.
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Adam Gray
Adam Gray is an experienced motoring journalist and content creator based in the United Kingdom. Using his media accreditation with manufacturers’ press offices, Adam test drives the latest cars and attends new vehicle press launches, producing written reviews and news pieces for supercarblondie.com. Before joining the Supercar Blondie team, Adam was Motoring Editor for Portfolio North magazine, North East Motoring Editor at Reach plc, and provided motoring content on a freelance basis to several lifestyle and business publications in the North of England. When he’s not behind the wheel of the latest car, Adam can be found at his local rink playing ice hockey or supporting his beloved Middlesbrough FC.
