In winter, one question often comes up among Tesla owners: why does the car appear to give off smoke while charging?

If you have been searching for an explanation while connected to a Supercharger, what you are seeing may be water vapour from the heat pump, a normal cold-weather phenomenon.

Why does it happen?

When Supercharging in cold weather, even after preconditioning the battery, you may notice vapour rising from the car. Tesla’s owner’s manual explains that the thermal system on heat-pump-equipped vehicles can produce odourless steam from the front while Supercharging in cold weather. That is the normal phenomenon discussed here.

Because this usually happens near the front of the vehicle, where a conventional car’s engine would sit, it can alarm new owners. The water vapour described here is part of normal operation in cold conditions; that does not mean every instance of smoke or an unusual smell should be dismissed as harmless.

Does it only happen on Teslas?

No. Other electric vehicles with a heat pump can show the same phenomenon in very cold conditions. If you have worried after seeing vapour rise from your Tesla, you are not alone. Understanding where that water vapour comes from can make the experience less surprising, and help you explain it to curious people nearby.

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Giorgio Rebecchi

Editor

Giorgio Rebecchi
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