This likely deserves a dedicated thread as it may also be an issue with LFP Model Ys too.
It seems like deliberately running the LFP pack cars to a low/very low SoC can reset the buffer. It's obviously not a bug, but a feature Tesla is using to protect the battery packs.
It's very questionable IMO as reducing the usable energy to 52kWhs on a new car could invalidate the WLTP figure attached to the car, when purchased.
Sure, the Tesla fans will chime in with:
- it's for your own good.....it'll protect your battery
- you can still use it, it's just hadden.....below zero......drive on & forget it
- it's probably because it's cold.....normal...
- it's probably a bug.....Elon will fix it in a future update.....
It's not a bug. It's purposely designed in to these Q3 cars. Why? Maybe the Q1/2 cars have shown excess degradation or some have been bricked due to excessive discharge/cold etc., & Tesla are on the hook for them?
Our 2x Model 3s, one from Q1, one from Q3. Both charged from a relatively low SoC (15% approx) to 100% overnight, last night.
The Q3 is not seeing much mileage yet so kept at around 50% SoC & charged to 100%, as per recommendations, periodically.
The Q1 has approx. 22k kms & started out at 62kWh gross capacity. It's now showing 59.7kWh (57kWh usable).
The Q3 now has an 8.63kWh buffer with 52kWh usable, yet still shows 430km "rated range".
If they lock away 12/15% of the capacity of the new "improved" Model Y with the 55kWh battery, owners could be left with 47/48kWh usable, in a bigger, less efficient car.
It'll be safer though (& much cheaper for Tesla to produce), so grand!
What if these buffers get locked at some point in the future?
Backwards Ted, we're going backwards!