In electric vehicles that remain unused for extended periods, battery consumption continues due to systems running in the background. This natural consumption, known as “phantom drain,” is at a level of 1% to 3% per day in vehicles without issues. Security cameras such as Sentry Mode can increase the loss to 5% to 8% per day. 12V battery checks, modems, and accessories plugged into the OBD port can also increase consumption.
For long-term parking, it is recommended to leave the battery between 40% and 60%, preferably around 50%. Turning off live camera and tracking features, avoiding frequent use of the mobile app, and parking the vehicle in the shade or indoors during hot weather can reduce consumption.
Why it matters
This issue shows that for drivers who do not use their electric vehicles for days at a time, range planning does not depend solely on the charge level before setting out. Camera and tracking functions left on while the vehicle is parked, along with accessories connected to the vehicle afterward, can directly affect the energy management of an unused car. For this reason, during situations such as vacations, business trips, or seasonal breaks in use, drivers need to check not only whether the vehicle has been left with a high charge but also which systems are active and the condition of the 12V battery. The question that remains open is whether consumption is the same in every vehicle, because the loss can vary depending on factors such as security features, app usage, accessories, and parking conditions.