Ahh the mobile app... I love Model S and can totally live with things like these issues, but it sure is worth it to think about limitations here. The car-phone integration, one of the top 3 things that got me to consider stretching my budget to Model S in the first place, has lagged behind to the point that we're often now less capable than the typical rental car.
We get new software features that seem planned to have more splash than substance for instance the (admittedly great) "Keep Climate On" feature was released before "Cabin Protect" was finished -- it doesn't seem to care about freezing, which is
far deadlier than overheating, so not sure who or what it was designed to protect (space in the headlines at a certain time ?). Sure ya, we should expect to feel like beta testers, in a product and a company that are being designed and re-designed in real time, but some things are just absurd when considered in the mainstream.
Let's review the mobile app limitations that impact me personally to see if there are trends.
- Rear Defroster and Subzero Package heaters - never available from the app.
- Sunroof settings - removed (other than vent and close).
- Control of the windows - was on the fob, and removed, but I'm not sure about app ?
- Sending the NAV a trip (well one single destination as that's all we currently have) - never available or even planned ?
- Keep Climate Control On - can deactivate but not activate from the app.
- Scheduling activities - never available.
I've suspected that any stress to the 12V "backup" system was out of consideration due to what I imagine are excessive warranty claims. But now coinciding with the Model 3's (much better) design providing a 12V rail right in the pack, it seems that the idea of leaving the traction pack engaged in the Model S/X is more acceptable. But perhaps this is only if they
remain engaged, when a human is at the car, versus engaging them from a distance, as I can't think of any action at the app that would do this except Summon (which in most of the world is only in fob proximity).
So perhaps a possible hazard / liability issue is keeping me from being able to activate the front and rear electric window defrosters when my Model S is parked outside and frosted over, because the power requirements would require the contactors to engage in the traction pack, but I'm not right there ? If that's the case then at least let me do it when in fob range without having to get into the car, please. Winter is not only no fun, it's dangerous.
