How Tesla gave drivers fleeing Hurricane Irma more battery juice

Sep. 11, 2017

Some Tesla owners fleeing Irma were surprised to see their car’s battery capacity increase. The electric car company provided a software update for free to give drivers more range in the face of danger.

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Tesla Unlocked Florida Drivers' Batteries Before Irma. Should We Be Grateful or Angry?
Tesla remotely extends range of vehicles for free in Florida to help owners escape Hurricane Irma

Credits

Guest:

Will Oremus - technology reporter for the Washington Post - @WillOremus

Host:

Madeleine Brand

Producers:

Gina Pollack, Sarah Sweeney, Michell Eloy, Amy Ta, Christian Bordal, Quinn O'Toole

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From this Episode:

Facing Irma in the Caribbean

Irma: Assessing the devastation in the Caribbean

In the wake of Irma, Florida is facing flooded streets and downed trees and power lines. In some parts of the Caribbean, the situation is much worse. Parts of the U.S....

10 min

DOJ supports baker who refused to make a cake for a same-sex wedding

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are working on a long-term spending bill to fund the government. In the House, Republicans want to tack on some controversial reforms to campaign...

7 min

By moving up its primary, would California gain more clout in choosing the next president?

A giant California-shaped monkey wrench may get thrown into national politics. Legislators in Sacramento are considering a bill that would move California’s primary election...

10 min

Why women's professional soccer doesn't get the respect - or pay - it deserves

Gwendolyn Oxenham played a season of soccer for a top pro team in Brazil. She was paid nothing. A horse sometimes grazed in the middle of the field where the team practiced....

14 min

How Tesla gave drivers fleeing Hurricane Irma more battery juice

Some Tesla owners fleeing Irma were surprised to see their car’s battery capacity increase. The electric car company provided a software update for free to give drivers more...

7 min