Credit: Shutterstock / kovop

Elon Musk has taken to Twitter to remind the world of one of Tesla’s most left-field features – the built-in Bioweapon Defense Mode. Which as the name suggests, can reportedly protect drivers from a bioweapon attack.

The mode, which was first added back in 2016 to the Model X and Model S, has flown under the radar of many in the industry – and often actual Tesla owners. 

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Tesla’s Bioweapon Defense Mode system is designed to protect drivers from air pollutants outside of the vehicle – including bacteria and gases. 

Bioweapon Defense Mode is placed on top of the already built-in high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which Tesla says can capture 99.97% of particles.

The state-of-the-art mode is reportedly able to “positively pressurise the vehicle” which is reportedly similar to what is used in medical facilities.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“You can literally survive a military-grade bio attack by sitting in your car,” Tesla wrote in a blog post.

Tesla’s Bioweapon Defense mode has been joked about online, with some claiming Musk’s motor company was falling into “overkill territory”.

However, in January, it was reported that some Tesla users were using the 7-year-old technology to escape wildfire smoke in North America. 

First reported by Business Insider, Tesla users took to Reddit to praise the feature. 

One user posted: “I have used this a lot during California wildfire season. Works amazingly well.”

Another said: “Living in California I was so glad to have this in 2020. Our skies were orange for days no thanks to our wildfires. There were a couple times my wife and I just sat in the car in the driveway for a bit, to give our lungs a break.”

Tesla reported revenues of $81.4m for the fiscal year ended in December 2022, an increase of 51.4% over the 2021 financial year, according to research firm GlobalData.