Foundation Series Cybertruck Owner Experiences Heating Failure in Below 18 Degree Temperatures, Uses Blankets and Electric Heater to Defrost his Windshield

A foundation series cyber truck owner, Paul Brendemuhl, experienced heating problems as temperatures plummeted below 18 degrees. They needed blankets and an electric heater blowing on the windshield to defrost it, calling into question the harsh winter conditions. 

Per Brendemuhl’s post, “My boys bought a Foundation series Cyber Truck for work last spring. We live in North Dakota. Have about 30000 miles already. The heating and defrost system is horrible. It was 18 below last week, which is cold, but we needed blankets and an electric heater blowing on the windshield to keep it halfway defrosted. Did essentially nothing to the side windows.

What are others finding with theirs in the winter?

The service center checked, said debris was in the filter and ducts, and replaced the HEPA filter. Any other suggestions?”

This is not the first time the complaint has been made, though. Other cybertruck owners in the cold regions have reported a similar issue, noting the heating system tends to struggle with heat distribution in an even manner. In 2024, a cybertruck owner experienced heating failures during a trip from Montreal to Toronto, ultimately leading to fogged windows and an unsafe driving experience. Another cybertruck owner also reported their vehicle shut down while trying to defrost it in sub-zero temperatures, thereby rendering it inoperable. 

The Effect of Extreme Cold 

Heating issues reported in the post also highlight a significant challenge electric vehicles face in extreme cold. Unlike conventional gasoline engines, which generate waste heat via the engine, electric vehicles depend on resistance heaters or heat pumps that warm the cabin. Cold weather may also affect various functions. This includes reduced battery efficiency. Electric vehicles lose their range in colder weather as reduced temperatures are directly associated with the performance. 

Unlike gasoline vehicles, which usually produce heat, electric vehicles have to dedicate battery power to heating. It also leads to slower charging. Charging in an electric vehicle in freezing temperatures may also take much longer, thus reducing convenience for the users. Tesla has indeed made advancements in their heat pump technology. However, the limitations of the Cybertruck suggest there is still room for improvement. 

Tesla’s Response to Checking the Filters

When Paul took the Cybertruck to a Tesla service center, they were informed that debris had reached the filter. They also replaced the HEPA filter, but no other solution was given. HEPA filters typically trap airborne particles, and they improve air quality within the vehicle, but they do not usually affect the heating or defrosting. The main problems causing poor defrosting then were probably related to insufficient heat production, heat pump limitations, and airflow distribution. It can also be related to battery conservation approaches. Tesla’s software can limit the heater output to preserve the battery’s life, especially in below-zero temperatures. 

We also have to consider how other Tesla models perform in colder weather. In 2022, Tesla recalled 27,000 Model 3, Y, S, and X models because of windshield defrosting problems. This means the problems are not isolated, especially to the Cybetruck. Similarly, some Model Y owners have also indicated inadequate heating performance. For one, a Redditor expressed some concern about the defroster’s effectiveness and the cabin’s inability to warm up appropriately. These show the prevalence of heating problems in Tesla models. It may also indicate a broader concern in Tesla’s lineup in extreme winter conditions. 

Potential Solutions for Cybetruck Owners 

For current cyber truck owners experiencing heating issues, they may want to regularly check and replace filters. The air intake pathways need to be clear, though this might not completely solve the problem. Cybertruck owners may also use preconditioning to allow the users to preheat the cabin before driving or heading out. Those seeking aftermarket measures can use heated seat covers or defrosters for the windows.

That said, Tesla frequently releases software updates. Tesla may roll out a fix soon for any heating problems in future updates. The Cybetruck’s heating and defrosting has raised significant concerns about its ability. While the electric vehicles face winter performance challenges, the response from the dealership still leaves some concerns. Though the brand's track record of improving features through software updates is high, they may soon be addressed. For the present, cyber truck owners in colder areas need to take precautions to remain warm and to maintain visibility. 

Image source: CyberTruck Owners Group Facebook Group and Grok AI

Nicholas Muhoro is an automotive journalist covering car news and has a decade of experience sharing working at HotCars and TopSpeed. You can follow Nicholas on X and on LinkedIn to stay in touch and follow his news coverage at Torque News.