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What does it cost to run Tesla sentry mode?


Tesla dash cam
Tesla dash cam

Why install a dashcam into a Tesla?


We installed front and rear T2s Dashcams to a Tesla Model X and Tesla Model S and also another recent install of a GNET G-on2 Dash cam to a Tesla Model Y. All cameras having ultra high definition cameras with exceptional bitrate recording.

So with all Tesla vehicles nowadays able to use their built in autopilot cameras as an alternative dashcam recorder, why are owners still having third party Dashcams fitted?

There are a few good reasons…..


Our Gnet and Goluk Dashcams have an exceedingly higher 2k video resolution quality and wider field of view along with true HDR recording and audio recording. The Tesla front camera has a very narrow field of view and lower resolution with colours that don’t necessarily match with real world colours. The narrow field of view on the front camera is unable to see pedestrians when you’re at a junction. So if they were to walk out into the road without looking then your built in Tesla cam would not see or record this. The side cameras are a nice addition though, despite being lower resolution we always advise customer activate the Tesla cams when driving.


How does Tesla sentry mode affect miles?

Tesla sentry mode drain
Tesla sentry mode drain

A customer asked us a great question…

What does it cost to run sentry mode on a Tesla?

As the Tesla car is unable to run its built in cameras without having its main MCU (media control unit) powered on, this in turn ends up consuming hefty amounts of power (miles) from the main vehicle battery when you have sentry mode activated.

It has been known for a Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y to use around 16 to 21 miles just overnight alone using sentry mode.

With current electric prices that converts into quite a cost to keep sentry mode running and also a bit of a pain in losing precious miles just to keep cameras recording.


We did some quick math based on the following.....


The cost per mile to charge at home at cheap 10p per kwh rate = circa £0.03 (pence) (300 watt per mile).

The cost per mile to charge using superchargers at 55p rate = circa £0.17 (pence) (300 watt per mile)


The Tesla model Y seems to drop around 2 miles a day and circa 18 miles a day when Tesla Sentry mode cameras are activated.

With the GNET G-ON dashcam you will hardly see any impact to miles dropped, its circa 5 miles in 4 weeks.


So, having GNET dashcams installed that run 24/7/365, you would save at least 16 mile per day.


To run Tesla sentry for 365 days, based on 300 watts per mile driving and a cost per mile to charge at home cheap rate (10 pence per kwh) would cost £175.20 per annum.

To run Tesla sentry for 365 days, based on 300 watts per mile driving and a cost per mile to charge at the Supercharger rate (55 pence per kwh) would cost £992.80 per annum.


So, installing third party dashcams into Tesla vehicles can be a great benefit and addition to the existing driving cameras along with saving you money.


Tesla Model X Dashcam
Tesla Model X Dashcam

When we installed the Goluk T2s and GNET G-on2 2k dashcam, all wires are totally hidden and run alongside existing vehicle wiring looms, we aim for the best aesthetically pleasing look that almost looks like a factory install.

We like to fit dashcams so that the user doesn't know they are there yet they can be accessed instantly using the smartphone phone app if required enabling instant fast video download.


Tesla Model S Dashcam
Tesla Model S Dashcam

Gnet G-on2 dashcam has built in vehicle 12 volt battery monitoring that is fully customisable from within the app. This means when parked, the dashcam is powered off when your 12 volt aux battery maintains enough power to start your car again (or in an EV's case, power up your display and start the systems up). The dashcam battery monitor allows the camera to monitor your vehicle and its surroundings whilst parked. Should your vehicle be hit whilst parked or someone were to "key" your vehicle, as long as there is sufficient power in your 12 (or 15) volt battery, the camera's will automatically record the incident. Other installers may try to unnecessarily sell you a parking battery but we like to speak to you to discuss your driving to decide whether or not this would be beneficial.



Professional, unobtrusive and very discrete dashcam installs.

Our best selling dashcams offer the following features:



✔︎ Automatic separate "incident" recordings

✔︎ Driving Loop recording

✔︎ Parking Recording

✔︎ Parking G-Sensor (impact) Recording

✔︎ Parking Motion Recording

✔︎ wifi hotspot with fast downloadable footage

✔︎ up to 500gb storage with micro sd memory

✔︎ View footage on IOS / ANDROID app

✔︎ View footage on pc/Mac with removable microSD memory

✔︎ Cloud - Live Streaming, Live GPS tracking, Statistics, Geo-Fence*

✔︎ ADAS (safe driving assistance system)

✔︎ H.265 video recording (up to 2 times higher than H.264)

✔︎ True HDR video

✔︎ Ultra wide viewing angle (160deg & 150 deg)

✔︎ High Temperature running ability (85 deg c) with added protection

✔︎ PC/Mac App with vehicle data and location recording

✔︎ JDR data - Automatic data recovery and self format (unique to GNET)

(contact us for specific model features)


Tesla Dashcam installer Leeds
Tesla Dashcam installer Leeds
  • up to 24/7 CCTV around your car*

  • Protection from other dangerous drivers

  • Protection from crash for cash schemes

  • Up to 20% discount on car insurance


* recording time may vary depending on vehicle usage and the battery monitor will power the camera's down at a safe level (selectable within the app, dependant on camera model). if you leave your vehicle for long periods of time and/or wish to have longer parking recording then we advise extra battery units to be installed by ourselves. If you also drive short distances to work, please speak with us for the best advice on parking mode. When installed into certain electric vehicles, 24/7 recording is totally possible without extra batteries (contact us to confirm).

* Cloud recording available with optional hardware on certain models


Tesla Dashcam installer Leeds

Tesla Sentry Mode drain
Tesla Sentry Mode drain

We have over 30 years experience in the electronics industry and also installed into thousands of vehicles, treating each one as if it were our own. We are pioneers in our installation methods and we take out the stress of you choosing the Dashcam and Tracker and we will only recommend the best solution for your specific requirement. We liaise and work closely with Dashcam manufacturers and do not sell rebadged or clone dashcams.


We can install a professional camera system that will protect your vehicle and its surroundings. We take out all the work required in sourcing out the best camera systems. We only stock and install dashcams that we approve of, we wont bombard you with a myriad of different camera makes and models. We install very niche dash cams that have passed our required standards, we are after all, continuing to build a prestigious brand that helps us to excel in our customer support.

Don't wait until its too late, get yourself and your vehicle protected today, a professional dashcam install can be removed and used time and time again in your next vehicles.





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