{"id":14018,"date":"2022-01-27T09:08:01","date_gmt":"2022-01-27T14:08:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=14018"},"modified":"2022-01-27T09:08:01","modified_gmt":"2022-01-27T14:08:01","slug":"tesla-hepa-filter-model-y-bmw-x3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=14018","title":{"rendered":"Tesla Shows HEPA Filter Effectiveness In Video With Model Y vs BMW X3"},"content":{"rendered":"

The rivalry between BMW and Mercedes is as old as the hills, but both are facing a relatively new competitor. Tesla has taken the EV scene by storm, managing to deliver 936,172 cars in 2021. To show it\u2019s playing in the big leagues now, Elon Musk and co. decided to use a BMW X3<\/a> in a new video featuring the Model Y and its HEPA filter.<\/p>\n

It would\u2019ve been more accurate to get an iX3<\/a> rather than the gasoline version. However, with BMW deciding not to bring the electric crossover to the US, Tesla used what it had. Of course, it cleverly hid the badges on the grille and steering wheel to avoid legal issues. Even so, it\u2019s pretty obvious what we\u2019re dealing with here.<\/p>\n

As you can see, the EVs were put inside a capsule to test the differences between the X3\u2019s standard air filter and the Model Y\u2019s HEPA filter. Three smoke grenades were deployed after the man inside the Tesla activated the grandiosely named Bioweapon Defense Mode. Doing so essentially recirculates the air through the HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter that hospitals use.<\/p>\n

Does The HEPA Filter Really Work?<\/h3>\n

The feature was originally launched in 2015 for the more expensive Model S and Model X before trickling down to the smaller Model Y<\/a> last year. The Model 3 sedan doesn\u2019t have it due to packaging constraints as there\u2019s not enough room to squeeze it in.<\/p>\n

Tesla touts the HEPA filter is 100 times more effective compared to what luxury legacy automakers use in their vehicles. There are no visible signs of fumes in the Model Y, which we can\u2019t say about the BMW X3\u2019s cabin. You can see the sheer size of the filters and how useful they were following the \u201cattack\u201d with smoke grenades. The Bioweapon Defense Mode in correlation with the HEPA filter kept the cabin nice and clean.<\/p>\n

Aside from Tesla, Mercedes is now using HEPA filters in the new EQE and EQS<\/a> electric sedans. As for BMW, a nanoparticle filter<\/a> is available for the 5 Series and up to clean the air inside. It will be interesting to see whether the next 7 Series debuting soon will bring improvements in terms of air quality.<\/p>\n