Regenerative braking is one of the best features in an EV… until winter hits. That’s what one Tesla owner found out the hard way — and his story is sparking a bigger conversation.
Rich Gill, a Tesla owner, recently shared a story that quickly caught fire in the Tesla Tips & Tricks Facebook group. He had bought a brand-new 2024 Model Y Long Range with the acceleration boost, only to total it in a snowstorm. What went wrong? He says it was regenerative braking — the very feature that’s supposed to make EVs smarter and safer.
“I let off the accelerator while driving slowly in the snow,” Rich wrote.
“The car went sideways and slid into a ditch. I think regen braking locked the wheels and turned the car into a sled.”
What Happened After the Crash Might Shock You
Despite totaling his Model Y, Rich planned to buy the exact same one — until he noticed something strange. Tesla’s Performance version was nearly $9,000 cheaper than it used to be. So he upgraded. But here’s the twist:
“It feels slower than my Long Range,” he says.
“Maybe it’s the wheels? Or power management? It’s most noticeable when I accelerate, slow down, then accelerate again.”
This raises another important question: How consistent is Tesla’s performance when so much of it is software-controlled?
The Bigger Problem: Regen Braking in Snow
Rich’s story isn’t just about one car. It’s part of a bigger issue that many Tesla owners in cold climates are starting to talk about:
- Regen braking can behave unpredictably on snow, ice, or slush
- Drivers describe their Teslas suddenly jerking, sliding, or spinning when they lift off the accelerator
- Tesla doesn’t currently offer a dedicated Snow Mode that adjusts regen, even though many owners say it’s needed
Norwegian Drivers Weigh In
In the same thread, Norwegian Tesla owner Torleif Theodorsen offered this blunt reminder:
“Winter tires are a must. You don’t go out in slippers, do you?”
Fair. But others in snow-heavy regions like Norway still report regen issues even with proper tires. Some have called for Tesla to allow users to disable or adjust regen braking in winter — just like you can tweak drive settings in other high-end vehicles.
Is There a Workaround? Yes — But It’s Hidden
Tom McKee, another Tesla driver, shared a clever fix:
“I have a 2024 Model 3 Performance. I created a Track Mode setting and renamed it ‘Snow Mode.’ I turned off regen completely using the slider. It works perfectly on slippery roads.”
Smart? Yes.
Simple? Not really.
Should Tesla build this in natively instead of leaving it to DIY hacks? Absolutely.
Other Drivers Echo the Same Concern
- Kimberly Brinson: “Turn off regen in snow. Glad you were okay.”
- James Hooker: “After four winters in Norway, I haven’t had an issue — but many people do. Tesla should allow regen to be disabled.”
Even those who love their Tesla admit that regen braking isn’t always your friend — especially if you’re new to EVs or unfamiliar with icy conditions.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
Tesla pushes innovation with Over-the-Air updates, performance upgrades, and FSD features. But if regen braking in snow remains a risk, maybe it’s time Tesla used that same software flexibility to offer:
- A real Snow Mode
- Adjustable regen strength based on road conditions
- Smarter traction and throttle response for winter driving
Safety shouldn’t be something owners have to “hack” into existence.
In conclusion, Rich’s story is a wake-up call. Technology can make cars faster, smarter, and more energy-efficient — but if a driver slides into a ditch because regen braking acted too aggressively, it shows that some systems still need seasonal tuning.
The good news? Tesla could fix this with a single update. The question is — will they?
Have You Had a Winter Scare in Your Tesla?
Did regen braking ever catch you off guard?
Do you think Tesla should offer a built-in Snow Mode?
Share your thoughts below. You might help someone else avoid the same mistake.