The Best Tesla Accessories to Keep You Cool This Summer

Now that summer is in full swing, I can’t help but reflect on my past road trips—and how much I sweated through them. As I gear up for my next adventures, including a summer road trip through BC and a long haul to Yellowknife and even an EV road trip to the Arctic Ocean, I’ve loaded up on all the gear I wish I had before.

If you’re planning a sunny drive, these Tesla accessories to keep you cool are absolute game-changers. Trust me, I learned the hard way.

Tesla Model Y Sun Shade: Must-Have for Summer

Let’s start with one of the simplest yet most effective Tesla Model Y accessories: the Tesla Model Y sun shade. With that panoramic sunroof, the cabin can heat up fast.

I picked up a two-piece foldable sun shade from Tesmanian late last summer and instantly regretted not getting it sooner. It’s easy to install, clips into place, and stores in a compact pouch (although I just leave it up full-time).

If you’re looking to upgrade, check out these fancy retractable Tesla sunshades. I’m hoping to test one out soon as they look very slick.

There’s even a motorized sun shade option that is voice-activated!

To block even more heat from the front, I also recommend a windshield sunshade. It folds quickly and stores compactly—super convenient.

There are also sun shade options for the side windows for further protection.

Get 10% off Tesmanian products with coupon code MYEVTRIPS

Tesla Cooler Options: From Frunk to Trunk

One of the smartest additions to any Tesla road trip kit is a Tesla cooler. For short trips, I use a soft cooler that fits perfectly in the frunk—it’s great for beach days and camping trips.

Surprisingly spacious, it keeps snacks and drinks cold for hours. For a great fit and insulation, check out the Yeslak Frunk Cooler Organizer.

But if you want to level up, go with a powered Tesla Model Y cooler that fits in the trunk. It connects to the 12V plug and actively cools your items, though it’s a more permanent fixture. It’s compact, discreet, and efficient.

There’s also a version that fits in the sub trunk if the above one is not big enough for you. I travel solo and don’t want to give up the trunk space but for those with families, a bigger cooler might be for you.

For my long road trips, I stick to my trusty Igloo model, which has served me well on everything from my Newfoundland EV road trip to a weekend at the beach in Tofino.

It plugs in to the ac port and keeps drinks and snacks perfectly cool and fits in the front seat well when I am solo or in the back center row when I have guests

Rear Console Cooler

For Model Y and Model 3 owners, there’s now a center console accessory cooler designed to fit into the rear console. It’s small but is a great way to keep drinks accessible and cold without taking up trunk space.

Ventilated Seat Covers: Cool Your Seat, Not Just the Air

If you’re driving a pre-Highland Model 3 or Model Y, you’re missing out on ventilated seats. But there’s a fix!

I tested a plug-in ventilated seat cover after hiking Vancouver’s Grouse Grind and was instantly a fan. It cools (or heats) via an AC plug and fits under your standard seat cover. You can find a great option from Yeslak in their Stay Chill Accessories Collection.

Window Tinting and Basic Shades

Sure, tinting looks sleek, but did you know it can also reduce interior temps by up to 60%? That’s why I tinted the windows and added paint protection film (PPF) to my 2020 Model Y.

Pair that with some basic mesh window shades and your cabin stays cooler and your battery doesn’t work overtime.

READ MORE: How to check your Tesla battery health

Tesla’s Hot Weather Best Practices

Tesla accessories to keep you cool aside, Tesla has built-in features to combat the heat, and knowing how to use them effectively can make your summer drives much more comfortable.

These aren’t just conveniences—they’re smart tools that work with your accessories to maximize cooling and efficiency. Especially when you’re parking for a hike or coming back to a sun-baked cabin after a lunch stop, using Tesla’s climate features can seriously reduce stress and sweat.

Here are some essential tips:

• Precondition the cabin before you leave via the Tesla app. You can even set up a shortcut for your Apple Watch
• Enable Cabin Overheat Protection, which kicks in when the interior hits 40°C (105°F).
• Use Dog Mode or Camp Mode if you’re leaving pets or perishables in the car.
• Vent the windows using the app.
• Leave your Tesla plugged in to use wall power instead of draining the battery for climate control.

Tesla recommends preconditioning your vehicle at least 30–45 minutes before driving. It makes a huge difference, especially on long hauls like my summer road trip through New England.

More Tips for Staying Cool

• Park in the shade whenever possible
• Use reflective windshield covers
• Keep hydrated and store extra water in your Tesla cooler
• Wear light clothing and keep a hand towel nearby if you’re hiking or out in the sun

Final Thoughts: Tesla Accessories to Keep You Cool

So, those are my go-to Tesla accessories to beat the heat—and a few I’ll be testing out this year. Whether you’re planning a road trip to Yellowknife like me, exploring Saint Pierre and Miquelon, or just running errands in the sun, these accessories make all the difference.

Got other suggestions or hacks? I’m always looking for new camping accessories or summer gear that makes EV life easier. Drop me a message or comment on the blog!

FAQ: Tesla Accessories for Hot Weather