Tesla Rear Window Shade Review and Photos

crmohler · Feb 25, 2014

So I've been eagerly awaiting the availability of the Tesla sunshade, as I have rear facing seats which my kids love, except we live in SoCal and it gets bright and warm back there. The day I noticed the price for the sunshade, I ordered it:
http://shop.teslamotors.com/collections/model-s/products/rear-liftgate-s...
The sunshade arrived in a bag very similar to the bag that the charging adapters come in. I unzipped the bag and pulled out the sunshade, which pops into shape quickly. It's a mesh material, a single piece, and installs without the use of suction cups or clips. It pops right next to the window, and stays in place easily within the space next to the rear window. It would take just a few seconds to remove it or replace it.
My kids felt a significant difference in the glare and heat in the back, and could still see out of the window pretty well. I haven't driven with it at night yet, but daytime visibility has been fine for me.
So far, I'm very happy with the purchase, although it is a bit pricey. The quality of construction seems very good and visibility is maintained. I had planned on tinting the rear window, but I don't think that will be necessary now.

JohnnyMac · Feb 25, 2014

Thanks for providing this review. I have one on order and your feedback helps reaffirm my decision.

tdiggity · Feb 25, 2014

Does it fold for easy storage?

Blurry_Eyed · Feb 25, 2014

tdiggity said:
Does it fold for easy storage?

I believe it will fold into a bag that is similar in size to the bag that holds the Universal Mobile Connector.

Mayhemm · Feb 25, 2014

Thanks for the review & pics!

I may end up ordering one of these since aftermarket window tinting is illegal here. We'll see how warm I find the car gets.

apvbguy · Feb 26, 2014

thanks, I was holding back on ordering this, your review pushed me over the edge. I just placed the order.
here in FLA I think that kind of a shade is a must, now I need to find a windshield shade.
In addition, while the screen doesn't fully block the view from outside it does inhibit the view, you may not need the parcel shelf

Ohms.Law · Feb 26, 2014

Just ordered. Thanks crmohler. The dog will be happy.

Andrew · Feb 26, 2014

Thanks crmohler!

We have a 30% tint on the rear hatch... I'm wondering if it's worth getting this for the summertime, too. Anyone have thoughts on how much more this would help keep the heat out?

Kipernicus · Feb 26, 2014

Wow, didn't know they had this. Thanks for the review!

crmohler said:
So far, I'm very happy with the purchase, although it is a bit pricey.

Doesn't that describe everything from Tesla?

crmohler · Feb 26, 2014

Yes, it twists back up to fit in the Tesla bag that it comes in (very similar size and shape to the mobile connector adapter bag that comes with the MS).

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Hmmm, I'm not sure. I keep asking the kids the difference and they say it's "lots better", but that's about as specific as they'll get.

I posted the one photo with the screen and the pano roof , and it seems to let in more light than the pano roof.
Tesla would probably let you return it if you don't think it's a significant enough difference?

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Kipernicus said:
Wow, didn't know they had this. Thanks for the review!

Doesn't that describe everything from Tesla?

SO, So true! Although the Model S has been life changing for me, and the shade not so much. But maybe life changing for the kids since they're not as hot?
I do notice that people in the cars behind them at red lights don't wave as often to them as they used to. So they've got that extra bonus of anonymity.

jerry33 · Feb 26, 2014

Mine just arrived this afternoon. Installed in seconds.

3pod · Feb 26, 2014

I'm definitely going to order one as well. I might double up and tint too but will wait and see how the kids feel about it first.

SarahsDad · Feb 27, 2014

Yep, mine just came today and seems to work great. Couple other pix - small carrying bag. Also you can see fairly well through it so plan to leave it on all the time.

jthompson · Feb 27, 2014

Thanks for sharing the pics of the carrying bag and the shade before and after installation, guys!!

kwoo4424 · Feb 28, 2014

I too am considering purchasing rear shade; ABout how many mins to install. I was thinking of taking it down at dusk for better night vision and reinstalling each AM before going to work. Thanks for the review!

Chipper · Feb 28, 2014

kwoo4424 said:
I too am considering purchasing rear shade; ABout how many mins to install. I was thinking of taking it down at dusk for better night vision and reinstalling each AM before going to work. Thanks for the review!

See Jerry33's comment below. "Installed in seconds..."

Bubbletips · Mar 22, 2014

Does it reduce heat in the car?

I don't have the rear jump seats. So, I was wondering if the car feels less hot with the rear shade while driving or after sitting in the sun for 10 minutes.

darthvdr · Mar 22, 2014

can someone post a photograph of how it looks at night? Interested in seeing if it affects night time driving. Thank you.

jerry33 · Mar 23, 2014

darthvdr said:
can someone post a photograph of how it looks at night? Interested in seeing if it affects night time driving. Thank you.

Don't have a photo handy but basically it cuts down on the poorly aimed lights from the SUVs and pickups. To actually see, you use the backup camera--just like you do in the daytime. Honestly, they could get rid of the rear view mirror and it wouldn't make a difference in visibility (with or without the sunshade).

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Bubbletips said:
I don't have the rear jump seats. So, I was wondering if the car feels less hot with the rear shade while driving or after sitting in the sun for 10 minutes.

With the giant front windshield letting in heat--not likely. when the car is running, it helps, but when just sitting what helps the most is the pano roof open at 15%. Too bad Tesla removed the 15% setting. The 12% isn't good because there's no airflow, and the 20% is open way too far. Ownership said Tesla removed it because some people complained that it whistled at 15% while driving. I guess those who complained couldn't figure out that they just shouldn't use 15% while driving. Too bad they ruined it for the rest of us. It really helps when it's 40 C outside.

bradhs · Mar 23, 2014

What if we ask Tesla to bring the 15% back when the car is off and make it go away when car is in motion. For the peeps who were at 15% and they started to drive off, they'll just have to adjust it slightly.

jerry33 said:
With the giant front windshield letting in heat--not likely. when the car is running, it helps, but when just sitting what helps the most is the pano roof open at 15%. Too bad Tesla removed the 15% setting. The 12% isn't good because there's no airflow, and the 20% is open way too far. Ownership said Tesla removed it because some people complained that it whistled at 15% while driving. I guess those who complained couldn't figure out that they just shouldn't use 15% while driving. Too bad they ruined it for the rest of us. It really helps when it's 40 C outside.

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