Bioweapon Defense Mode: Tesla Model X has one

Tesla released the Model X Tuesday (9/29). Before I get into how sexy she is, and, as usual my love for the genius that is Elon Musk, I’ve got to get into some features first.

The first, and most talked about feature, is the “bioweapon defense mode”. I know, it sounds ludicrous (see what I did there?). It’s built into the air conditioning system, which has a VERY large HEPA filter. HEPA filters can filter out pollen, dust, fungal spores, the plague, anthrax, and most other bacteria.

How the “bioweapon defense mode” works is just by the push of a button on the console. Just like other vehicle air conditioning systems, it also has a fresh air setting, as well as recirculate to keep the air inside the cabin circulating. What the activation of the “bioweapon defense mode” does is create positive pressure in the cabin to keep outside particles where they belong – outside.

Colonel Randall Larsen, US Air Force retired and current director for the Institute for Homeland Security, said, “Now, if you’re worried about bacterial agents like anthrax or plague, a good filtering system would probably protect you.”

When asked about viruses, deputy director of the Pacific Southwest Regional Center for Biodefense and Emerging Diseases at the University of California, Irvine, Michael J. Buchmeier, said “Well, .03 micrometer won’t hold back viruses. So, if you can believe that all bioterrorist agents are bacteria, then you’ll get an increment of protection.”

“They key to the problem with bio is knowing it’s been released. You know, it’s not like there’s a big bang or something,” Larsen said.

Buchmeier even said, “It’s a pretty extravagant long shot anyway, you know, the idea that you’re going to be forewarned enough to implement this filter in time to prevent any exposure.”

Elon Musk said (which you’ll also hear in the video below), “We’re trying to be a leader in apocalyptic defense systems,” with a laugh.

As you can also tell in the video, most in the audience thought “bioweapon defense mode” was a joke.

The video is about a half hour, but you really should check it out:

Elon Musk, you just keep me falling! Also, this is, by far, the sexiest SUV I’ve seen in a while! Oh, and here’s a few photos of the Model X.

What do you think of the Tesla Model X?

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