What is the right power setting when using a fridge in a Tesla car?

Tesla vehicles with lead-acid batteries (Model 3 pre-Highland, Model S and X) supply around 12v to the fridge. You can use the H or M battery protection setting. 

Model Y and Highland Model 3 use 16v Lithium batteries - our fridges will be fine to use in these cars when set to H. 

How to change the fridge 12v battery protection setting:

1. Hold the Gear (settings) button on the LCD until the battery cut-off indicator (H by default) blinks.
2. Release the Gear button 
3. Tap the Gear again to change it to “H” from “M” or “L”. 
4. Wait for the blinking to stop. 

See this video on how to do this: https://bmc.worldmanager.com/go/AC1ruh

Note that you will need to go to Car settings -> Charging and select Keep Accessory Power On if you wish to power the fridge when you exit the Tesla. This setting came via an update in May 2025, so please update your car if you do not see it.