Range is by far the biggest concern in the world of EVs—both for current owners and for customers considering a switch to a battery-powered vehicle. Tesla just topped its own achievement, announcing today that it found a way to squeeze 10 percent more driving range out of the big-battery Model S and Model X, and making the Model S the longest-range EV you can buy today.
Tesla announced that updates to the Model S and Model X drivetrain allow these vehicles to get even more mileage out of the optional 100kWh battery pack. The battery itself remains unchanged. Thus upgraded, Tesla says the Model S Long Range will achieve 370 miles of driving range on the EPA test cycle, up from the current 335-mile EPA rating. The Model X Long Range will stretch its range to 325 miles, Tesla says, increased from the current 295-mile EPA estimate.
The automaker attributes the improvement to new drive-unit technology, with in-motor improvements as well as upgrades to lubrication, cooling, bearings, and gear design. All this adds up to more than 93 percent efficiency, Tesla claims.
Tesla says the improved drivetrain will be available in all Model S and Model X trims, bringing improvements in range, power, torque and acceleration no matter which battery pack you choose. Previous designations—75D, 100D, and P100D—have been ditched in favor of Standard Range, Long Range and Performance, and all Model S and Model X variants now bring dual-motor all-wheel drive standard. Range estimates for Standard Range and Performance models have not yet been provided by Tesla, and official EPA testing has not yet been conducted on the upgraded drivetrain.
Tesla also announced that Model S and Model X vehicles can now be charged up to 50 percent faster than before, achieving 200 kW on the automaker’s proprietary V3 Superchargers and 145 kW on V2 Superchargers. All Model S and X variants will also receive an upgraded adaptive air suspension with predictive damping adjustment. Finally, current Model S or Model X owners looking to upgrade will be able to order a new Performance-line S or X and add Ludicrous Mode, a $20,000 option, for free.
Model S Standard Range starts at $78,000; Long Range, $88,000; Performance, $99,000. Model X adds $5000 to each price.
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