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Changes to Models S and X allow them to travel longer without larger batteries

tesla.com

161–170 of 521 posts

Re: Changes to Models S and X allow them to travel longer without larger batteries

#162

This is a nice upgrade for the Model S, however, I'm really curious what Tesla's design refresh roadmap looks like for their older models. The Model S has remained mostly the same since 2012, and while the design is pretty good, very few companies can get away without a major design refresh for 7+ years.

Camaro (9 years), Ford Ranger (8 years), Mustang Shelby GT500 (30 then 7 years), Acura NSX (11 years), Challenger (24 years) and the Ford GT (11 years) all come to mind.

Also keep in mind Tesla technically already did a somewhat refresh, like a generation 1.5 of sorts in 2016 [1] (New seats, slight interior changes, facelift, autopilot updates).

1. https://www.autoblog.com/photos/2017-tesla-model-s-facelift-...

Re: Changes to Models S and X allow them to travel longer without larger batteries

#163
post #72

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Not surprised. They can't expect people to replace their car every two years as if it were an iPhone.

Time to introduce in-car purchases. Pay to overtake.

Already exists. Autopilot and FSD can be purchased through the model 3 touch screen.

Re: Changes to Models S and X allow them to travel longer without larger batteries

#164
post #155
post #151

" Paired with the new more efficient drivetrain design, Model S and Model X are now capable of achieving 200 kW on V3 Superchargers " Not sure how this has anything to do with the new drivetrain, because last month they already announced " [a V3 supercharger] supports peak rates of up to 250kW per car " (presumably without the new drivetrain as it had not been announced yet - https://www.tesla.com/blog/introducing-v3…

From the text you cited, my understanding is that 200kW is already possible and they might be able to achieve up to 250kW using that approach.

But it's the reverse: they previously announced 250 kW last month. While this new drivetrain announcement says 200 kW. Why did they lower the charging rate claim?

Re: Changes to Models S and X allow them to travel longer without larger batteries

#165
post #149

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Also: "In addition to our Long Range and Performance variants, we’re also re-introducing a lower entry price for Model S and Model X by bringing back our Standard Range option, now available for an even greater value with the new drivetrain and suspension updates." They just can't leave their pricing structure alone. How does Tesla management not appreciate how unnecessarily confusing this is for consumers?

You go on the website, click a couple boxes, and it tells you a price. You pay what you see on the website. How is that more confusing than a regular dealership?

First of all, I doubt that the average Tesla customer is wealthy enough that they're in a position to shrug and ambivalently pay whatever the website tells them on that particular day, like they're in the checkout aisle of a grocery store or the pump at a gas station. When it comes to $50,000 purchases, people generally like to plan ahead.

Second, the comparison isn't against dealers (which are awful), the comparison is against the ideal. All I'm saying is that Tesla is shooting itself in the foot with its inconsistency. Bringing up dealers is a whataboutism.

Re: Changes to Models S and X allow them to travel longer without larger batteries

#166
post #57

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm guessing they have software that contains a full bill of materials for each vehicle. Boeing does this for every individual plane, and a plane is significantly more complex than a Tesla. I'm sure they are very aware of how many of each parts are out there on the road. I wouldn't be surprised if the vehicles themselves periodically phone home with use information so they can predict wear and tear.

AFAIK that's pretty standard for most manufacturers. I can look up my SUV's VIN online and get its full configuration.

You can get the basics of a Tesla from the vin, but there are more details than just the basics.

Re: Changes to Models S and X allow them to travel longer without larger batteries

#167
post #122

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You jest, but years ago I worked for one of the largest auto parts places. You have no idea how many times you'd input year, make, model, and trim, just to be presented with multiple choice questions. Nobody knew how big their drums were, in inches, or the number of blades on their fan, the length of their belts, etc. Apparently a lot of mixing and matching happens. Some folks legitimately had to give us a prior year…

The dealerships use VIN numbers, which end up getting you the exact part you want, even if the same car model of the same year has different parts. I suppose some of the retailers don't have this privilege.

"Vehicle Identification Number numbers"?

Re: Changes to Models S and X allow them to travel longer without larger batteries

#168
post #3

They also announced on Twitter: "As a thank you to our Tesla owners, all existing Model S and Model X owners who wish to purchase a new Model S or Model X Performance car will get the Ludicrous Mode upgrade, a $20,000 value, at no additional charge" https://twitter.com/Tesla/status/1120852649400623105

> Ludicrous Mode upgrade, a $20,000 value I have a P85D. When Ludicrous Mode was announced, they offered it for $5000 as an upgrade. I have no idea why it now supposedly costs $20,000. Source: https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-drops-price-of-p85d-ludicrou...

That $US20k seems to be purely marketing bullshit, aimed to sucker US buyers. :(

Easy seen as such too. Compare the "Ludicrous Mode" for the Model X on the US website (US$20k) to the same thing on the Australian website (AUS$8.5k):

https://www.tesla.com/modelx/design?redirect=no#battery

https://www.tesla.com/en_AU/modelx/design?redirect=no#batter...

Note - you need to select "Performance" on the right side, for Ludicrous Mode to be shown.

Ludicrous mode is "20% faster acceleration" for both. So it very much seems like the extra cost on the US buyers is to match this marketing update.

That thing where Larry Ellison (Oracle) is now on the board of Tesla. This is the kind of crap he'd very much applaud. :(

https://www.tesla.com/en_AU/modelx/design?redirect=no#batter...

Re: Changes to Models S and X allow them to travel longer without larger batteries

#169
post #40

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Does the 2016 refresh not count?

Not to me. I judge Tesla on the same metrics as any other car company. The Model S is getting long in the tooth.

As long as I can smoke that Maserati at a stoplight on Sand Hill Road, not a problem.

Re: Changes to Models S and X allow them to travel longer without larger batteries

#170

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is great until you want to do repairs or maintenance yourself or via lower cost aftermarket. It’s essentially locking you into the OEM service model.

Correct. This is a choice you make as a Tesla customer (disclaimer: I have made this choice). I understand Tesla's position (brand protection, workload reduction), but also support Right To Repair; I don't have a solution I can offer in this instance. My hope is that Right to Repair legislation and Tesla's profitability intersect at some point in the future, where allowing aftermarket work is more palatable to Tesla…

>I understand Tesla's position (brand protection, workload reduction), but also support Right To Repair; I don't have a solution I can offer in this instance.

The solution is to not buy a tesla. By buying one you are supporting the move away from right to repair.

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