If you’ve been interested in owning a Tesla Model X or Model S but didn’t want to spend the money, the carmaker is launching less expensive versions of these base models. They will each feature a software-limited 100kWh battery pack, reports Electrek.
The Model S will retail for US$85,000 with a 310-miles (498-kilometre) range. The Model X will cost US$88,000 with a 270-mile (434-kilometre) range.
The regular versions of the Model X and Model S will still be available, but they will cost an additional $8,000 and have an additional 8 percent better range. They will be marketed as “Extended Range” models.
Not everyone is impressed by the seemingly small percentage of range the extended range models will offer. One consumer commented, “Sooo, an $8k discount for the extra 25 miles you’ll never use, and the car still charges like a 100 pack. Yeah, that seems like a deal.”
Another person suggested Tesla extend the extra battery for a small fee during special occasions: “They should make that extra range possible to ‘rent’ for a weekend. Make me pay 100$ for this extra km per 48h and many will enable it when they go for a road trip, but otherwise, it’s completely useless and it will protect the battery long term.”
Still, others support Tesla’s decision to launch less-expensive models.
“Anyone buying a Tesla today with any experience on battery usage would see this non-extended range option as a huge benefit,” said one user. “Save 8k, get the charging speed of a 100 pack and protect the battery from overcharging. Literally, the only time the extra 25mi is useful is when leaving on super long road trips where you charge to 100% just before leaving.”
The faster models, formerly the Model S and Model X P100D, are now called the Model S and X Performance and will cost $112,000 and $117,000, respectively. These models no longer include “Ludicrous Mode,” but the upgrade, which enhances acceleration, is available for an additional $20,000.
Early last month, Tesla CEO Elon Musk stopped the sales of the cheapest versions of the Model S and Model X, which each included a 75 kWh battery pack. Tesla is currently only offering one type of battery for the Model S and Model X to streamline manufacturing. In September, the carmaker also reduced the number of colour choices from seven to five. The moves were a result of missed production numbers.
The new versions of the Model S and Model X are now available on Tesla’s website.
