Model S – Range and Pricing
The driving range on a fully charged battery varies by trim level; rear-wheel drive is standard in the 70 trim, while all others come with all-wheel drive.
• 70: $70,000, 230 mile range
• 70D: $75,000, 240 mile range
• 90D: $88,000, 288 mile range
• P90D: $108,000, 270 mile range
Model S – Driving Impressions
The Tesla Model S has thrilling acceleration thanks to its quiet, powerful electric motors. It takes corners with agility and has a smooth, comfortable ride. Forceful brakes and precise steering add to the Model S' performance prowess.
Model S – Interior Impressions
The Model S' cabin is filled with mostly luxurious materials and a high-end design. Seating for five is standard, while optional rear jump seats increase seating capacity to seven. There's plenty of legroom in both rows of seats, but the rear seats don't offer enough headroom for tall passengers.
Model S – Interior Features
A large 17-inch touch screen controls the Model S' features, which include dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation, and HD Radio. You use the touch screen like a smartphone or tablet, with gestures like pinching and swiping, making it intuitive to use.
Tesla Model X – Range and Pricing
With the Model S, Tesla made people reconsider what an electric car can be. With the Model X, they hope to do the same to SUVs. The Model X is Tesla's first foray into the SUV market. The Model X comes in four trims that differ in price and maximum driving range:
• 70D: $80,000, 220 mile range
• 90D: $95,000, 257 mile range
• Signature P90D: $132,000, 250 mile range
• Ludicrous Signature P90D: $142,000, 250 mile range
Model X – Speed and Drivetrain
Tesla wants their EVs to be more than grocery getters, and the Model X fits that bill. All Model X trims feature all-wheel drive. It has a top speed of 155 mph, and the P90D with the Ludicrous Speed upgrade goes from zero to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds.
Model X – Seating and Cargo
In addition to moving fast, the Model X can move people and cargo. The Model X can seat up to seven people. In a six-seat configuration, the Model X has 77 cubic feet of cargo space, and the fold-flat third row and forward-folding second row add storage area versatility.
Model X – Unique Features
The Model X has several unique features. It has the largest glass panoramic windshield on the market, providing excellent visibility. Its falcon wing rear doors open vertically, allowing easy access to second- and third-row seats even in tight quarters. Oh, and it has a nifty autopilot feature (see slide 12).
Model X – Tech Features
The Model X's in-cabin technology is headlined by its infotainment system, which has a 17-inch touch screen that controls virtually every system in the vehicle. It also has Bluetooth, navigation, an air purification system, auto-closing front doors, and is Wi-Fi ready.
Model X – Safety
When it comes to safety, the Model X is state-of-the-art. It uses radar, sonar, and camera systems to constantly scan the roadway and alert the driver of collisions. Tesla expects the Model X to be the first SUV to receive the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's highest rating in every category.
Autopilot
Model S and Model X are available with Tesla's Autopilot system that can autonomously steer, change lanes, and adjust speed while driving on the highway using data from sensors that identify lane markings, road signs, and other vehicles and objects.
Supercharging Stations
Superchargers are free public recharging stations along many major roads that allow Tesla drivers to recharge their cars in a fraction of the time compared with home charging stations. Check Tesla's site to see where the Supercharger stations are located.
Supercharging Stations
Tesla models can get an 80 percent battery charge (about 170 miles of range) in as little as 30 minutes at a supercharging station, which is enough to get to the next charging station along your route (if you're on a trip). Tesla is constantly expanding their charging network.
Tesla Model 3 – Overview
The Tesla Model 3 was put on display for the world to see at the end of March, and the results did not disappoint. Though it won't be available until 2017, Tesla has already taken nearly 300,000 pre-orders for the Model 3, making it the most popular electric car in history before one ever even hits the streets.
Tesla is already working to expand production capacities due to the fact that Model 3 pre-orders have wildly exceeded expectations. They're opening a second European factory to help meet production demands, and they're also expanding their network of charging stations.
Tesla Model 3 – Range and Pricing
Details are still emerging about the Model 3, but Tesla CEO Elon Musk has certainly been talking a big game about his company's newest offering. The Model 3 base trim will start at $35,000. That price is before any electric car incentives are applied, so it may turn out to be even more of a steal for buyers.
The Model 3 will have a maximum range of about 215 miles, which is less than the Model S and Model X, but should still be plenty of range for most commuters. The Model 3 will also be compatible with supercharging stations, which means that you'll be able to get an 80 percent battery charge in about half an hour. See slides 13 and 14 for more on supercharging stations.
Model 3 – Speed and Drivetrain
Though it won't be as fast as its more expensive cousins, Tesla is saying that the Model 3 will still be able to go from zero to 60 mph in under six seconds. Rear-wheel drive will be standard, but there will be an all-wheel drive, dual-motor trim available.
There is no word yet on how much the dual-motor trim will cost or whether it will feature the Ludicrous Speed upgrade that allows editions of the Model S and Model X to go zero to 60 mph in around three seconds.
Model 3 – Seating and Cargo
Many aspects of the vehicle won't be revealed until "part two" of the unveiling, which will happen closer to the actual release date. However, we know that it will seat five, and Tesla claims that adults will be able to fit comfortably in the rear seat.
The interior should feel pretty expansive thanks to the unique roof, which is one continuous glass panel that will provide all occupants with an unimpeded view of the sky. There will also be plenty of cargo space because – like other Tesla models – there will be a front and rear trunk. There's no word yet on how big they'll be, but Musk claims that you'll be able to haul your bike with no problem.
Model 3 – Tech Features
Musk cautioned that the dash setup in the Model 3 on display at its revelation will not be the real steering controls and system, noting that the real setup "feels like a spaceship."
Still, if the real controls are anything like the ones at the unveiling, they will certainly be revolutionary. The dashboard on display at the Model 3 reveal jumps out at you immediately. There are no buttons or gauges anywhere. It appears that every bit of driver information will be displayed on the enormous center screen and that all tech features will be controlled from the same apparatus.
Model 3 – Safety
The Model 3 will contain several semi-autonomous driving features, including automatic lane changing and lane keeping. While the bulk of the details have yet to come out, Musk has said that Tesla expects the Model 3 to receive five-star ratings in every safety category.
Tesla Destination Charging – What is it?
Destination charging allows you to charge your Tesla at hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, shopping centers and resorts, just as you would at home.
Destination chargers can be easily located by the navigation system of the Model S and Model X, and also online. There are hundreds of destination charging locations throughout the country. So whether you're planning a weekend retreat in the mountains at a bed and breakfast or heading out for a long day of shopping, destination charging allows you to charge your vehicle while on the go.
Tesla Destination Charging – Who is Eligible?
Anyone with a Tesla can charge while they dine, shop or sleep and leave with more range to make it to their next destination for added peace of mind.
Additionally, most participating destinations offer charging as a complimentary amenity. If you're headed on a long trip with your Tesla, you might consider stopping at a destination charging bed and breakfast for a night, and when you wake up, you'll have a fully charged battery to confidently continue on your way.
This is a part of Tesla’s plan to build a charging infrastructure to remove barriers to electric vehicle ownership. When combined with the Superchargers, Destination Charging helps make long distance driving in an EV possible.
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Would You Buy a Tesla?
Electric cars have grown in popularity recently thanks in part to improving technology and stringent government fuel economy standards. Tesla Motors is the only major automaker to currently only offer electric vehicles. Click through the slideshow to learn more about the Model S, Model X, and upcoming Model 3.