Performance Issues
Tesla recently released its 100 kWh battery pack for the performance versions of the Tesla Model S and X. The battery pack made the Model S P100D on Ludicrous mode the quickest production car in the world (that can be purchased new). It can go from 0-97 km/h (0-60 mph) time of 2.5 seconds.
Also highly anticipated is the non-performance version of the battery pack, 100D. Those versions are expected to top the range of the performance variants, and to be cheaper.
A hint of evidence suggests that Tesla is about release the 100D. One Reddit user noticed the online design studio for the Model S and X added a ‘100D’ badge to the source code. It just isn't public. Yet.
But that doesn't really mean anything until Tesla formally announces that it's taking orders, and estimates say that time will come by late this year or early next year. Now, Tesla is just focused on filling in orders for the P100D and reducing their backlog.
The Real Game Changer
The Model S and X P100D on Ludicrous mode are currently the quickest and longest range cars in their field. On the other hand, the non-performance 100D is for those looking for longer range on a single charge, rather than speed. Some test results were leaked by RDW (the Dutch regulator and European authority used by Tesla to approve its vehicles for European roads) and it showed a range of 613 km (~380 miles) on a single charge.
But the new models and even the new battery packs pale in comparison to the hotly anticipated Model 3. The $35,000, 322 km (200 mi) Model 3 is expected to be the car that fulfills Tesla's vision of an affordable EV. This 100 kwh battery is also expected to be in the Model 3. For now, it is confined to the current six-figure cars, but the company is looking at how to make this technology cheaper.
In fact, Tesla directly mentions these ties. "Without customers willing to buy the expensive Model S and X, we would be unable to fund the smaller, more affordable Model 3 development," says the company in a statement.
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