Tesla: Model S and X range increased by ten percent without a larger battery

Tesla says it has made improvements to the Model S and Model X. As a result, these vehicles could drive ten percent further on a battery charge, without increasing the battery capacity.

Tesla reports that it still uses the same 100 kWh battery, but that a range of 595 and 523 km is now possible with the Model S and X, respectively. The company says this is possible due to new engine improvements. The design of the electric motors would have been updated, as would a new suspension system and some other minor improvements.

In addition, the Model S and X can now charge with the V3 version of Superchargers at 200kW; with the V2 Superchargers that has been increased to 145kW. Tesla says this means customers can top up their miles fifty percent faster. That does not mean that the total loading time is reduced by fifty percent. The powers mentioned do not come close to the 250kW that is possible with the Model 3 with the V3 chargers.

According to Elon Musk’s company, the permanent magnet synchronous motors used have been optimized, as have the silicon carbide power electronics, cooling, bearings and transmission design. Tesla states that pairing a permanent magnet motor in the front of the car with an induction motor in the rear leads to “unparalleled range and performance.” All in all, this would deliver a ten percent increase in range, both by improving energy efficiency during acceleration and during regenerative braking. It also improves power and torque, leading to a faster 0-100km/h sprint.

In terms of prices, adjustments will also follow. The entry-level price for the Model S and X drops as the standard range option returns. Tesla is giving existing Model S and X owners the option to get the Ludicrous Mode upgrade for free when they purchase a new Model S or X. All of these improvements will be implemented at the California plant in Fremont starting this week.