Tesla launches EVs with up to 600 km range
06 May 2019
Electric vehicle maker Tesla has come out with new modes of its standard EVs - Model S and Model X - that allow them to travel unprecedented distances without needing to recharge, beating its own record for the longest-range production EVs on the road.
With its latest models, Tesla has increased the range of Model S and Model X substantially to a landmark 595 kilometres (370 miles) and 523 kilometres (325 miles), respectively.
Tesla achieved this without increasing the cars’ battery size, proving that its expertise in system-level design can make the cars dramatically more efficient.
Tesla has given the Model S and Model X an all-new drivetrain design that increases each vehicle’s range substantially. Using the same 100 kWh battery pack, these design and architecture updates will allow drivers to travel farther than ever before, charging less frequently and getting more range out of every dollar spent on charging, says Tesla.
Tesla has introduced a new adaptive suspension system for Model S and Model X, along with a few other improvements for the best range, acceleration, and ride comfort, plus a Ludicrous Mode upgrade for most loyal customers.
All Model S and X vehicles now benefit from Tesla’s latest generation of drive unit technology, which combines an optimised permanent magnet synchronous reluctance motor, silicon carbide power electronics, and improved lubrication, cooling, bearings, and gear designs to achieve greater than 93 per cent efficiency. Pairing a permanent magnet motor in the front with an induction motor in the rear enables unparalleled range and performance at all times.
The net effect is a more than 10 per cent improvement in range, with efficiency improvements in both directions as energy flows out of the battery during acceleration and back into the battery through regenerative braking. In addition to adding range, power and torque increases significantly across all Model S and Model X variants, improving 0-60 mph times for our Long Range and Standard Range models.
Paired with the new more efficient drivetrain design, Model S and Model X are now capable of achieving 200 kW on V3 Superchargers and 145 kW on V2 Superchargers. Together, these improvements enable our customers to recharge their miles 50 per cent faster.
Tesla has also upgraded its air suspension system for Model S and Model X with fully-adaptive damping, giving it an ultra-cushioned feel when cruising on the highway or using Autopilot, and a responsive, exhilarating confidence during dynamic driving.
Tesla says the suspension software is developed completely in-house, using a predictive model to anticipate how the damping will need to be adjusted based on the road, speed, and other vehicle and driver inputs. The system constantly adapts by sensing the road and adjusting for driver behaviour, automatically softening for more pronounced road inputs and firming for aggressive driving.
The company has also improved the levelling of the system while cruising, keeping the car low to optimise aerodynamic drag. The adaptive suspension can receive over-the-air updates, allowing Tesla to enable all Model S and Model X customers to have the most advanced suspension technology at all times.
Tesla says it has also re-engineered several other components of Model S and Model X in keeping with its philosophy of continuous improvement. These updates include new wheel bearings and a few new tire designs for certain variants to improve range, ride, and steering.
In addition to the new Long Range and Performance variants, Tesla is also re-introducing a lower entry price for Model S and Model X by bringing back the Standard Range option, with the new drivetrain and suspension updates.