Tesla Introduces New Model S and Model X with Standard Range
Tesla has recently unveiled two new versions of its flagship vehicles, the Model S and Model X. These new additions are the “Standard Range” versions, characterized by shorter driving ranges but at more affordable prices.
Historically, Tesla has offered a variety of versions for both the Model S and Model X, with the differentiating factor often being the battery pack capacity, which has ranged from 40 kWh to 100 kWh. In some instances, Tesla has even introduced new trims by software-locking a portion of the battery pack's capacity.
However, since the refresh of the Model S and Model X in 2021, Tesla had only been offering the “Long Range” and “Plaid” versions. This recent move marks the return of the “Standard Range” version for both vehicles.
Pricing and Range Details:
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Model S Standard Range: Priced at $78,490, which is $10,000 less than its predecessor. However, this comes with a reduced range of 320 miles on a single charge, 85 miles less than the Long Range version which offers 405 miles.
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Model X Standard Range: The price starts at $10,000 less than the previous version. This new version offers a range of 269 miles, which is 79 miles less than the Long Range version.
A point of speculation has been whether Tesla is simply software-locking the capacity in the Long Range battery pack to produce these new trims or if the company is manufacturing a distinct battery pack for them. This will become clearer once Tesla commences deliveries, which are set to begin next month in the US, as per Tesla’s online configurator.
Interestingly, if these versions are indeed software-locked, Tesla has, in the past, provided owners with the option to unlock the additional capacity through a software update, albeit at a premium. It remains to be seen if Tesla will reintroduce this feature.
Update: Tesla has clarified that the new “Standard Range” Model S and Model X utilize the same battery pack as the Long Range versions. The difference in capacity is achieved through software-locking.
