Tesla’s Model S and X Now Sport the Same 100kWh Battery Pack; Will it Simplify Production?
All variants of the Tesla Model X and Model S will now be sold with the same battery. | Source: Shutterstock
Electric car maker Tesla has made good its promise to phase out the 75kWh Model S and Model X versions. On Tuesday the electric car maker began selling these models only with the long-range 100kWh battery packs.
Despite having the same battery, the range will differ depending on the model with cheaper versions having a lower range. This will be made possible using a range-limiting software, according to CNBC .
The Cheapest Model X can Buy you at Least Two Entry-level Model 3s
The lowest-priced Model S will start at $85,000 and it will have a range of 310 miles on one full charge. In the case of the Model X, the lowest-priced version with a 270-mile range will cost at least $88,000. Tesla also offers a higher-priced version of the SUV with a range of 295 miles.
With the price difference between the lowest-priced Model 3 and the cheapest Model S at least $50,000, Tesla’s move to retire the 75kWh models of its high-end vehicles is likely to benefit its mass-market car.
‘Production Hell’ not Withstanding, Model 3 Proved to be Popular
Though initially released in 2017, more units of the Model 3 were sold in 2018 than the combined number of Model X and Model S were sold since they came into existence. Specifically, Tesla delivered over 145,000 units of the Model 3. Since they were launched, only 99,394 units of the Model S and Model X had been sold by the close of 2018.
Tesla’s decision to retire the 75kWh battery packs in the Model S and the Model X was announced earlier this month.
As previously reported by CCN.com, the move to equip the Model S and the Model X with the same battery pack is expected to simplify the production and delivery process.
For most of 2018, Tesla was in ‘production hell ’ during which time the Model 3’s delivery targets went unmet. An overcomplicated production process was cited as being one of the reasons for the ‘production hell’.
Tesla Disappointed Customers in 201-8 – Will 2019 be a better year?
The delivery glitches that resulted saw some customers who had made upfront payment having to wait longer than scheduled. Additionally, a lot of customers who had ordered Teslas ended up dissatisfied with some of them citing various complaints. This included getting cars with faults such as broken bumpers, dead batteries, dents or even wrong color.
At the time Tesla CEO, Elon Musk blamed it on high demand for its vehicles as he promised a fix:
“Due to a large increase in vehicle delivery volume in North America, Tesla customers may experience longer response times. Resolving this is our top priority.”
Tesla Set to Announce Q4 2018 Earnings
Tesla is expected to announce its fourth quarter results this Wednesday. Its stock price is currently struggling to break above the $300 resistance level.
