Tesla, the leading electric vehicle maker, has announced a new option for owners of its older Model S and Model X vehicles to upgrade their battery packs for a longer range and better performance. The upgrade is available for owners of the 75 kWh battery-equipped models, which can now opt for either a 90 kWh or a 100 kWh battery pack.
Why upgrade the battery pack?
The battery pack is one of the most important components of an electric vehicle, as it determines how far the vehicle can travel on a single charge and how fast it can accelerate. Tesla has been constantly improving its battery technology over the years, introducing new formats, materials, and designs to increase the energy density and efficiency of its cells.
The 75 kWh battery pack was introduced in 2016 as the base option for the Model S and Model X, offering a range of around 400 km and 300 km respectively. However, Tesla has since discontinued this option and replaced it with larger and more advanced battery packs, such as the 100 kWh pack that can deliver a range of over 600 km and 500 km respectively.
Tesla has also stopped selling the Model S and Model X in some markets, including Australia, due to low demand and production constraints. This means that owners of these vehicles have limited options to upgrade or replace their vehicles with newer models.
How to upgrade the battery pack?
Tesla has sent an email to eligible owners of the 75 kWh battery-equipped models, informing them of the new upgrade option. Owners can request the upgrade via the Tesla app and it is subject to availability of the 90 or 100 kWh battery packs.
The upgrade comes at a price of $27,000 for the 90 kWh option and $45,000 for the 100 kWh option. However, owners who opt for the upgrade will also get to keep their unlimited supercharging status, which is a valuable perk that allows them to charge their vehicles for free at Tesla’s network of fast-charging stations.
The upgraded battery packs will also improve the performance and longevity of the vehicles, as they will have more capacity, power, and durability than the original ones. The upgrade will also increase the resale value of the vehicles, as they will have a longer range and better features than comparable models.
What are the benefits of upgrading the battery pack?
The main benefit of upgrading the battery pack is to increase the range of the vehicle, which is especially useful for long-distance travel or in areas where charging stations are scarce. For example, one Tesla owner who shared his experience on Twitter said that he hopes to get a range improvement of over 130 km on his Model X, getting closer to 440 km.
Another benefit of upgrading the battery pack is to enhance the performance and efficiency of the vehicle, as it will have more power and torque to accelerate and climb hills. The upgraded battery packs will also have better thermal management and cooling systems, which will reduce the risk of overheating and degradation.
A third benefit of upgrading the battery pack is to future-proof the vehicle, as it will be compatible with Tesla’s latest software updates and features. For instance, Tesla recently released a new version of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, which enables autonomous driving capabilities on certain roads and conditions. However, this feature requires a minimum battery capacity of 85 kWh, which means that owners of the 75 kWh models will not be able to access it unless they upgrade their battery packs.
Is upgrading the battery pack worth it?
Upgrading the battery pack is a personal decision that depends on several factors, such as the current condition and mileage of the vehicle, the frequency and distance of travel, the availability and cost of charging stations, and the budget and preference of the owner.
Some owners may find that upgrading their battery packs is worth it, as it will extend the life and utility of their vehicles, while others may prefer to save their money and wait for newer models or technologies to become available. Ultimately, upgrading the battery pack is an option that gives owners more choice and flexibility in maintaining and enjoying their Tesla vehicles.
