Tesla increases the driving range of the Model S and Model X

Tesla has made changes to Model S and Model X that allow them to travel unprecedented distances without needing to recharge, beating their own record for the longest-range production EVs on the road. The EV maker claims to have accomplished this without increasing the cars’ battery size, proving that expertise in system-level design can make cars dramatically more efficient.

Model S and Model X now come with an all-new drivetrain design that increases each vehicle's range substantially, achieving a landmark 370 miles and 325 miles on the EPA cycle for Model S and Model X Long Range, respectively. 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.

Tesla is also introducing a brand-new adaptive suspension system for Model S and Model X, along with a few other improvements for the best range, acceleration, and ride comfort ever, plus a Ludicrous Mode upgrade for its 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% 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% 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 Tesla owners to recharge their miles 50% faster.

Tesla has also upgraded their 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. Unlike other manufacturers, 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 behavior, automatically softening for more pronounced road inputs and firming for aggressive driving.

The automaker has also improved the levelling of the system while cruising, keeping the car low to optimise aerodynamic drag. As with all of Tesla's in-house software, the adaptive suspension can receive over-the-air updates, allowing all Model S and Model X customers to have the most advanced suspension technology at all times.

To complement these changes, Tesla also re-engineered several other components of Model S and Model X in keeping with their philosophy of continuous improvement. These updates include new wheel bearings and a few new tyre designs for certain variants to improve range, ride, and steering. While these changes may seem minor, together they have a meaningful impact when it comes to EV design.

Tesla is also re-introducing a lower entry price for Model S and Model X by bringing back the Standard Range option, now available with the new drivetrain and suspension updates. All existing Model S and Model X owners who wish to purchase a new Model S or Model X Performance car will get the Ludicrous Mode upgrade, a $20,000 value, at no additional charge.

These changes will go into production at Tesla's factory in Fremont, California.