Tesla chops 85kWh Model S from range

Published: 12 February 2016 Updated: 12 February 2016

► 85kWh Model S battery option is no more
► Now a choice between 70kWh or 90kWh
► Makes Model S line-up easier to understand

Tesla has given its Model S range a bit of a spring clean, dropping the 85kWh battery versions from sale. The chop is the result of the new 90kWh battery option, introduced in summer 2015 with advantages in both driving range and performance, making the 85kWh model redundant.

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How does the Model S range shape up now, then?

There are two battery options, 70kWh or 90kWh. In a nutshell, the line-up is as follows:

  • Model S 70: 70kWh battery, single motor rear-wheel drive
  • Model S 70D: 70kWh battery dual-motor all-wheel drive
  • Model S 90D: 90kWh battery dual-motor all-wheel drive
  • Model S P90D: 90kWh battery dual-motor all-wheel drive and ‘Performance’ spec – that’s the one with the £8,700 ‘Ludicrous mode’ option

We’ve recently tested the entry-level 70kWh Model S: read our online review here.

What else is Tesla up to?

In other news, Tesla has confirmed that the new Model 3 saloon will start from $35,000 in the US, without tax incentives. First official pictures of the Model 3 are expected to be revealed late in March 2016, with reservations open on 31 March.

By James Taylor

Former features editor for CAR, occasional racer

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