Tesla's Long Range Model S Now Has a Range of 370 Miles

author: Vineeth Joel Patel   

Range anxiety continues to be the largest issue with electric vehicles. While automakers continue to find ways to improve range and make EVs more usable, they still can't compete with gasoline-powered machines. Leave it to Tesla to increase range to nearly 400 miles for the Model S, creating the longest-range electric vehicle on the market and making range anxiety a thing of the past.

Tesla Model S Becomes The Benchmark

By updating the Model S' drivetrain, Tesla has increased range for the sedan by 10 percent, which sees the vehicle's range go from 335 miles to 370. That figure is for the mid-level Long Range trim, which has also seen a price decrease of $5,000. Pricing for the Long Range Model S starts at $89,200 including the destination fee.

The Model X gets the same upgrades, which sees range for the Long Range model increase to 325 miles. That's up from the previous rating of 295 miles. Pricing for the large SUV has gone done, as well. The vehicle now starts at $94,200, which is a decrease of $3,000.

According to Tesla, both the Long Range Model X and Model S electric cars still use the same 100 kWh battery packs, but benefit from updated drive unit technology. The latter includes an "optimized permanent magnet synchronous reluctance motor, silicon carbide power electronics, and improved lubrication, cooling, bearings, and gear designs…" The result is improved efficiency, which Tesla claims is now greater than 93%. Power and torque is up, as well.

To go along with the more efficient drivetrains, both the Model S and Model X can be charged on 200 kW from V3 Superchargers and 145 kW via V2 Superchargers.  According to Tesla, this allows the vehicles to recharger 50% faster than before.

Tesla Leads The Pack

These aren't the only changes Tesla made to the two electric vehicles, though. The two electric cars also come with an upgraded air suspension system. Tesla's suspension system uses a predictive model to adjust the damping system based on driver inputs, feedback from the road, and the car's speed. The suspension system has also been improved to optimize aerodynamic drag at cruising speeds.  

The upgrades put the Model S into a league of its own. Other competitors, like the Hyundai Kona EV, Chevrolet Bolt, and Nissan Leaf haven't even capped the 300-mile range mark yet. Luxury brands are struggling to break the 250-mile mark, as the Jaguar I-Pace has a range of 234 miles, while the recently released Audi e-tron can only travel 204 miles.

The new, upgraded Tesla Model S and Model X are available to purchase today. For current Model S and Model X owners that may feel like they're getting left behind, Tesla will give current owners that want to purchase one of the new models will get the Ludicrous Mode upgrade for free. Normally, it costs $20,000.

Vineeth Joel Patel

Joel Patel has been covering all aspects of the automotive industry for four years as an editor and freelance writer for various websites. When it comes to cars, he enjoys covering the merger between technology and cars. In his spare time, Joel likes to watch baseball, work on his car, and try new foods