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Tesla’s Model S refresh expected to include Bioweapons grade filter, 100kWh, X-like front end, more

We first reported that the Model S was expected to get a facelift at the end of last year.  Since then, we’ve received information from sources on exactly what that would look like. The TL;DR is that the front end will look more like a Model X, minor appearance changes will happen to the rear lights, seats will be vented like the Model X. But there’s more…

We speculated that the price increase could also allow Tesla to increase its battery size to the rumored 100kWh:

And finally, what about that 100kWh battery we’ve been hearing so much about? If it is in the Model S firmware, it can’t be far off from launch, right? I mean how far ahead is Tesla thinking with its software here? Perhaps it showed up because it needed to be used in testing vehicles?

With that extra bit of battery and some other small tweaks, maybe Tesla can bump its top range to significantly over 300 miles from the current 288 EPA-rated of the 90D. If the math works, a 11% increase in battery should bump the 100D to around 320 miles of range.

This weekend, two reports seem to corroborate that information.

Cnet on Friday reported *almost* identical specs to what I’d heard, but from an entirely separate source(s) according to writer Tim Stevens.

Not to be outdone, this morning, the Verge writes that not only will the updated Model S have the 100kWh option but also the Bioweapons defense air filter option which will bring the much touted air-cleaner to more potential customers.

The only questions now is when, and if I had to guess I ‘d say “any minute”.  (That’s also what the Tesla Store folks are saying)

(Tesla PR said they’ve seen our story but they don’t have any comment)

 

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Comments

  1. Taylor Marks - 8 years ago

    Is there a usual time of day or day of the week that Tesla updates their website? I could imagine the Model S update being concurrent with the Model X Design Studio becoming public, if both are going to be launched without fanfare.

    • Fred Lambert - 8 years ago

      Stay tuned. We should have more news as soon as this afternoon.

  2. jpw1116 - 8 years ago

    Aren’t LED headlights also part of the update? . . .

  3. Jeremy - 8 years ago

    Can we get some info if the new MobileEye updated Autopilot hardware will be on board?

  4. Emilio Murillo - 8 years ago

    hope telsa gives chip foose a call for some dream car input, i did the lines for the camaro/firebird cars while at lowey/snaith and have been pleased by his sense of design

  5. Richard moody - 8 years ago

    Teala……..solving the world’s ground transportation. ……..
    It gets better and better with each new production model. ……
    Each new breakthrough in technology makes it better and better!!!!
    I believe that one day a 15 min recharge cycle will be standard for a 700 mile range.

Author

Avatar for Seth Weintraub Seth Weintraub

Publisher and Editorial Director of the 9to5/Electrek sites. Tesla Model 3, X and Chevy Bolt owner…5 ebikes and counting