Update: Tesla has now reverted the website to the previous version listing again the 70D indicating that it was an error./
Over the weekend Tesla quietly removed the 70 kWh battery pack option from the Model X reservation page on its website. The move comes just after a Tesla OS hacker revealed that the automaker is working on a bigger 100 kWh battery pack.
Now only the P90D and 90D, both equipped with a 90 kWh battery pack, are shown as options on the Model X reservation page. The 70 kWh option is still available on the Model S’ online design studio.
Tesla was listing the 70 kWh option on the Model X with a range 220 miles on a single charge, while the 90 kWh option is listed with 257 miles of range.
According to statistics gathered by ModelXTracker.com, only 7.7% of Model X reservation holders chose the 70 kWh battery pack option when ordering their vehicle. The delay for delivery could be an important factor in play here considering Tesla is currently only building the P90D and 90D versions of the Model X, which again are both equipped with a 90 kWh battery pack.
The Model X 70D wasn’t expected to hit the road until the second half of 2016.
We contacted Tesla about the removal of the 70D option from the Model X page and we will update if they get back to us.
Following the recent discovery of the P100D badge in Tesla’s software, the company is believed to be working on a new 100 kWh battery pack which would change the options in its vehicle line-up.
Last week Tesla also officially confirmed upcoming price changes for the Model S while hinting at “innovations” or “new features” to “improve Tesla vehicles”.
While all eyes are on the Model 3 unveiling event this week, a great deal of evidence is pointing to some upcoming updates to Tesla other vehicles.
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Seems that Tesla is increasing the spread of battery sizes to make room for the Model 3 coming in at 60kwh and 80kwh sizes. This would also play well into the rumours of prices increases on Model S given the larger batteries would be 90kwh and 100kwh from now on.
my thinking also, though a 20 kWh spread might be too big for the Model 3.
A Model S with a 60 kWh battery pack have a 208-mile range (EPA).
According to Musk, the model 3 will be 20% smaller… and 20% lighter.
To have a 200-mile range, the model 3 needs a 50 kWh battery pack: 60 kWh -20% = ~50 kWh.
My predictions:
– Model 3 (base): 50 kWh (~200 miles), with an optional 60 kWh (~240 miles).
– The Model S/X will soon have a 80 kWh (~255 miles) or 100 kWh battery pack (~285 miles).
I’m thinking Tesla might bring back the 85kWh while introducing the 100kWh for the S and X. The increase in battery sizes would explain the difference between ‘price increase’ and ‘price change’ that has been discussed. While the price will go up there will also be more value. Come to think of it, perhaps it will be an 80 (~81kWh), which is said to be the ‘real’ capacity of the old 85kWh pack.
For the Model 3 a 60kWh should be comfortable for 200 miles, even the S can do that on government ratings as long as it is not too cold or too hot, or all uphill. I am thinking perhaps 50kWh and 70 for the Model 3 to get costs, size and weight of the vehicle down further. With lower weight, small size, tweaked aerodynamics and newer battery technology they might be able to make 50 work. We will see on Thursday!
If they re-release the 85 pack rebranded as a 80, and someone cracks it open and figures this out, it would be a PR disaster for Tesla. If they bring back the old pack it would have to be labeled as an 85. Perhaps they could scale back on the new battery tech used in the 90 packs to downgrade it to a ‘proper’ 80 (or proper 85) though.
Also, what makes you think they will give specifics on Model 3 battery size on Thursday? I’d expect them to just announce minimum mileage (200+) and to announce there will be a larger longer range option also without giving specifics. The car is 2 years away, no sense in giving competitors knowledge of the product if there’s no need. As we get closer to release, perhaps around this time next year they will finally say what the battery sizes will be.
Battery size really doesn’t matter, as long as the car meets it’s stated range.
It should be noted that Model X the design studio still has all the same options it did from the beginning. It is only the public Tesla Motors Model X page that no longer has the 70kWh battery, 5 seat configuration, or multi pattern seats.
Yes. since the Model X design studio is only available to resrvation holders and I doubt Tesla would remove the option to people who have been waiting for years. The removal is likely just for new orders.
I believe this is just a site error, if you look at way back machine it displays the same page that was posted after the launch of the X. On TMC those who have access to the design studio can still order the 70D, I doubt they would eliminate the 70D as the media went crazy and asked Tesla to post a entry level model.
I initially ordered a 70D but later got a call that if I upgrade my order to a 90D I can take delivery in April so I did and ponied an additional $15,500
The 70 kWh is definitively replaced with a 75 kWh!
The 70 kWh battery is now definitively replaced with the 75 kWh!