Tesla is only manufacturing 75 and 90 kWh battery packs, but will offer 70 as software-limited 75 kWh

Earlier this week, Tesla confirmed that it is introducing its new 75 kWh battery pack to the Model S, like it did for the Model X last month. Now Tesla confirmed that while the option is not available now, it will be by the end of the week, and every updated Model S 70 produced since the ‘facelift’ was equipped with the new 75 kWh battery, but software-limited to 70 kWh.

In Tesla’s own words (via a spokesperson):

“All 70 kWh Model S with updated styling have been built with a 75 kWh battery pack and the additional energy can be unlocked at anytime through an over-the-air software update. We will continue to offer the 70 kWh energy option at but we will no longer produce the packs; a decision that is the most efficient for Tesla and the most beneficial for our customers.”

It would mean that all 70 kWh Model S’s manufactured since mid-April have the option to add 7% energy capacity (or about 19 miles of range) through an over-the-air software update for a $3,000 premium.

Tesla will continue to offer the 70 kWh option to maintain the base price of the Model S at $71,500, while streamlining its battery pack production with only 2 options for both the Model S and X: 75 kWh and 90 kWh.

The automaker offered a similar deal to early Model S owners in 2012 and early 2013. Buyers who ordered the 40 kWh version when it was still available, all received software-limited 60 kWh battery packs and the choice to unlock the 20 kWh difference for a premium.