Electrek has learned that Tesla is planning to discontinue the least expensive versions of the Model S next month. Today, Tesla started sending out emails to warn potential buyers who have shown interest in the vehicles that the change is coming and Electrek confirmed the news with Tesla.
April 16th, 2017 will be the last day to order the Model S 60 and 60D. The vehicles were the least expensive models that customers could purchase from Tesla – starting at $68,000.
The Model S 60 and 60D were equipped with 75 kWh battery packs software-locked to 60 kWh. Owners were able to unlock the remaining 15 kWh through a software update for a fee at any time after the purchase if they decided that they wanted more capacity.
Tesla says that they are making the change because most customers ultimately end up upgrading to 75 kWh and they want to streamline the ordering process.
As we reported earlier this week, Tesla has 7 powertrain options now that the 100D is being delivered. If nothing else is introduced after the 16th, the change will bring down the number to 5 options.
It comes as Tesla is preparing to launch the Model 3, which should start at $35,000, but higher performance versions are expected to be offered at higher prices closer to the price of the Model S. It would make sense for Tesla to try to create a bigger gap between the two vehicles.
The base version of the Model 3 is expected to feature a battery pack smaller than 60 kWh and we reported that Tesla has been driving a Model 3 test mule with a 70 kWh battery pack. Now that Tesla’s least powerful option for the Model S is about to become a 75 kWh battery pack, it would make sense that the less expensive Model 3 would have an option below the more expensive Model S.
What do you think? They are making room for the Model 3 or something else is coming for the Model S after April 16? Let us know in the comment section below.
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