With the launch of the Model S and update of the Model X, Tesla brought its two main vehicles back to the front of the package. This was especially true for the Model S, which now has a Plaid power train that allows it to reach a time of 0-60 mph in less than 2 seconds and a top speed of 320 mph. But that’s not all – a look at the official page of the new Model S shows that the flagship sedan is now Tesla’s fastest-loading vehicle as well.
Tesla’s page for the Model S notes reveals that the sedan’s flagship is capable of refueling 320 kilometers from its range in 15 minutes. This effectively makes the Model S update about 12% faster than the Model 3, the fastest loading Tesla before the flagship update. The Model X, in turn, now matches the Supercharging speed of the Model 3, with Tesla noting that the SUV can now recharge 175 miles from its range in 15 minutes.
Tesla did not specify the chargers that would allow the Model S and Model X to recharge the maximum charging speed, although their impressive charging rates probably depended on the electric car maker’s 250kW Supercharger V3 network, which is currently on a ramp. Prior to their upgrade, the Model S and Model X were unable to take advantage of the 250 kW total power of the V3 Superchargers. With the update, this no longer seems to be the case.
What is particularly impressive is that Tesla was able to achieve the updated charging rate of the Model S, although the vehicle still uses the 18650 battery form factor, which has been in use since the days of the original Tesla Roadster. Elon Musk explained this during the fourth quarter conference call for fiscal 2020, when he explained that the newer Tesla vehicles do not necessarily require the company’s larger custom 4680 cells to achieve optimal performance.
“We are talking to them about making the 4680 format, but they – it’s not mandatory. For example, the new S currently uses the 18650 form factor. Therefore, they are just a more advanced cell and we believe that we will continue to use this format for at least a few years. But over time, we will be deactivating the formats and will try to switch to a consistent format.
“But it is not a requirement that we place on our suppliers, because they would – it would only result in fewer cells. Therefore, it is better to deal with the complexity of the different shape factors of cells than to insist on a single shape factor for our suppliers today. As I said, over time, it will make sense to have a consistent format, ”noted Musk.
Do not hesitate to contact us for news tips. Just send a message to [email protected] to let us know.