As Wall Street Awaits Earnings Report, Tesla Pumps Up the Range

Later today, Tesla will release financial data for the first quarter of 2019, a quarter in which both deliveries and production fell compared to Q4 2019. The Model S and X returned their worst sales showings in years, and analysts fear a steep drop in revenue in a period where CEO Elon Musk pulled a U-turn on profitability predictions.

Should be fun.

However, there’s a more news coming out of Tesla than just anxious investors and head-scratching autonomy promises. There’s real, bonafide driving range added to the two aforementioned vehicles, and the company at least deserves kudos for improving its existing products.

As of Wednesday, a top-flight Tesla Model S Long Range offers a range of 370 miles, some 35 miles more than previous, while keeping the existing 100 kWh battery. The range-topping (so to speak) Model X Long Range can now travel up to 325 miles, or 30 extra miles compared to the previous model. As with the Model S, the Model X keeps its existing battery pack.

The bump in range is the product of several improvements, topmost of which is a motor upgrade. Both Long Range vehicles adopt a permanent magnet motor up front while keeping the induction motor in the rear; Tesla claims the new unit boasts silicon carbide power electronics, as well as improved lubrication, cooling, bearing, and gear designs. Efficiency is said to hit 93 percent. Aiding the models’ range mission are new wheel bearings and a new tire design, plus regenerative braking that returns more juice to the battery.

The existence of the Long Range monikers must mean something exists on the bottom end, right? Correct. Entry-level Model S and X models are back, carrying the Standard Range name. The Model S Standard Range is rated at an estimated 285 miles, while the Model X version is pegged at 250 miles. Starting price before incentives for the former is $79,200; the latter, $84,200.

While accessing extra range carries a premium over the base versions, you’ll have the added perk of faster charging. The automaker claims the Long Range models charge at a rate of 200 kW on its beefier V3 Supercharger and 145 kW on its more common V2 Supercharger. These rates represent a 50 percent boost in charging speed.

Both Model S and X Long Range models also see an updated version of Tesla’s air suspension, this one tailored to lower the vehicle as much as possible at highway speeds, thus reducing drag and eking out additional range.

News of the changes to the company’s higher-margin vehicle lines did nothing to elevate Tesla’s stock, which remains depressed following Monday’s open. Everyone’s waiting for new of another nature.

[Images: Tesla]