70kwh packs in the refresh are really 75kwh

[eclipxe]

Software unlockable for $3250

Slipping Delivery Dates for Model S

"We’ve just found out that your Model S is going to have the option to upgrade via firmware to the 75kWh battery pack. We don’t have official Australian pricing yet, but you’ll be able to do it before or after delivery. The US price will be $3250, but our Sales team will have a call campaign to confirm with you once pricing is out."

 

[Johan]

Note: this doesn't at all mean all 70 cars are unlockable 75 cars. I think it means they ran out of 70 packs before all 70 orders that were locked in had been built, and this is the solution.

Like the 40-60 situation back in 2012 (but in that case the 40 pack never existed in the first place).

 

[eclipxe]

I believe this only applies to refreshed 70s.

 

[tanner]

I believe this only applies to refreshed 70s.

I'm hearing that as well

 

[Victor Liu]

Seems rather expensive upgrade for 5 to 10% range increase. An OTA upgrade should be less. I received my 70D in November. How do I tell it is a "refreshed 70"

 

[stopcrazypp]

Seems rather expensive upgrade for 5 to 10% range increase. An OTA upgrade should be less. I received my 70D in November. How do I tell it is a "refreshed 70"

"refreshed" refers to post-facelift. A car in November last year most definitely does not apply.

Some of the cars being released in the last month or so (but not getting the facelift) might still have a chance though.

 

[Gizmo17]

"refreshed" refers to post-facelift. A car in November last year most definitely does not apply.

Some of the cars being released in the last month or so (but not getting the facelift) might still have a chance though.

I picked mine up in early Feb, I guess I probably have 70kWh. :-(

 

[EcoHeliGuy]

Seems rather expensive upgrade for 5 to 10% range increase. An OTA upgrade should be less. I received my 70D in November. How do I tell it is a "refreshed 70"

Compared to other battery upgrades Tesla offers?

 

[tonglaji]

According to the rep I talked to, all 70s built after April 11th are 75s.

 

[rypalmer]

According to the rep I talked to, all 70s built after April 11th are 75s.

If so, dhy doesn't Tesla just come out and announce this already?? smh...

 

[HankLloydRight]

If so, why doesn't Tesla just come out and announce this already?? smh...

Because at Tesla, "Communication is Job #856,422"

 

[aus]

Someone needs to hack the computer.
BMW's have "coding" via an app or lap top and some software via the OBD port. It allows you to turn on BUNCH of features already on the car but turned off by BMW-NA for one reason or another. To charge $3,000US to unlock a feature is just ridiculous, IMO.
.

 

[eclipxe]

Someone needs to hack the computer.
BMW's have "coding" via an app or lap top and some software via the OBD port. It allows you to turn on BUNCH of features already on the car but turned off by BMW-NA for one reason or another. To charge $3,000US to unlock a feature is just ridiculous, IMO.
.

No it's not ridiculous. It is the cost of the feature. Someone has to pay for the R&D, warranty coverage, etc.

 

[stopcrazypp]

Someone needs to hack the computer.
BMW's have "coding" via an app or lap top and some software via the OBD port. It allows you to turn on BUNCH of features already on the car but turned off by BMW-NA for one reason or another. To charge $3,000US to unlock a feature is just ridiculous, IMO.
.

Not ridiculous at all. This is just supply chain management. The people who bought 70s got what they paid for whether it is "true" 70 or a limited 75. This is no different than the S40 getting a 60kWh pack and paying a 40 price with a software limit.

And given past history, they will be discontinuing the 70 in the near future anyways. If given the choice, would you seriously prefer this (having the 75kWh as the only choice, or having a $3k less expensive option that is software limited)?

 

[HankLloydRight]

Someone needs to hack the computer.
BMW's have "coding" via an app or lap top and some software via the OBD port. It allows you to turn on BUNCH of features already on the car but turned off by BMW-NA for one reason or another. To charge $3,000US to unlock a feature is just ridiculous, IMO.
.

So.... Theft?

Most (if not all) of the BMW coding options are hidden tweaks or mods or features available in other countries... Not features that BMW charges more for. Even for things like enabling the XM radio hardware you still need to buy a key from BMW.

 

[MSullivan]

No it's not ridiculous. It is the cost of the feature. Someone has to pay for the R&D, warranty coverage, etc.

This isn't as cut and dry as you make it out to be. Tesla already spent the money putting a 75 kWh battery in it. It is more like a hotel letting a room go empty for the night. The cost is already there. That is why you can get a good last minute deal to keep that room from going empty. Think Hotwire.
So assuming they put a 75 kWh pack in they should really try and get you to pay for the "upgrade" they already gave you.
Since $3250 is exactly the price for 5 kWhs you pay when upgrading to the 90D it isn't onerous. However I think they would end up getting a lot more upgraders at $2500 and end the end actually make more money.
I assume 70D buyers are more price conscious than 90D buyers (I am). They might need to nudge us a little more with a bit of a discount

 

[lance]

I don't know what the big deal is... I have an 85Kw battery in my S which I've been happily driving for more than two years now and I discovered I have unlocked the 82Kw battery FOR FREE!

 

[brantse]

As I suspect this capacity is limited by using all cells, but simply capping the max voltage (<4.20V) then if you have one of these packs, consider yourself lucky. You're pack will most certainly last longer and experience less degradation than a comparable 70 pack.

 

[DCAC]

Also couldn't you charge to 96% regularly without concern? That'd be 90% of the 75kWh pack.

 

[travwill]

If the new packs are 75s versus 70s by utilizing less blanks, then how much extra weight would an MS with the 75 be carrying around not utilized? Enough to impact range a bit over time, e.g. an extra 100-200lb or so?

Seems like just filling some of the unused blanks that exist in the 70 versus 85/90 is the easiest way for Tesla to create a 75 pack for now...

Heck, if they offered it for those of us with an older 70D as an upgrade, to pop in a new pack, then I'd consider it at $2000-2500. 5 more full usable kWh of range...

-T