Dilemma Range v Wheels

[Crosspjc]

I have put down a deposit on an inventory S85 with the following

Metallic paint
Panoramic roof
Next gen seats
Autopilot package
Security package
19" wheels

Afterwards I thought I would price up a new S70 and for the same money I can get the same spec with the 21" wheels.

So my question is what is the difference in real life range between the 70 and 85? I commute circa 80 miles per day (40 miles each way).

Head is saying 85 but those wheels are like automotive porn

Plus if I ordered the 70 instead is there a chance I would get a much rumoured refresh as delivery is slated as late June.

 

[dj905]

Hello Crosspjc,

Congratulations on joining the Model S community. My recommendation is to stay with the 19" wheels. While the 21" wheels look nice at the beginning, you will likely find that they attract lots of curb damage. In spite of working to be very careful, I managed to damage 3 of the 4 wheels in less than 1 year.

In addition, the tires available for the 21" wheels are more expensive, and tend to wear much faster than the 19" tire options.

On the other side, the 85kWh battery should always have more capacity than the S70.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Crosspjc]

Thanks for the reply, I suppose my question is, does the range really differ by 35 miles?

If it does and I'm getting more spec for the same price is it worth getting the lower model?

Any 70 drivers out there doing same distance commute? Mostly motorway with erm above average speed.

 

[BertL]

OP, in the end, only you can decide if the additional range is worthwhile for your situation.

My suggestion is you need to give thought to what your daily commutes are, and how often you plan to then top off. Take a look at EVTripPlanner.com to provide some estimates on battery consumption. Some considerations:

• For daily charging, 90% (or lower) is the desired target unless you plan to immediately take off on a trip after a higher charge takes place to keep the max charge of your battery at optimum over its life (lots of others threads on all that.)
• Are longer destinations you typically go to, beyond the range you can accomplish without an intermediate charge that perhaps the larger battery would avoid?
• Remember that extreme outside temps, your desire to maintain cabin heat vs use of seat heaters, high winds, rain, snow, sleet and a heavy foot on the accelerator pedal can all all impact range from little to 10% to maybe 30% or more penalty than normal...

My point is, there are many variables, and then only you can decide your risk tolerance on those unforeseen things that may occur. Generally, the more battery range you can afford, the better. Every time. It's why I spent the money on a 90 vs 85 when I had that choice -- simply to hedge my bets should the extra range ever come in handy.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Crosspjc]

Thanks for the link to evtrip planner. So is it as simple as saying that (hypothetically) if I drive at 90 mph on the motorway I multiply the speed by 1.3. This gives 16.4 kWh so in the 85 I can do 5.18 journeys with 100% charge or 4.66 journeys with 90% charge?

On that basis with a 70 on a 90% charge I would only be able to do 4.06 journeys.

If that's correct looks like a no go on the wheels

 

[BertL]

No, not that simple. You'll find almost an exponential impact on range as you accelerate. It's why if you're running short on charge to reach your destination, lowering speed helps a lot, and the slower you go to a large degree, the more miles you'll achieve before your "out". Sweet spots I used to know pretty well with my former ICE in terms of MPH went out the window with my MS as things like if you're doing uphill climbs vs downhill also play significantly more into EV range than I at least first thought.

Take a look at the trip planner. Run it and look at details with speed on certain stretches you are familiar with, then rerun the same destination but change the speed factor up and down (you'll see that on the left side bar of the tool). The tool will account for speed and terrain and inside/outside temp that you can set yourself, but not weather (wind, rain, snow, etc.). I think you'll see what I'm trying to explain there very easily. After I spent time with the tool, that's how I got an appreciation for speed and temperature impact on range and found it to be very close to reality once I took delivery. It also helps you figure out where you would need to charge or what remaining range you'll have on longer trips. ...and all written by a guy that is now a college student. I just pray it continues to be maintained by him or Tesla buys him out and takes it over. HAppy modeling!

 

[Frisco-Dad]

To me, extra range means you can be less concerned about "watching the numbers". For your daily commute, 80 miles is nothing. Whether you have the 70 or the 85 you plug in when you get home and the next day for your commute you have 90% charge. So the extra range only matters when you're on a road trip. I'm not sure how super chargers are spaced in the UK, but around where I live, you have plenty of range to make it to the next super charger. With a larger battery, you can drive faster and worry less about depleting your charge. You also charge faster with the larger battery. IMHO the larger battery gives you more flexibility to drive faster on road trips.

If you're concerned about your commute, see if you can get an extended test drive to try out the tesla during your daily commute.

 

[JoshG]

Have you seen Tesla's new Range Calculator? It lets you try out different options and see the effect on range. Even lets you set your typical highway speed and A/C on/off to see the impact. Pretty cool!
Tesla Model S Range Calculator

 

[CHG-ON]

Range won't be an issue in either scenario for your commute. But be sure to ask yourself how often you will take long jaunts. If it is all the time and/or that looks like it could be a challenge to charge conveniently, then you may want to prioritize range. I can say from experience, those last few miles are the most important of all.

And oh yes, how I agree. They are auto porn and I love looking at mine every single day!