The problem with this theory is that so far the are a lot of buyers coming from much less expensive cars and stretching. I really doubt they are going to keep spending that kind of money on another new Tesla after a few years.
-
Want to remove ads? Register an account and login to see fewer ads, and become a Supporting Member to remove almost all ads.
Yep, I came from a 96 Accord and the only way I could justify the cost was knowing that I plan to keep it at least 8+ years. I would guess that many if not most Model S buyers are not people who normally buy $100,000 cars. That being said, I would spend 10-15k for a 600 mile battery. I wonder how much that might decrease the 0-60 times...
JRP3
Hyperactive Member
Obviously there will be a conflict if they offer better pack upgrades in the future, they could cut into sales of new cars. They may have to artificially limit what's available, so if the new pack technology allows a new Model S to go 600 miles they may only let you upgrade an old car to 400 miles, or something like that.
The point is that there is conflicting information. You may choose to read Elon's words as battery upgrades being available; I take them with a grain of salt. No way of knowing what the company will decide to do in 5-8 years. I suspect you're right but I wouldn't place a bet right now.
Forgive me for beating what should be a dead horse, but please let's not perpetuate the stereotype of the Model S being "a $100,000 car".
The MS starts at around $62K now with a 60 kWh, and I'd bet that most MS sales will be for prices in the $70K to $85K range. That's before the tax credit. Not cheap, of course, but "somewhere between $55K and $80K after tax credit" is definitely not "a $100,000 car". Only Performance Model S cars with a bunch of accessories manage to cross the $100,000. Even a P85 with EVERY option just barely hits $103K.
I agree with your other points, by the way.
Forgive me for beating what should be a dead horse, but please let's not perpetuate the stereotype of the Model S being "a $100,000 car".
The MS starts at around $62K now with a 60 kWh, and I'd bet that most MS sales will be for prices in the $70K to $85K range. That's before the tax credit. Not cheap, of course, but "somewhere between $55K and $80K after tax credit" is definitely not "a $100,000 car". Only Performance Model S cars with a bunch of accessories manage to cross the $100,000. Even a P85 with EVERY option just barely hits $103K.
I agree with your other points, by the way.
Alright, so I rounded up a little. But I'm not going to see my tax rebate for another year and if you include sales tax, it sure feels like 100 grand right now.
Norbert
TSLA will win
You should be able to adjust your current estimated tax prepayments. Then you don't have to wait more than 3 months or so.
No, that's after the tax credit. The Model S starts at $70k before tax credit.
Daniel Scherer
Junior Member
Considering Tesla has had the new 50% more energy and half the price battery for a while now, why has there been no Roadster battery upgrade offered? Tesla has more than 50 cars for sale in the CPO program. I was told that everyone wants the best one (or the cheapest) so why not take 40 of the mid priced cars and make them all 400 mile range Roadsters?
Not only would Tesla sell the heck out of them, it would send a signal to all Model S purchasers that it can be done. Another boost to sales because on the fence buyers will see the possibilities for not only battery replacement, but battery upgrades.
Not only would Tesla sell the heck out of them, it would send a signal to all Model S purchasers that it can be done. Another boost to sales because on the fence buyers will see the possibilities for not only battery replacement, but battery upgrades.
I'm with Daniel also. I'd love to see a Model S 400-600 mile battery pack in 3-5 years for 10-15,000. I would buy that 100%. I'd even put down a reservation next year, just like I did with my S, if it would guarantee I could get the upgrade in 2016-ish. Note - I'm a 60 owner and it is totally amazing, but the additional headroom of a 400 mile pack would remove the one and only concern my family/friends have about the car. It's all about range and I really look forward to massive battery packs in the future.
Gotta disagree. Look at five year old (2008) ICE's. ICE's have improved a lot since 2008, by 2013 the Model S better have some pretty big improvements in it that are completely unrelated to battery range. Otherwise the ICE's will be leaving it in the dust.
There should be more than enough in the 2013 Model S to entice someone with means to forgo merely upgrading the battery and instead getting the latest and greatest car.
I don't think a 400-600 battery will ever be designed. There is no need for it based on all the daily driving stats and the fact that a supercharging network is now available. However if one could take a 300 mile battery and cut the weight in half - that would be a real advance in efficiency. Also think of what that would allow in terms of volume. Perhaps add another inch of headroom for the second row of occupants?
JRP3
Hyperactive Member
If people want it, are willing to pay for it, and it's technically possible, it will be designed, and sold.
Yes, sir, it will. It only fits the needs and desires of a relatively small market segment, but that market segment exists and is profitable.
I would buy a battery rated for 400-500 miles in a heartbeat. Florida is hot, and humid, and the Turnpike has a 70-mph speed limit which means most cars go 75-80 mph, and I have a lead foot. So my experience with both the Roadster and the Model S is that I realistically get about 70% of the rated range in the real world. Of course, others will get different results. But for me, a battery rated for 500 miles means I'd expect to get 350 miles of real-world range, which would allow me to do (for example) two things I cannot do now, but would very much like to do:
1. On one or two road trips a year, cover 700-750 miles a day. Drive for 4 or 4.5 hours at 80 mph, then stop to supercharge while I eat and rest, then drive another four hours and call it quits for the day. Today I have an ICE for that, but I'd like to do it in my EV without having to switch to another car.
2. Take the family from Miami to Orlando in the morning (230 miles), check in at the hotel, then go out and have fun for the rest of the afternoon and evening knowing I still have plenty of range for anything I want to do that day. Charge at the hotel overnight.
I'm sure parking assist, blind spot warning, 4G, better touchscreen, faster onboard computer, etc will be enough to get these people to want to buy a new car instead of spending money on a new battery for an old car.
-----
Plus styling changes, new colors, new interior options. And by "these people" I mean people who are inclined to buy a new car every 3 years anyway.
Last edited:
I doubt that Tesla will do that but think third parties will... battery prices are really dropping, for example you can easily buy CALB cells for $1.22 per Ah now.
There is this guy there in Europe that wants to build himself a roadster replacement or something and is asking for suggestions which way to go.
If enough of you Roadster owners express interest, you may convince him to do something for you
Similar threads
