So what are the things that reduce range in a Tesla

[Charles Hord]

Does the Model S heater use resistance, or a heat pump (air conditioner in reverse)? A heat pump produces more heat down to about 25 deg F, and about 3x as much heat in the 40-50 deg range, and would be valuable to enhance winter range.

 

[hoang51]

Really great and informative. Never would have known about the tire pressure. Thanks!

If you didn't know about the tires trick, you might want to read this, especially the last paragraph even if over done more than stated by the poster: Gas Pains: Mileage Myths and Misconceptions - Feature

 

[brianman]

I wish on the cold days they could still dump the energy to the heater instead of to the battery pack. I understand you cannot charge a cold battery, but why not dump that energy into heat.

Yah, I've been bothered by this as well.

 

[Cattledog]

Yah, I've been bothered by this as well.

Would be great if this was part of the 'cold weather package'.

 

[brianman]

Would be great if this was part of the 'cold weather package'.

Speaking as an owner of two Model S vehicles that have no need for the cold weather package, no it wouldn't be great.

What non-base hardware is needed?

 

[ABCCBA]

Is there data to back up your suggestion of 10% reduction in range for rain driving?

I have a hard time believing that. I understand that you may slip and slide a little more. But 10%? Maybe it is highway driving with an effect on aerodynamics you are suggesting?

Yes, a 10% drop due to driving in rain is probably just an average. I have experienced greater than that. It is due to the amount of energy needed to push the car forward as the tires are pushing the water out of the tire tread surface area. Just imagine how much power is needed to push a boat through the water. The same is true for tires clearing a path for the car to maintain traction.

If you want to really see a significant drop in range, try driving in a cold rain. Not only do you have the energy loss due to the tires and water, you also have the battery trying to keep itself at the desired temperature range, while being cooled down by the rain water and cool air under the car.

There are plenty of technical discussions on the various threads within the Model S forum on these topics. But suffice it to be true that both rain and cold have a large impact on actual range and when you combine them it is even more significant.

 

[Cattledog]

Speaking as an owner of two Model S vehicles that have no need for the cold weather package, no it wouldn't be great.

What non-base hardware is needed?

Just anecdotal observation that the people who are asking for this seem to be from cold climates and so storing heat in some element to use for cabin heat has more value for cold climate purchasers, who likely, guess here, are buying the cold weather package at a greater rate than warm climate people. No real need to store extra heat in every car envelope, likely people in south Florida, south Texas and the burgeoning Tesla haven of Saudi Arabia don't need be toting around a heavy heat sink as a piece of extra hardware.

Would also be good (maybe great was too superlative?) if this extra piece of hardware was offered as an option so that those of us who aren't interested are towing around the weight and heat.

 

[David99]

Does the Model S heater use resistance, or a heat pump (air conditioner in reverse)? A heat pump produces more heat down to about 25 deg F, and about 3x as much heat in the 40-50 deg range, and would be valuable to enhance winter range.

The Model S has both. A resistive heater that can heat up quickly, and a heat pump that kicks in once the motor and inverter produce some heat. It also has a resistive heater for the battery to warm it up when it gets too cold.