This is just an open question I'm throwing out to the experts of this forum. I keep hearing discussion of the MCU1->MCU2 upgrade and why it should happen, why it won't happen, why it can't happen, etc. It made me think about how many Model S's Tesla has on the road from pre-2018 MCU update, or even pre-2019 raven, or pre-AP 2, etc etc.
Their earliest adopters and biggest enthusiasts have cars that probably won't get the latest features right now...and for the most part, that's fine. These cars are remarkably future-proof and have aged in such a way that the original S still holds its own to modern day EVs (and other luxury cars).
That said, a lot of S owners may be happy enough with their car to not need to upgrade to a brand new Model S, but would still love a few quality of life upgrades.
What would happen if Tesla introduced an "refresh" package? Say $10,000-$15,000 to slap in a new-standard 100kWh battery (assuming your current one is smaller), new MCU 2, maybe a few other minor things (center console?) and call it a day. They could use the old batteries to help build those megawatt peak energy storage plants they're building so it's not like it's a waste for them.
It gives owners of older models a way to give Tesla some $$$ while squeezing out more enjoyment and value out of their aging car. And, as far as I can imagine, it does nothing to dissuade new customers from purchasing a new Tesla - it may even help ease some of the fear of buying a car only to have it "outdated" in the future by Tesla's rapidly evolving tech.
I understand that car sales are their biggest source of revenue and anything that discourages a new sale may not work for the business, I'm just curious if this could ever be a reasonable service for the company to offer.
Their earliest adopters and biggest enthusiasts have cars that probably won't get the latest features right now...and for the most part, that's fine. These cars are remarkably future-proof and have aged in such a way that the original S still holds its own to modern day EVs (and other luxury cars).
That said, a lot of S owners may be happy enough with their car to not need to upgrade to a brand new Model S, but would still love a few quality of life upgrades.
What would happen if Tesla introduced an "refresh" package? Say $10,000-$15,000 to slap in a new-standard 100kWh battery (assuming your current one is smaller), new MCU 2, maybe a few other minor things (center console?) and call it a day. They could use the old batteries to help build those megawatt peak energy storage plants they're building so it's not like it's a waste for them.
It gives owners of older models a way to give Tesla some $$$ while squeezing out more enjoyment and value out of their aging car. And, as far as I can imagine, it does nothing to dissuade new customers from purchasing a new Tesla - it may even help ease some of the fear of buying a car only to have it "outdated" in the future by Tesla's rapidly evolving tech.
I understand that car sales are their biggest source of revenue and anything that discourages a new sale may not work for the business, I'm just curious if this could ever be a reasonable service for the company to offer.