Hey everybody, welcome back to the Elon Musk Podcast.
This is a show where we discuss the critical Crossroads, The
Shape, SpaceX, Tesla X, The Boring Company, and Neuralink,
and I'm your host, Will Walden. Tesla has adjusted the range
estimates for several of its EV models in the United States,
notably affecting the Model Y, the Model S, and the Model X.
Now these changes include a reduction in the estimated range
for various trims, with some models experiencing a decrease
of up to 6%. Now, these modifications have
not been applied to Tesla's listings in the UK or the EU.
Now the most significant change is observed in the Model YS
performance trim, which now shows an estimated range of 285
miles, a decrease from the previous 303 miles.
Similarly, the Model Y long range now stands at 310 miles,
down from 330 now. The Model X's Plaid variant has
seen a reduction from 333 miles to 326.
Additionally, the Model S Plaid with 19 inch wheels now has a
range estimate of 359 miles, down from 396 now.
Tesla has not publicly explained the reason for these lowered
range estimations. However, internal documentation
reviewed by Dr. Tesla suggests that the changes are due to two
factors, enhancements in comfort and functionality.
They require more energy and the implementation of revised EPA
testing requirements that have led to higher consumption and
slightly reduced overall range. Now, Tesla has faced credit
system in the past for overstating its range figures.
In 2020, the EPA disputed Elon Musk's claim of 400 mile range
for the Tesla Model S long range.
Moreover, in October of last year, the Department of Justice
began investigating Tesla over reports that some of its mileage
figures were intentionally inflated alongside the range
updates. Tesla introduced 2 new color
options for the Model Y All Electric crossover.
The colors Stealth Gray and Ultra Red are not new to Tesla's
lineup, but are newly available for the Model Y Stealth Gray is
offered at no additional cost, while Ultra Red carries a $2000
premium. Stealth Gray was first
introduced on the Model S in the Model X in October of 2023, with
Ultra Red following in March of the same year.
In China, Ultra Red is known as Flame Red, and this marks the
first time that Tesla has introduced a new color for the
Model Y in the United States since its launch in Europe.
Tesla offers exclusive colors for the Model Y, including
Midnight Cherry Red and Quicksilver, available only for
vehicles built at Gigafactory Berlin.
In addition to the new colors, Tesla has also updated range
estimates for the model wise long range and performance
configurations. The long range is now rated at
310 miles and decrease of 20 miles and the performance is
rated at 285 miles, down from 303.
These changes have been applied to three Tesla models in the US
with a Model 3 retaining its original 5 color options for the
time being. Now we've revision in the EP as
method for calculating electric vehicle range or EV range has
resulted in most Tesla models appearing less efficient.
These changes coincide with Tesla's updates in its 2024
model lineup, which include the new Model Y colors and updates
to steering wheels and yokes for the Model S and the Model X.
And the Tesla community was further stirred up by the
cybertruck's lower than expected range in a highway range test by
out of spec studios. This occurred simultaneously
with the EPA's changes to EV range testing procedures and
these procedural changes in the 2024 model year updates LED some
to speculate that the range reduction was due to the latter.
However, the actual change lies in how the range is now
calculated. EPA has mandated that EV
manufacturers test acceleration and ride height modes in both
best and worst case scenarios. This new approach is intended to
better reflect real world range performance and applies to
vehicles tested for the 2024 model year onwards.
Now for Tesla buyers in 2024, this means that the EPA range
estimates listed on Tesla's website are now more reflective
of actual use. Notably, the Model Y all-wheel
drive and the Model Y performance have seen range
reductions of about 20 plus miles, now rated at 310 and 285
miles respectively. The Model S Plaids range is also
decreased depending on the wheel option.
While the Model X was less impacted.
The Model 3 remains unaffected by these changes as Tesla has
not tested the 2024 model year version in.
The anticipated refresh of the Model 3, known as the Highland,
is likely to undergo these tests when it begins sales.
Tesla has also removed the creep and roll stopping modes from the
2024 Model Y. Leaving hold is the only option
now. This change is expected to
improve efficiency by maximizing regenerative braking.
Hold Mode, popular among Tesla drivers, aligns with the one
pedal driving experience now. Additionally, Tesla has reduced
the top speed of the Model SLR to 130 mph from 155 mph, another
moved at enhancing rated efficiency.
Now the company's 2024 Model Year lineup includes new color
offerings for the Y, with Stealth Gray now available for
free and Midnight Silver Metallic Ultra Red, priced at
$2000 is now the most expensive paint option for the Model Y,
taking over from the discontinued Multi Coat Red.
Now, this change aligns with Tesla's strategy of constantly
refreshing its vehicle offerings and options.
Lastly, the Model S and the Model X are set to receive new
steering wheels and yokes. A significant update is the
mechanically operated horn activated by pressing the center
hub, which replaces the capacitive button on a steering
wheel or yoke used previously. These range adjustments and
other updates reflect Tesla's ongoing efforts to align its
vehicle offerings with regulatory changes and consumer
preferences. Now, while some consumers may be
disappointed by the reduced range estimates, these changes
are part of Tesla's strategy to provide more accurate and
realistic information about its vehicle's performances.
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