2021 Tesla Model S to get small range bump, passing base Lucid Air – report
Images out of the US hint at longer range for Model S Long Range Plus, beating the base Lucid Air.
The Tesla Model S could be in line for yet another increase to its all-electric driving range, according to new reports out of the US.
Online electric vehicle-centric publication Electrek obtained images of the dealer 'window sticker' – a mandatory label attached to new US-market vehicles detailing pricing, fuel/energy consumption and key equipment information – affixed to a new, November-produced Model S Long Range Plus, revealing an EPA-rated combined range of 409 miles, or 658km.
The new figure represents a 11km increase over the existing Model S Long Range Plus's 647km range claim, and makes the entry-level Model S the longest-range electric vehicle (EV) currently on sale in the US.
Above: 2021 Tesla Model S Long Range Plus. Top and bottom of story: 2019 Model S Performance models
It also gives the Tesla a five-kilometre advantage over its upcoming, closely-priced rival, the 2022 Lucid Air, unveiled in September with a 653km range and a US$72,500 price tag after incentives – the latter of which Tesla undercut last month, lowering the Model S Long Range Plus's base price to US$69,420.
Interestingly, despite the overall increase in range, the Model S' urban and combined energy consumption figures have increased, to 17.6 and 18.1kWh/100km respectively (from 17.3 and 17.9kWh/100km respectively)
Many online have speculated the efficiency decrease could be due to higher-capacity, more energy-dense batteries – a rumour Tesla will likely confirm when the range increase goes live on its website and is made official, expected in the coming weeks.
In Australia, the current Tesla Model S Long Range Plus – rated at 722km of range, albeit on the less-stringent NEDC test cycle – is priced from $134,700 before on-road costs (though including GST and Luxury Car Tax).
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