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Tesla Model S 60-kWh Version: EPA Range Rated At 208 Miles

 
3,940 views Dec 7, 2012
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2013 Tesla Model S

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Without any fanfare, the EPA has released its range rating for the second version of the Tesla Model S to come to market.

The 2013 Tesla Model S fitted with a 60-kilowatt-hour battery pack has a rated range of 208 miles.

That compares to 265 miles for the Model S version with the largest 85-kWh battery pack.


The new 60-kWh Model S has a higher efficiency rating (95 MPGe versus 89 MPGe) and uses slightly less energy to cover 100 miles: 35 kWh versus 38 kWh.

The Miles-Per-Gallon-equivalent (MPGe) rating measures how far a vehicle can travel on the amount of electricity equivalent to the energy content of one gallon of gasoline.

The 85-kWh Tesla Model S received its 265-mile range rating in June.

The new model's 95-MPGe efficiency rating is close to the 99-MPGe rating of the 2012 Nissan Leaf, an impressive number for a larger, heavier, more capacious, and faster luxury sport sedan.

The differences in the two Model S versions may be attributable to the 60-kWh version's lighter weight and some differences in standard features.

Tesla Motors [NSDQ:TSLA] will begin delivering the 60-kWh Model S versions early next year.

The final and lowest-range version of the Model S, fitted with a 40-kWh lithium-ion battery, will be the last to enter production--by March, Tesla has said.

That version has not yet been rated by the EPA.

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Comments (16)

  1. CDspeed avatar CDspeed . Posted: 12/7/2012 6:16am PST

    Not bad, they have two variants rated at over 200 MPC by the EPA.
     
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  2. fb_1134791105 avatar Mittar Khalsa Posted: 12/7/2012 8:18am PST

    That's pretty darn good.
     
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  3. robok2 avatar robok2 Posted: 12/7/2012 10:23am PST

    Just outstanding and slightly better than I expected based on the 85-kWH rating. Technically, Tesla continues to impress.
     
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  4. Chris O avatar Chris O Posted: 12/7/2012 12:03pm PST

    So that would be less than 10% less than the projected range of 230 miles. Pretty good considering that Nissan got its projected range sledged by more than 25% and with only 100 miles to start out with of the two it could least afford the cut.

    The better efficiency compared to the 85KW version must be due to lower weight. Too bad Tesla's website still quotes 4,647.3 lbs as the vehicles curb weight which is only correct for the 85KW version. Knowing this version's weight would give an indication of the battery's energy density at the pack level since the vehicles are otherwise completely the same.
     
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  5. fb_1333530932 avatar John Griswell Posted: 12/7/2012 1:24pm PST

    Don't forget about the 21'' vs 19'' wheels which will make a difference too.
     
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  6. Chris O avatar Chris O Posted: 12/8/2012 12:14am PST

    The 21" are optional on both versions.
     
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  7. MorinMoss avatar Morin Moss Posted: 12/9/2012 3:08pm PST

    So far, the EPA range ratings have been 88-90% of Tesla's estimates, which are 300 mi - 85kWh, 230 mi - 60kWh and 160 mi - 40kWh, which implies an EPA rating of 141-144 miles for the 40 kWh battery.
     
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  8. RichXKU avatar Rich M Posted: 12/9/2012 6:55pm PST

    208 sounds good to me. What range do they expect to get from it after 6 years / 100,000 miles of daily commuting?
     
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  9. Mark Stang avatar Mark Stang Posted: 12/9/2012 11:34pm PST

    Nissan Leaf may have a 99mpge equivalent but it is like an econobox with decent yet relatively lackluster performance 0-60 MPH: 8.96 Seconds when compare to the Model S 60kwhr edition in the standard trim of 5.6 seconds which is faster than 98% of all vehicles on the road. Plain Jane funny looking lackluster performance or would you rather have seductively stylish sport sedan look that will out perform all but the fastest super cars. I will gladly give up the 4mpge difference to own a Tesla Model S over the Nissan Leaf.
     
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  10. jeffhre avatar Jeff Hre Posted: 12/10/2012 12:58am PST

    Although true, what was omitted is also telling. You are not just giving up 4mpge over the lifetime of your purchase, but your entry into the glittering world of slightly reduced range Tesla S drivers, also requires a frunkful of additional cash for the entry fee.
     
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  11. Chris O avatar Chris O Posted: 12/10/2012 3:17am PST

    Correct, $30K extra to be exact. T what extend that adds to TCO compared to the Leaf depends on how much of that extra cash will flow back to you come trade in time. My guess would be considering the difference in desirability, residual range and the overall life expectancy of the vehicles: most of it after the first few years.
     
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  12. fb_100000005296979 avatar Kent Beuchert Posted: 12/10/2012 9:30am PST

    There seems to be sunny lack of reality hereabouts. The main issue with driving range concerns extended trips : that's the main obstacle in terms of EV functionality, given the unacceptable recharge times. Extended trips mean Interstate trips, and Interstates absolutely destroy Tesla's range. Last time I looked Tesla's website had a "300 mile" blurb and claimed it applied to Interstate driving. That can be argued in court as consumer fraud, and some customer may do just that. And win. Easily. There are no non-urban Interstates with limits below 65 MPH. 85% (at least) are 70 and above. Tesla's own data, even under ideal driving conditions, shows the 60kWh version travelling 199, 183, 169,152 miles at 65,70,75,80. See next posting
     
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  13. fb_1134791105 avatar Mittar Khalsa Posted: 12/10/2012 10:11am PST

    Tesla is not guaranteeing range, and neither is the EPA. If you're looking to buy a car and need to drive long distances and don't have an available ICE car to use, you're probably better off without a Tesla. Not sure why that's so hard to understand.
     
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  14. Chris O avatar Chris O Posted: 12/11/2012 1:48am PST

    Reality check: the supercharge option does away with unacceptable recharge times. 30 minutes of supercharging should get you 150 miles of extra range making at least the S/85 and possibly the S/60 perfectly suitable for interstate driving once the supercharging network is in place.
     
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  15. fb_1559222512 avatar Xiaolong Li Posted: 1/1/2013 9:08pm PST

    Speed limits are "MAX speed limits". I drive very fast. But the "minimum speed limits" on hwy are usually 45mph. At 45mph, the Tesla is capable of getting close to 300 miles range.
     
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  16. fb_1134791105 avatar Mittar Khalsa Posted: 12/10/2012 10:10am PST

    With an 85KW battery hitting the 400 mile mark, I have no doubt that conservative drivers will regularly see 250+ miles on the 60KW battery.
     
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