10 WAYS THE TESLA MODEL S HAS CHANGED OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS

Since its debut in 2012, the Tesla Model S has been a trailblazer in the electric vehicle market, setting new benchmarks for performance, technology, and sustainability. As Tesla's flagship sedan, the Model S has not only changed the perception of electric vehicles but also continuously evolved to stay ahead of the curve. With its sleek design, impressive range, and cutting-edge Autopilot features, the Model S has redefined what an electric car can be.

Over the years, Tesla has relentlessly pursued innovation, pushing the boundaries of electric propulsion, battery technology, and autonomous driving. Each new iteration of the Model S brings enhancements that make it faster, smarter, and more efficient. The evolution of the Model S has been an exciting journey for Tesla and the brand's enthusiasts. It has marked key milestones and technological breakthroughs that have impacted the electric car segment and continues to shape the future of transportation.

Improved Battery Technology And Range

From 2012 to 2015, the Tesla Model S used 18650 cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells, offering 60 and 85 kWh packs with a range of 200-300 miles. Tesla improved these cells by introducing silicon into the anode material, modestly increasing energy density and range. In 2015, the 90 kWh battery pack was introduced, providing a slight range boost. By 2020, Tesla hinted at developing larger-format cells, like the 4680 cylindrical format. These new cells have a higher energy density, and the current Model S features packs exceeding 100 kWh.

Top Range Increased From 265 To 402 Miles Per Charge

Advancements in cell chemistry and the introduction of the 90 kWh pack offered slight improvements for the Model S regarding range. The biggest leap came with the suspected switch to Tesla's own larger-format cells around 2020. This, combined with likely increased battery pack sizes exceeding 100 kWh, has resulted in some Model S variants boasting an EPA range of 402 miles on a single charge—more than double the range of the first models.

The Launch Of The Plaid Variant With Over 1,000 Horsepower

The year was 2021, and Tesla shook the electric car world with the Model S Plaid. This beast arrived with a revolutionary tri-motor setup and cutting-edge battery technology. The Plaid features a tri-motor setup producing 1,020 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque, combining incredible speed with long-distance capability. The interior boasts a redesigned dashboard, a new infotainment system, and enhanced driver-assistance features.

It Boasts A 0-60 MPH Time Of Under Two Seconds

The Tesla Model S Plaid boasts an astonishing 0-60 mph time of 1.99 seconds, making it the fastest production car in 2021. This was a remarkable improvement compared to the first-generation Model S, which reached 0-60 mph in around 5.6 seconds. The Plaid's tri-motor setup and cutting-edge technology allow the model S Plaid to achieve a top speed of 200 mph and a range of up to 390 miles.

The Introduction Of Autopilot And Full Self-Driving (FSD)

The Tesla Model S Plaid, introduced in 2021, comes with the latest iterations of Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. Autopilot, first introduced in 2014, has evolved to include advanced features like traffic-aware cruise control, lane-keeping, and automated lane changes. The FSD package takes this further, offering capabilities such as automated city driving, traffic light recognition, and eventual hands-free driving on highways.

The Model S Now Comes With Smart Summon

Introduced as part of Tesla's Autopilot and FSD packages, Smart Summon allows the vehicle to autonomously navigate parking lots and drive to its owner. Utilizing advanced sensors, cameras, and Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, Smart Summon can maneuver around obstacles, stop pedestrians, and select the optimal path to reach its destination. This feature makes it easier for owners to retrieve their cars from tight or distant parking spots with a tap on their smartphone.

An Improved Interior Design And Features

Over the past 10 years, Tesla has significantly enhanced the interior design and features of the Model S, focusing on luxury, technology, and user experience. The cabin has refined, sleek, and minimalist aesthetics and advanced ergonomics. Tesla has continuously upgraded the infotainment system, integrating more powerful hardware and intuitive software to ensure a seamless user interface. Enhanced connectivity options, sophisticated climate control, and personalized settings aim to provide a more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

Horizontal Touchscreen, An Updated Dashboard, And Improved Materials And Finishes

The current Tesla Model S features a significant interior overhaul, notably replacing the vertical touchscreen with a large horizontal display dominating the center console. The traditional instrument cluster is removed, and driving information is now displayed on the main touchscreen, offering a minimalist and futuristic experience. Additionally, premium materials like vegan leather and wood accents have replaced the plastic components of earlier models, enhancing the luxury and comfort of the cabin.

The New Model S Offers A More Modern Infotainment System

The new Tesla Model S offers a vastly improved infotainment system compared to early models. It features a larger, more responsive touchscreen display that is the central control hub for navigation, media, climate control, and vehicle settings. This system supports advanced connectivity features, including over-the-air updates for continuous improvement and new feature rollouts. Unfortunately, the Model S and the rest of the Tesla's lineup don't offer Apple Car Play or Android Auto.

More Powerful Processors, Higher Resolution Screens, And Enhanced Connectivity Are The Standard

The current Tesla Model S features a more powerful processor, significantly boosting performance and responsiveness. This upgrade enables faster navigation, quicker app and media loading, and smoother vehicle operation. Its 17-inch touchscreen with 2200x1300 resolution (up from 1920 x 1200 in early models) enhances visual clarity, offering sharper graphics and clearer displays for navigation, entertainment, and vehicle status. Enhanced connectivity supports seamless integration with mobile devices and the internet, facilitating over-the-air updates, streaming services, and real-time traffic updates.

It Supports 250 kW Of Fast Charging Compared To 100 kW A Decade Back

Early models of the Tesla Model S were limited to charging speeds around 100 kW or less using Tesla's Supercharger network. This could add a decent range in a reasonable time, but it wasn't the fastest option. The latest Model S is built to handle the power of Tesla's newer Supercharger stations, which can deliver up to 250 kW in some locations. This potentially cuts charging times in half compared to the first generation.

Access To An Expanded Supercharger Network

The current generation of the Tesla Model S benefits from access to an expanded Supercharger Network compared to the first generation. Tesla's Supercharger Network was initially relatively sparse, with fewer stations and coverage areas. Over the years, Tesla has significantly expanded this network globally, adding more charging stations along popular travel routes and in urban centers. This expansion means that current Model S owners have greater flexibility and convenience when planning longer trips, with more opportunities to quickly recharge their vehicles.

Updated Exterior Elements

While the overall silhouette of the Model S remains instantly recognizable, a closer look reveals key updates. The early models featured a vertical touchscreen inside that was reflected in the design of the front grille with a similar, slightly tapered look. This has been replaced by a smoother, more sculpted front fascia that hints at the minimalist interior to come. Headlights and taillights have also been modernized, adopting a sleeker, more aerodynamic design.

The Current Model S Offers Improved Aerodynamics And Aesthetics

The present Tesla Model S blends function with elegant design enhancements, featuring improved aerodynamics and aesthetics over its predecessors. Retaining its iconic shape with refined details, such as a smoother front fascia and sleeker lines, enhances aerodynamic efficiency and potentially extends range. Redesigned headlights and taillights reduce drag, optimizing overall performance. Removing the fake gas cap acknowledges the car's electric identity.

The Availability Of Over-The-Air Software Updates

The current Tesla Model S boasts a future-proof advantage thanks to its over-the-air (OTA) software update capabilities. Unlike traditional cars, the Model S receives software updates wirelessly, just like a smartphone. This means you don't have to visit a service center to benefit from bug fixes, new features, or performance improvements. Tesla can continuously refine the driving experience, features, and even potentially enhance range through these updates.

Convenience At Your Fingertips

Software updates are initiated through the touchscreen or the Tesla mobile app. This eliminates the need to schedule service appointments or wait for technicians. Updates can happen overnight or at your convenience, ensuring your Model S stays on the cutting edge.

The Introduction Of Top-Notch Safety Features

Tesla has prioritized building cars loaded with advanced safety features. In the case of the Model S, Tesla equipped the car with cutting-edge technology to create a protective shield around drivers and passengers. This includes using a network of cameras and sensors to constantly monitor the car's surroundings and intervene when necessary. Additionally, Tesla focuses on adding crumple zones and other structural elements to manage impact forces and safeguard the cabin in case of a collision.

Tesla Added Automatic Emergency Braking, Side Collision Warning, And More

Tesla has made significant strides in safety by equipping the Model S with a comprehensive set of automated technologies. This includes automatic emergency braking, which can detect potential collisions and apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate an impact. Additionally, side collision warnings have been added to alert drivers of unseen hazards in their blind spots, crumple zones, and other structural elements to manage impact forces and safeguard the cabin in case of a collision.

Redesigned Drive Units And Motor Technology

The new Tesla Model S breaks free from the limitations of the past, ushering in a new era of electric performance with completely redesigned drive units and cutting-edge motor technology. At the heart of this transformation lies a strategic shift away from the single rear-mounted motor of early models.

Tesla Introduced Dual-Motor AWD Systems And Tri-Motor

Tesla's new Model S features advanced dual-motor AWD and tri-motor setups. The dual-motor AWD improves traction and handling by independently controlling torque to the front and rear axles. In the Model S Plaid, the tri-motor configuration delivers unprecedented acceleration and power with three motors - one front and two rear - setting new benchmarks for EV performance and efficiency.

2024-07-02T09:02:03Z dg43tfdfdgfd