Battery
The Model S is offered with two battery packs: a base model with a 60 kW·h battery expected to deliver 230 miles (370 km) and a 85 kW·h battery expected to deliver 300 miles (480 km). These are Tesla Motors estimated ranges at a speed of 55 mph (89 km/h). The EPA official range for the 60 kW·h battery pack model is 208 mi (335 km). The official range for the model with the 85 kW·h battery is 265 miles (426 km).
In December 2012, Tesla released a software update that among other improvements, features new energy-saving "sleep" functionality. The software allows Model S owners to choose between keeping the displays and vehicle electronics instantly available each time you turn on the car, or powering off the display and vehicle electronics each time you exit through a "sleep" state. The former implies a modest increase in the time it takes the touchscreen and instrument panel to wake from this energy-saving state. Using the sleep mode can increase the Model S range up to 8 mi (13 km) per day.
The lithium-ion battery consists of more than 7,000 battery cells for the 85 kW·h pack. The battery pack uses Panasonic cells with nickel-cobalt-aluminum cathodes. The battery pack location underneath the car into the floor, provides the Model S with a very low center of gravity.
The Model S battery is guaranteed by Tesla Motors for eight years or 125,000 mi (201,000 km) for the base model with the 60 kW·h battery pack. All models with the 85 kW·h battery pack are guaranteed for eight years and unlimited miles.
A battery replacement option may be purchased for a cost of US$8,000 for the 40kWh battery, US$10,000 for the 60kWh battery and US$12,000 for the 85kWh battery and will provide a replacement battery anytime after the 8th year of operation of the original battery.
In 2013, Tesla canceled a 40 kW·h version of the car due to lack of demand. The customers who ordered this option have instead received the 60 kWh pack, but range is software limited to 40 kWh. It will still have the improved acceleration and top speed of the bigger pack, so will be a better product than originally ordered, and can be upgraded to the range of the 60 kWh upon request by the original or a future owner ($11,000).
Read more about this topic: Tesla Model S, Specifications