Options / Pricing gripes for 160 mile version

[jfeister]

Just saw Tesla has the long awaited options info for the Model S on their website.

A couple things I found very disappointing about the 160 mile version:

0 to 60 in 6.5

I was always under the impression the 0 to 60 would be 5.6. Granted, they never specifically stated this, but they said 0 to 60 was 5.6 and gave no indication it depended on battery size. Given the fact that they are taking people's (refundable) money and not clearly explaining this I feel is deceptive and a poor way to treat your prospective customers.

No supercharging

To me this is huge. You will never be able to go on a trip with a 160 mile version. Seriously guys?

That, and you have to pay $3750 if you want turn by turn navigation on your giant touchscreen. Not cool Tesla. Not cool.

[Todd Burch]

There's been a lot of discussion on this in these forums, and it's long been speculated that the 0-60 on the base pack might be slower than 5.6, for unavoidable technical reasons (if you draw too much current, with smaller capacity packs that's a higher C (charge/discharge) rate, which degrades the battery significantly faster. I don't think that's a surprise to many of us frequent forum visitors.

Keep in mind they also said "300 mi range", which also isn't in the base package. Every car commercial you see advertises with additional packages (often times fully loaded), so how can you not expect the same thing here? Look for the "optional features shown" fine print at the bottom of most car commercials .

As far as supercharging, that's due to the same technical limitations as the 0-60 time.

Now as far as the $3750 for the turn-by-turn, I'd agree with you there...but everything else seems in line with many people's expectations.

[Citizen-T]

We here on the forums have long speculated that the performance would depend on battery size. The physics just don't work out to allow the 160mi pack to put out as much power as the 300mi pack. Agree, Tesla should have made this more clear, but this was a well expected outcome. Still, 6.5s is no slouch.

No supercharging is a little bit more of a surprise. Best explanation that I've heard so far is that this will mean that they don't need to install charging stations every 100 miles. Remember, 160mi is at 55mph. If you were planning on taking this car on road trips then 160mi option probably wasn't the right one for you anyway, because at 70mph, you might be much closer to 120mi or less. Who wants to stop every 1.5 hours on a long trip?

No, the 160mi pack is definitely a "around town" and small trip car. Supercharging isn't going to magically turn this guy into a big road trip vehicle.

[jimbakker666]

Yeah this is a little frustrating for me with the 160 model. I'm not sure what more value this model provides over the Leaf at nearly $15k more? Similar mileage given the rating @ 55mph (which is actually lower than the freeway speed limit in CA), no super-charging, and automatic keyless entry will cost $3500 more? Should I assume that this means I'll have to stick my key in the door to enter my $60k vehicle?

I don't know guys, this vehicle doesn't really seem all that accessible to the middle-class now (something that Elon alluded to in an interview a couple months ago about current reservation holders). I can justify the purchase at $50k, if it provides me something substantial over it's competition. What would that be, exactly?

[jfeister]

I appreciate you guys were smart enough to deduce the technical limitations of a 40 kwhr battery, but a customer shouldn't need a degree in electrical engineering to know what they are plunking $5,000 for. Yes, you can get the refund I realize. I just don't think it's a good way to treat your customers.

[Todd Burch]

I appreciate you guys were smart enough to deduce the technical limitations of a 40 kwhr battery, but a customer shouldn't need a degree in electrical engineering to know what they are plunking $5,000 for. Yes, you can get the refund I realize. I just don't think it's a good way to treat your customers.

I imagine that 100 years ago, people were going through the same questions about gas cars...the price you pay for adopting fresh technology...it sometimes requires a little research .

That's why this forum's here...that's why you have a customer advocate at Tesla. No?

[AnOutsider]

I appreciate you guys were smart enough to deduce the technical limitations of a 40 kwhr battery, but a customer shouldn't need a degree in electrical engineering to know what they are plunking $5,000 for. Yes, you can get the refund I realize. I just don't think it's a good way to treat your customers.

As was stated, Tesla has been truthful in what was POSSIBLE in the Model S (like 300 mile range). You can't expect to get the most basic car and get all the features. This is how it works in just about all companies. Also, like I've said in other threads, the 160 mile pack is NOT the car to get if you plan to drive long distances.

Agreed on the nav though, the hardware is there already.

[jfeister]

Jim, you said it better than I could. I'm very concerned a lot of customers will see a lack of supercharging and think they are getting an upgraded leaf. I think it's a big mistake and could result in quite a few cancellations. How do others who have reserved a 160 mile version feel about this?

[TEG]

...if it provides me something substantial over it's competition. What would that be, exactly?...

Well, for one, way more interior room - if that sort of thing is important to you.

[qwk]

Yeah this is a little frustrating for me with the 160 model. I'm not sure what more value this model provides over the Leaf at nearly $15k more? Similar mileage given the rating @ 55mph (which is actually lower than the freeway speed limit in CA), no super-charging, and automatic keyless entry will cost $3500 more? Should I assume that this means I'll have to stick my key in the door to enter my $60k vehicle?

I don't know guys, this vehicle doesn't really seem all that accessible to the middle-class now (something that Elon alluded to in an interview a couple months ago about current reservation holders). I can justify the purchase at $50k, if it provides me something substantial over it's competition. What would that be, exactly?

You won't get 160 miles out of a leaf @55mph. No way. Maybe close to 100 miles.
The leaf is also very ugly, can rust, has a pathetic battery warranty, cheap interior, I can go on and on.