I have seen allot of people here who are upset about features (or lack there of) on the 160 mile Model S. Let's use this thread, separate from the gripe thread, to have a realistic talk about what these recent revelations actually mean to the cheapest car in Tesla's lineup.
The most vocal complaint about the 160 mile Model S seems to be the lack of rapid charge capability. For me, this is simply a non issue, and I suspect that it would be for most of the people who are actually considering the 160 mile version. We all know that a rapid charge will not yield a full charge on a batter. Let's assume that a rapid charge will provide 100 highway miles (probably about right) In the real world, we will normally not be able to charge at our final destination (at least not yet, maybe someday). Assuming that you will need at least 10 miles to drive around your destination (going out to lunch, ext.) and want to keep at least a 10 mile reserve, that will mean that you need to have a rapid charge station within 40 miles of your final destination (from the direction that you are coming from). With the Tesla rapid charging infrastructure in its infancy, the simply logistics of needing to have a rapid charge station this close to your destination will make long road trips in the 160 mile variant almost impossible.
If I buy a Model S, I have come to terms with the fact that I may never charge it any place but my house. Even if I do charge it anyplace else, I am unlikely to plan my trip around it, and will probably not take the car on a round trip that could not be completed on one charge. Field charging is a bonus, not a necessity. The most likely places that I would charge in the field would be 110v household outlets anyway, as I am only aware of 1 public EV charging station in my entire city. What I would love to see as an accessory is a 110 extension cord charger, that is cheap enough for me to feel comfortable plugging it in to a randomly available outlet. For me, the Model S would be my daily driver. My commute to and from work is 65 miles round trip. Add in a few errands on the way home, and the occasional trip to a friends house in the evening, and I can comfortably get through the day on the 160 mile pack (even if we round down and assume that I only get 100 real miles from it, I am still in the clear) The second charger being an option is also a good thing. I would probably not need to charge faster than 31 MPH, as I only plan to charge at home over night. Some people will need to, so they have that option. There is no need for everyone to have to pay for this.
The slower acceleration on the 160 is a major issue. Most of the people looking for a 160 mile Model S still want the full experience of a high performance car. This is not a deal breaker, and may not matter to everyone, but it is disappointing.
As far as the wheels go, while in line with other luxury cars, I feel that the price for the turbine wheels is too much. I doubt that we will see any 160 mile S's with them. It's a shame that a 19 inch turbine wheel is not available for a more reasonable upgrade price (in the ballpark of $1000) I also feel that the areo wheels are about $500 over the right price point.
The pano roof hit right price point right on the head. Even at the price point of the 160 mile variant, it is not prohibitively expensive.
The tech package being so expensive is a major issue. With the limited range of the 160 mile Model S, getting lost is not an option. As a result, I do not view the nav system as an optional accessory. It's a shame that it is bundled in with lot of other expensive options that many people do not want or need. The $3,750 price point on this package is the one place where Tesla really missed the mark, especially for the lower priced 160 mile model.
The interior selections are fine. The $1,500 upgrade fee for the leather is not unreasonable. I wish that there was also an option for a lighter colored microfiber interior, as black may not work for everyone.
The sound options are also appropriately priced.
At the end of the day, someone who qualifies for the tax credit can get a very nice EV, that is much larger and more capable than anything else on the market, for a $50,000. If they want a few other options, the price is reasonable on everything but the nav (way out of line on that one)
That's my assessment of the 160 mile. I am almost likely today to buy one as I was yesterday morning. If your mileage varies, please feel free to chime in.
The most vocal complaint about the 160 mile Model S seems to be the lack of rapid charge capability. For me, this is simply a non issue, and I suspect that it would be for most of the people who are actually considering the 160 mile version. We all know that a rapid charge will not yield a full charge on a batter. Let's assume that a rapid charge will provide 100 highway miles (probably about right) In the real world, we will normally not be able to charge at our final destination (at least not yet, maybe someday). Assuming that you will need at least 10 miles to drive around your destination (going out to lunch, ext.) and want to keep at least a 10 mile reserve, that will mean that you need to have a rapid charge station within 40 miles of your final destination (from the direction that you are coming from). With the Tesla rapid charging infrastructure in its infancy, the simply logistics of needing to have a rapid charge station this close to your destination will make long road trips in the 160 mile variant almost impossible.
If I buy a Model S, I have come to terms with the fact that I may never charge it any place but my house. Even if I do charge it anyplace else, I am unlikely to plan my trip around it, and will probably not take the car on a round trip that could not be completed on one charge. Field charging is a bonus, not a necessity. The most likely places that I would charge in the field would be 110v household outlets anyway, as I am only aware of 1 public EV charging station in my entire city. What I would love to see as an accessory is a 110 extension cord charger, that is cheap enough for me to feel comfortable plugging it in to a randomly available outlet. For me, the Model S would be my daily driver. My commute to and from work is 65 miles round trip. Add in a few errands on the way home, and the occasional trip to a friends house in the evening, and I can comfortably get through the day on the 160 mile pack (even if we round down and assume that I only get 100 real miles from it, I am still in the clear) The second charger being an option is also a good thing. I would probably not need to charge faster than 31 MPH, as I only plan to charge at home over night. Some people will need to, so they have that option. There is no need for everyone to have to pay for this.
The slower acceleration on the 160 is a major issue. Most of the people looking for a 160 mile Model S still want the full experience of a high performance car. This is not a deal breaker, and may not matter to everyone, but it is disappointing.
As far as the wheels go, while in line with other luxury cars, I feel that the price for the turbine wheels is too much. I doubt that we will see any 160 mile S's with them. It's a shame that a 19 inch turbine wheel is not available for a more reasonable upgrade price (in the ballpark of $1000) I also feel that the areo wheels are about $500 over the right price point.
The pano roof hit right price point right on the head. Even at the price point of the 160 mile variant, it is not prohibitively expensive.
The tech package being so expensive is a major issue. With the limited range of the 160 mile Model S, getting lost is not an option. As a result, I do not view the nav system as an optional accessory. It's a shame that it is bundled in with lot of other expensive options that many people do not want or need. The $3,750 price point on this package is the one place where Tesla really missed the mark, especially for the lower priced 160 mile model.
The interior selections are fine. The $1,500 upgrade fee for the leather is not unreasonable. I wish that there was also an option for a lighter colored microfiber interior, as black may not work for everyone.
The sound options are also appropriately priced.
At the end of the day, someone who qualifies for the tax credit can get a very nice EV, that is much larger and more capable than anything else on the market, for a $50,000. If they want a few other options, the price is reasonable on everything but the nav (way out of line on that one)
That's my assessment of the 160 mile. I am almost likely today to buy one as I was yesterday morning. If your mileage varies, please feel free to chime in.