Reasons to upgrade to 60kWh

[Mycroft]

I've posted this in other forums, but I wanted to include it here as well.

Even if Tesla relents and allows some kind of "supercharger" access for the 40kWh packs, there are still plenty of reasons that the $10k upgrade to 60kWh is worth it. In fact, I think the 230 miler is the sweet spot.

1. Adds to the longevity of the pack. After 10 years, at 70% reduction, the 230 miler will be reduced to 160 mile range.
2. Does enable access to superchargers if that's what you want.
3. Adds flexibility to your weekend excursions. Without gasoline expenses, weekend runs will be much more desirable and enjoyable. Wouldn't it be nice to have that elbow room?
4. If you have to turn around immediately after work and go somewhere else, that elbow room might make all the difference.
5. Yes, it would add a bit better acceleration. Not a bad thing.
6. All of the above would certainly add significantly to the resale value of the car!
7. Last but not least, get the car at least a month earlier!

If you limit your options to metallic paint and the pano roof, you're still below $65,000 out the door.

Any other reasons you can think of?

[Norbert]

8. Increased peace of mind.

[gg_got_a_tesla]

If you limit your options to metallic paint and the pano roof, you're still below $65,000 out the door.

Speak for yourself, my Washington-state-no-sales-tax-on-EVs friend Here in Alameda county, CA, we've got to fork out another 8.75% (computed on $67,400 + options before the fed credit) before driving this puppy home!

But, yes, these are precisely the reasons for which I'm going for the 230 pack myself, primarily potential range anxiety after a few years with the battery degradation. Sub-6 second 0-60 is cool too.

[Mycroft]

Speak for yourself, my Washington-state-no-sales-tax-on-EVs friend

Yes, you're right; that would be a consideration.

Before the performance package was announced in October, I had my P reservation for a 230 miler even though a 160 would easily meet my needs. The advantages of the 230 are just too large, without even taking into consideration the supercharging system.

But that frickin Elon and his frickin performance package cost me big time! I can't wait!

[EVNow]

1. Adds to the longevity of the pack. After 10 years, at 70% reduction, the 230 miler will be reduced to 160 mile range.

I agree with other points - but we have to be careful with this one. Lithium batteries degrade with just age - even if you don't use them. There are some articles that say the degradation after 80% will not be linear - but could be exponentially faster.

I don't think anyone can safely assume 160 mile after 10 years.

[Trnsl8r]

9. Battery warranty increased from 100,000 miles to 125,000 (if memory serves)

[ckessel]

I was in the camp of 40 or 85 kWh. Either I was going big so I could make longer trips (Portland, Or to Seattle for example) or I'd go small because my daily needs never exceed maybe 80 miles, such as going to the airport and back. After seeing the info on the 40kWh, that's a no-go. 6.5s 0-60 is pretty sluggish for that much money, and the 60kWh battery just doesn't fit a driving need for me. If I'd been planning on the 40kWh, I'd probably just keep my current car and wait a few more years for something like the BlueStar to come out.

[VolkerP]

10. slightly higher top speed: 120mph vs. 110 mph

[Norbert]

11. Additional support for battery technology and long range EVs.
12. More convincing to ICE drivers.

[haneefdm]

Not meant to be serious.

You should be able to drive from your dealership to your home? I live in Portland and my nearest dealership is more than 160 miles away. I am sure I can find some charging station in between by then but I wont like that first drive experience.