Kenteken.tv, a Dutch technology blog has revealed that Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) is planning to launch new model S and Model X vehicles with an extra 90-kilowatt hour battery.
Dutch vehicle registration authorities have reportedly given the company the go-ahead to include the long-range batteries in the vehicles. The new battery will boost the Model S’ range to 381 miles per charge which is a significant improvement from the current range of 346 miles per charge. The current range measurements are as provided by the European NEDC standard thought the accuracy of the European range standards has been the subject of debate for quite some time.
According to measurements taken by the US EPA, the range for the 90D Model S is 302 miles. The new Model X will feature a 100 kilowatt-hour battery and Engadget claims that its range will still be lower than that of the Model S. However, they will still achieve more than 300 miles from one charge. It is not yet clear whether the company will also fit a 100-kilowatt hour capacity into its upcoming Model 3. Tesla is yet to make any announcements regarding the battery.
There have, however, been rumors hinting that the company has been planning to introduce the 100kwh versions. A hacker by the name of Jack Hughes was the first to uncover the company’s plans in March and he then tweeted Elon Musk about the matter. Hughes’ discovery was about references to “P100D” for the firmware used in the Model S. Tesla uses the “P” to represent performance. This means there is a high likelihood that the 100kwh Model S will include the popular Ludicrous Mode. The latter is the performance variant for Tesla fans who want their cars to be faster. The “D” in the description represents all-wheel drive which is a good thing considering that the vehicles will be more powerful. The four-wheel drive will be good for stability as well as performance.