Photo: Tesla Inc.
For years, the rear-wheel-drive Model S versions with variously-sized batteries had been the entry point in the Tesla family. They provided a more affordable option for those who wanted free access to the Supercharger network but couldn't afford the more expensive dual-motor options.
With the arrival of the Model 3, that problem is gone. The Supercharger will become pay-per-use for all new vehicles soon, regardless of their type while the lowest price for a Tesla is now sitting at a previously unbelievable $35,000.
The Model 3 would inevitably shuffle things a little inside Tesla's lineup, and since the Model X is a completely different vehicle, that leaves the Model S flagship sedan as the sole recipient. The changes were announced just before the Model 3 launch, but they didn't come with a timeline back then.
Today, Electrek learned that the Silicon Valley company is preparing to withdraw the Model S 75 from its online design studio this Sunday, meaning it won't be available starting next week. That means anyone interested in purchasing the $69,500 rear-wheel-drive single-motor Model S has literally only a few days to do so.
Tesla's decision is understandable, even though it could upset a few people who are fond of the rear-wheel-drive setup. However, despite the extra weight of another motor, the "D" versions offer a better range with the same battery capacity, as well as improved performance and safety. Right now, the S 75D is $5,000 more than the single-motor version, but it's not clear whether the company will modify the price of the remaining 75 kWh option.
It will be surprising if it does. Tesla's decision has two important reasons behind it, and one of which is a clearer separation between the Model S and the 3. The price gap between the two extremes (the cheapest Model S and the most expensive Model 3) has to remain significant, which is why it wouldn't make sense for Tesla to lower the price of the S 75D.
The second reason is also connected to the Model 3, but more loosely. Tesla needs to focus on ramping up production to meet the Model 3 demand, and that means streaming the process for its other cars as well. It has already killed off a few battery sizes and released models with larger batteries than their names would suggest but with software limitation. For some time, it has also been shipping rear-wheel-drive models with the smaller frunk of the dual-motor versions, meaning it was using the same chassis for both.
The Model 3 would inevitably shuffle things a little inside Tesla's lineup, and since the Model X is a completely different vehicle, that leaves the Model S flagship sedan as the sole recipient. The changes were announced just before the Model 3 launch, but they didn't come with a timeline back then.
Today, Electrek learned that the Silicon Valley company is preparing to withdraw the Model S 75 from its online design studio this Sunday, meaning it won't be available starting next week. That means anyone interested in purchasing the $69,500 rear-wheel-drive single-motor Model S has literally only a few days to do so.
Tesla's decision is understandable, even though it could upset a few people who are fond of the rear-wheel-drive setup. However, despite the extra weight of another motor, the "D" versions offer a better range with the same battery capacity, as well as improved performance and safety. Right now, the S 75D is $5,000 more than the single-motor version, but it's not clear whether the company will modify the price of the remaining 75 kWh option.
It will be surprising if it does. Tesla's decision has two important reasons behind it, and one of which is a clearer separation between the Model S and the 3. The price gap between the two extremes (the cheapest Model S and the most expensive Model 3) has to remain significant, which is why it wouldn't make sense for Tesla to lower the price of the S 75D.
The second reason is also connected to the Model 3, but more loosely. Tesla needs to focus on ramping up production to meet the Model 3 demand, and that means streaming the process for its other cars as well. It has already killed off a few battery sizes and released models with larger batteries than their names would suggest but with software limitation. For some time, it has also been shipping rear-wheel-drive models with the smaller frunk of the dual-motor versions, meaning it was using the same chassis for both.
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