Tesla Motors Introduces S60 and S60D Model S Versions
Tesla Motors plans to offer two lower-priced versions of its electric Model S sedan, starting at $66,000 in the U.S. market. The current Model S starts around $76,000 and is often delivered to customers at a price of about $100,000.
The new versions, the rear-wheel drive Model S 60 and the all-wheel drive Model S 60D, will have slightly less range than the Model S already sold. The Model S 60D starts at $71,000 in the U.S. market.
The newer models will have a range of more than 200 miles, Tesla said.
The Model S 60 and Model S 60D will be sold with a battery pack with a capacity of 75 kilowatt-hours, but will be limited to a capacity of 60 kWh. Tesla said owners will have the option to get a software upgrade to allow the car to have a capacity of 75 kWh and the longer range it provides.
A 60 kWh battery has an estimated range of 218 miles for the rear-wheel drive Model S 60 and 210 miles for the Model S 60D. The upgrade to the 75 kWh battery pack will add about 40 miles of range to each model.
Tesla plans a new car, the Model 3, which is to be a more affordable sedan, starting around $35,000, to go to market in late 2017.