Tesla has began providing an “power enhance” software program unlock to current consumers of the Mannequin Y RWD, permitting them to unlock extra battery capability – for a worth.
The Mannequin Y RWD has been by way of a number of adjustments just lately. Not solely has its worth diversified fairly a bit, however Tesla has launched after which axed a “Customary Vary” Mannequin Y with smaller battery, and just lately launched a “Lengthy Vary” model alongside cancelling the SR mannequin.
When it cancelled the SR mannequin, Tesla additionally said that the batteries in these fashions had been really greater than marketed, and that it deliberate to supply software program unlocks that may add 40-60 miles of vary, relying in your battery cells, for $1,500-$2,000, as quickly because it had regulatory approval to take action.
And now it appears to be like like these upgrades are able to go, as sure Mannequin Y house owners have began seeing an “Power Enhance” improve accessible of their Tesla app.
Some house owners have been provided a $1,600 improve so as to add “as much as 50 miles,” and a few a $1,000 improve for “as much as 30 miles.”
So it’s not fairly what Tesla had promised – the numbers are a smidgen decrease than the 40-60 miles for $1.5-2k that had been touted beforehand.
Every of those vary estimates comes with an asterisk connected, stating “Estimates are based mostly on inner modeling and can fluctuate relying on components like battery age and driving behaviors.”
Given that fifty miles is a fairly large chunk of extra vary – some 15% or so – we are able to think about that the numbers may endure from typical Tesla, uh, “optimism.” And on condition that these numbers are “based mostly on inner modeling” and never EPA-cycle testing, your mileage could fluctuate.
The improve is obtainable now, however solely accessible within the US.
Electrek’s Take
Tesla has had this method earlier than, providing automobiles at one worth degree after which later providing unlocks to improve them by way of software program.
Opinions are blended on this observe. On the one hand, each automaker makes sure selections with its automobiles’ trim ranges, and will supply prospects extra functionality simply, however locks these capabilities behind greater worth factors (and certainly different merchandise as effectively – pc CPU sellers do one thing comparable). And Tesla deliberately doesn’t promote automobiles based mostly on kWh capability, however reasonably based mostly on vary, so it’s not like they’re promoting you one thing aside from what you bought.
However then again, it feels scummy to know that you simply purchased an object that has been artificially hobbled by the producer, and that it’s worthwhile to pay them for the privilege of utilizing the complete capabilities of the factor that you simply already paid them for.
With a battery there are plenty of different fascinating concerns too. First, which battery cells are getting used, and why the distinction? Is yet one more succesful than the opposite? (Tesla has achieved this earlier than, even relationship again to the early days, with “A” and “B” battery packs on early Mannequin S) And what impact will the unlocked capability have on longevity? Was it held again for longevity functions within the first place, or simply for product differentiation?
And importantly: might Tesla replace your software program to scale back your automotive’s capabilities? If it does, will it pay you? This query isn’t even a hypothetical – it has occurred earlier than…. greater than as soon as. Even to the purpose of charging cash for {hardware} house owners already purchased.
What could be good is that if Tesla ever answered any of those questions – why automobiles are being provided totally different upgrades, what kind of batteries these automobiles have, what sort of future plans it might need in your automotive’s future before you purchase it, and so forth. We’d attain out to ask them these questions, however, uh….
What do you concentrate on this new Power Enhance improve? Tell us within the feedback. And if in case you have been provided the improve, tell us your automotive’s spec (SR or LR) and if you purchased it, so we are able to attempt to determine the sample right here.
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