Tesla has began providing an “power increase” software program unlock to latest consumers of the Mannequin Y RWD, permitting them to unlock extra battery capability – for a value.
The Mannequin Y RWD has been by plenty of modifications not too long ago. Not solely has its value assorted fairly a bit, however Tesla has launched after which axed a “Customary Vary” Mannequin Y with smaller battery, and not too long ago 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 have been really larger than marketed, and that it deliberate to supply software program unlocks that will 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 like these upgrades are able to go, as sure Mannequin Y homeowners have began seeing an “Vitality Enhance” improve out there of their Tesla app.
Some homeowners 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 inside modeling and can range relying on elements like battery age and driving behaviors.”
Given that fifty miles is a pretty big chunk of extra vary – some 15% or so – we will think about that the numbers would possibly endure from typical Tesla, uh, “optimism.” And on condition that these numbers are “based mostly on inside modeling” and never EPA-cycle testing, your mileage could range.
The improve is accessible now, however solely out there within the US.
Electrek’s Take
Tesla has had this method earlier than, providing automobiles at one value degree after which later providing unlocks to improve them through software program.
Opinions are blended on this observe. On the one hand, each automaker makes sure decisions with its autos’ trim ranges, and will provide clients extra functionality simply, however locks these capabilities behind greater value factors (and certainly different merchandise as effectively – laptop 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 apart from what you bought.
However alternatively, it feels scummy to know that you just purchased an object that has been artificially hobbled by the producer, and that that you must pay them for the privilege of utilizing the total capabilities of the factor that you just already paid them for. For instance, folks actually disliked BMW’s heated seat subscription.
With a battery there are lots of different attention-grabbing concerns too. First, which battery cells are getting used, and why the distinction? Is yet one more succesful than the opposite? (Tesla has completed 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 cut 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} homeowners 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 on your automotive’s future before you purchase it, and so forth. We’d attain out to ask them these questions, however, uh….
And one remaining query: whereas it is a good “value per mile” so far as vary goes, do you even want that further vary? The Mannequin Y already can go far sufficient, and has entry to Superchargers. This further vary received’t enable you cost sooner on roadtrips, received’t shield your battery from degradation as a result of it’s not a bodily bigger battery, and doubtless wasn’t needed on your day by day driving because you already purchased the automotive to start with – although it might assist individuals who solely cost at public chargers must cost rather less usually. However for lots of drivers, all it means is “quantity go up.” Does that matter?
What do you consider this new Vitality Enhance improve? Tell us within the feedback. And when you’ve got been provided the improve, tell us your automotive’s spec (SR or LR) and while you purchased it, so we will attempt to determine the sample right here.
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