EV of the week: Tesla Model S

The year is 2020. If only we had the same timeline as Back to the Future then we would have flying cars by now. Since car manufacturers are still working on the idea, we might as well turn our gaze to innovations that are already on the market – like electronic vehicles.

Electronic vehicles are nothing new. William Morrison first introduced one in 1890. But it wasn’t until the 1990s that it started gaining public attention with the arrival of General Motors EV1. While the automaker never considered it a commercial success, it was well-received by American consumers.

In the last decade, we have seen an increasing demand for electronic cars like the EV1. As more buyers look for sustainable and eco-friendly options, there is no better time to place them on the spotlight.

We will feature a new EV of the Week and give you a round-up of its specs including its interior and exterior, battery, performance, safety, and pricing. This week, we decided to go with the widely successful Tesla Model S – a five-seat liftback sedan.

Why buy Tesla Model S?

Model S is the most popular Tesla to date. Its popularity isn’t just fuelled by the hype for EVs, but the many qualities that make it worth buying.

For starters, Model S comes with a dual motor and all-wheel drive configuration. Both of which enable it to perform better than Tesla Model 3. Among Tesla vehicles, it has the most stylish exterior which, coupled with advanced features, should give you more reasons to buy it.

But if there is anything that truly makes it stand out, it would be its impressive range. Compared to its siblings and other electronic cars on the market, Tesla Model S can travel longer distances on a single charge.

Exterior

Tesla couldn’t have given it a more appropriate name. Model S is an absolute stunner. It has a sleek and lowered front fascia, upsweeping windows, and a carbon fiber rear spoiler which lend it an air of sportiness.

Even though it gives off that unmistakable sporty appearance, it is neither too loud nor too aggressive. Instead, Tesla went for a minimalist style and uses subtle details to elevate its aesthetics.

The exterior specs of Tesla Model S include:

• LED headlights and taillights
• Chrome door handles and window frames
• Chrome accents on the front fender, side view mirrors, and door sills
• Black-tinted glass roof with UV and infrared protection

Base models have 19-inch silver alloy wheels as a standard. However, you can sweeten up your ride with a set of 19-inch Sonic Carbon Slipstream wheels or 21-inch Sonic Carbon Twin Turbine wheels.

Available color options for Tesla Model S are Pearl White Multi-Coat, Solid Black, Midnight Silver Metallic, Deep Blue Metallic, and Red Multi-Coat.

Interior

The cabin would look very similar to that of a mid-sized sedan, except you will be greeted by a massive 17-inch screen. The infotainment system is paired with 11 speakers to guarantee an immersive experience for everyone on-board.

A less noticeable detail is the flat floor. Because of it, passengers can enjoy more head and legroom. You can also take advantage of the 804 liter cargo space on the rear. Should you need more room for luggage, you can either fold the rear seats down to increase the trunk capacity to 1,645 liters, or you can make use of the extra underfloor compartment.

The interior of Tesla Model S is somewhat lackluster considering its hefty price. But you can take comfort in the fact that it has well-cushioned seats that provide adequate support, heating, and adjustment options for both the driver and passengers.

Below are the interior specs of Tesla Model S:

• Ambient lighting
• Leather steering wheel with heating
• 12-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and memory settings
• 60:40 foldable rear seats with heating
• Dual-zone automatic climate control

Passengers who need to charge their devices or laptops can plug in to any of the available USB charging ports or the single 12-volt power outlet.

Battery and performance

Tesla Model S comes in four variants. All of which are powered by a 100 kWh lithium ion battery and two electric motors with a combined output of 534 horsepower.

Each variant offers a different experience when it comes to performance.

Tesla Model S Variant	Driveline	Range	Top speed	0 to 100 kmph acceleration
Standard Range	Dual motor, all-wheel drive	459 km	249 kmph	4 seconds
Long Range		595 km	249 kmph	3.7 seconds
Performance		555 km	262 kmph	3.0 seconds
Performance with Ludicrous Mode				2.4 seconds

What is Tesla Standard Range?

Standard Range refers to the base model. Compared to higher end variants, they tend to have limited range and performance. Tesla Model S Standard Range can travel for at least 459 kilometers and reach speeds of up to 249 kmph.

Which Tesla Model S has the longest range?

If you want to get the most distance out of a single charge, look no further than Tesla Model S Long Range. It offers an impressive 595 kilometer range – the best that any electric vehicle can provide.

What is Tesla Model S Performance?

Model S Performance is a variant with a playful balance of range and power. It can travel further than the Standard Range on a single charge. At the same time, it produces more power than any other Model S variant.

It can get you from 0 to 100 kmph within 3 seconds. You can also reach a maximum speed of 249 kmph with this model.

What is Tesla Ludicrous Mode?

Performance variants with Ludicrous get an additional 10% boost in acceleration. In the case of Tesla Model S, it can go from 0 to 100 kmph in just 2.7 seconds.

Safety

Tesla Model S is equipped with parking sensors, a rear view camera, and eight airbags – including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger. Driver assist features such as traction control, electronic stability control, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency brakes are standard across the range.
These safety features help with a lot of things – from avoiding collision to optimizing steering. However, our favorite would have to be the autopilot system. The new feature semi-automates the driving experience so you can be at ease behind the wheel and still feel safe.

Pricing

Tesla Model S Variant	Starting Price
Standard Range	Php 3.805 M
Long Range	Php 4.313M
Performance	Php 4.871M
Performance with Ludicrous Mode	Php 5.886M

How much does Tesla S cost?

There are numerous factors that go into the price of Tesla Model S. Your choice of body color and optional configurations can add to the total cost.

For example, Pearl White is the only body color included in the prices. Other colors will cost you anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 or roughly Php 76,000 to Php 126,800. You can also opt for “Full Self-Driving Capability” to get a fully automated driving system, though you will have to add $6,000 or about Php 304,000.

Ultimately, if you want a Tesla car with the perfect balance of premium design, excellent performance, and advanced features, Model S can cater to your every whim. While it costs more upfront, the long-term cost of owning a Tesla Model S will result in greater savings.