Tesla Model S

Tesla Model S
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Name	Tesla Model S
Manufacturer	Tesla, Inc.
Production	2012–present
Class	Full-size luxury car
Body style	5-door liftback
Layout	Rear-motor, rear-wheel drive / Dual-motor, all-wheel drive
Battery	100 kWh lithium-ion
Range	Up to 405 mi (652 km) (EPA)

Tesla Model S. The Tesla Model S is a full-size battery electric luxury sedan produced by Tesla, Inc. since 2012. It served as a pivotal vehicle in transitioning the public perception of electric vehicles from niche alternatives to desirable high-performance automobiles. The car has received numerous accolades, including being named Car of the Year by Motor Trend in 2013.

Overview

Introduced as part of Elon Musk's "Master Plan" for Tesla, Inc., the Model S followed the pioneering Roadster. Its development was significantly influenced by key figures like former Tesla, Inc. chief designer Franz von Holzhausen. The launch of the Model S marked a critical moment for the automotive industry, challenging established manufacturers like General Motors and BMW. Its success provided essential capital for Tesla's subsequent projects, including the Tesla Model 3 and Gigafactory network.

Design and features

The exterior design, led by Franz von Holzhausen, features a sleek, aerodynamic profile with a distinctive liftback silhouette. The minimalist interior is dominated by a large central touchscreen that controls most vehicle functions, a radical departure from traditional dashboards filled with buttons. Notable features have included advanced driver-assistance systems marketed as Tesla Autopilot, over-the-air software updates, and a front trunk ("frunk") made possible by the absence of an internal combustion engine. The glass panoramic roof option provides expansive visibility, and interior materials often include premium offerings from suppliers like Nappa leather.

Performance and specifications

The Model S is renowned for its exceptional acceleration, with high-performance variants like the Plaid achieving 0-60 mph times under two seconds, rivaling vehicles from Bugatti and Porsche. This performance is enabled by advanced electric powertrains and high-voltage architecture. The vehicle utilizes a floor-mounted lithium-ion battery pack supplied in partnership with Panasonic, with capacities evolving from 60 kWh to 100 kWh. Official range estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency have exceeded 400 miles on a single charge. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, branded as "Dual Motor," enhances traction and handling in various conditions.

Production and variants

Initial production began at Tesla's Fremont Factory in California, a facility originally operated as a joint venture between General Motors and Toyota. Over its lifespan, the Model S has seen numerous revisions and variant introductions. Key performance models have included the high-performance "P" series (e.g., P85D, P100D) and the tri-motor Plaid variant. A longer-range version, the Model S Long Range, has been a consistent offering. Major refreshes occurred in 2016 and 2021, updating the exterior styling, interior design, and powertrain technology. The introduction of the Tesla Model X shared many components and platforms with the Model S.

Reception and impact

Upon its launch, the Model S received widespread critical acclaim, winning awards from prestigious organizations like Motor Trend and Consumer Reports. It achieved significant commercial success in markets such as Norway and the United States, often outselling established rivals like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The vehicle's success proved the viability of premium electric vehicles and pressured legacy automakers, including Audi, Jaguar Cars, and Lucid Motors, to accelerate their own electric vehicle programs. The Model S has also been involved in notable events, including a highly publicized test by the television show Top Gear and safety investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Category:Electric cars Category:Tesla, Inc. vehicles Category:2010s cars