Tesla Mode S might receive 95 kWh battery pack

Many are skeptical of claims made by the Tesla Model S that its 300-mile pack will be 85-95 kWh, citing the high cost, lengthy recharging, and heavy weight. Let’s make a comparison first. The battery pack in a Tesla Roadster is 53 kWh; the pack in the Chevy Volt is 16 kWh; the Nissan LEAF is 24 kWh; and the Hymotion/A123 kit to make the Prius a plug in car uses a 5 kWh battery.

Revealed last March, the Model S is said to be available in three versions corresponding to ranges of 160, 230, and 300 miles. The standard pack would be 42 kWh, with “70 kWh and greater battery storage systems optional.” Tesla’s chief technical officer, J.B. Straubel, who gave the 85-95 kWh estimate
Read Article

Joe_Limon - 8/26/2009 2:20:53 PM

+2 Boost

It might have a long recharge time, just don't drive 300 miles between recharges and keep her topped up :P

ceric - 8/26/2009 3:20:41 PM

+1 Boost

The roadster's 53kWh consists of 6800 Li-Ion cells (#18650).
The entire package weighs 450kg (about 1000lbs).
The 95kWh one, assuming no major advancements in technology, will weigh about 2000lbs. For reference, a Honda Fit weighs about 2500lbs.
The current pack costs about $30K, the 95kWh one will cost at least $55k, enough money to buy a loaded BMW 535.

Joe_Limon - 8/26/2009 3:48:01 PM

+1 Boost

Toyota and a few other much companies are reporting huge breakthroughs in battery development (see SSC's plans for a green supercar). I doubt they would give this car an option that would double the price of the car. An extra 20g maybe, but not 50g.

ceric - 8/26/2009 8:29:40 PM

+3 Boost

People make claims about battery breakthrough (search google) all the times.
Things don't go into production for reasons that they will not tell you.
Seeing is believing.

Joe_Limon - 8/27/2009 2:18:08 AM

+3 Boost

Look at society today, and what is available compared to 20 years ago. Breakthroughs are nothing new. You are right about there being lots of things that fall through, like the myt engine on the small scale, or the hydrogen cars that all of the major automakers pumped too much money into. You can be cynical as you want believing that batteries haven't changed in the past 100 years, but that cynicism is ignorance, the modern battery is not only rechargeable, but it lasts many times longer, holds way more power and is many times lighter. Further breakthroughs in incorporating super tight anode/cathode meshes and use of microscopic fins to aid cooling are but a few of these future techs that could succeed. No I am not saying all of them will succeed, I am just saying that it's stupid to think that no one will succeed, or that it will take a long time before such a break through is made.

thstone - 8/26/2009 3:55:41 PM

+2 Boost

Obviously, Tesla is assuming huge gains in battery technology and incredible cost reductions. In paralell. Maybe, maybe not. I guess we will just have to wait and see...