ANSWERED
Model S has two battery options.
The largest battery supplies 265 miles of range in the EPA 5-cycle test.
How you drive affects how far you can go.
How far will YOU go?
This is true in your
gas car, too!
Model S has two battery options, each designed to provide industry-leading range.
How you drive affects how far you can go. Find out how.
300
MILES PER CHARGE WITH
252
Range for the real world
After just a few weeks, you’ll find range becomes predictable based on your routine and driving style. Model S tracks your efficiency as you drive and displays it on the Touchscreen so you’ll always know how far you can go.1
MODEL S
Headlights and other accessory features draw only minimal power from the battery.
MODEL S
Range decreases with the windows down as drag increases. The effect is greater at higher speeds.
GAS CAR
Gas cars are equally less efficient with the windows down.
MODEL S
Range decreases slightly with larger wheels. 21" wheels have more contact with the road and are made of stickier rubber. Both characteristics increase friction.
Gas Car
Gas cars are equally less efficient.
Aerodynamics
Both electric and gas cars must "push" air out of the way as they move; this is called drag. The power needed to overcome drag increases exponentially with speed: the faster a car moves, the more energy it needs to travel the same distance.
Highway Driving
Cruising on the highway at 55 miles per hour, Model S achieves over 300 miles per charge when equipped with the 85 kWh battery. In general, you'll experience an increase in range below 55 MPH. Above this speed, you'll find a slight decrease in range since aerodynamic drag increases exponentially with speed—the impact on range is higher the faster you go. If your highway driving is marked by frequent stop-and-go, you'll regenerate some energy like you would on surface streets.
Mixed Driving
Everyday driving is often a mix of city and highway driving. After just a few weeks of ownership, you'll find your daily energy usage becomes predictable based on your routes and driving style. Model S tracks your efficiency and displays it for you on the in-dash touchscreen.
City Driving
Typical city trips include slower top speeds and constant "stop and go." Model S is more efficient than a gas car in the city because the motor does not consume energy when stopped and regenerates energy each time it slows down. Regenerated energy extends range.
Model S
Model S Performance accelerates from 0 to 60 MPH in 4.2 seconds. But, if driven the same way as a Model S, both cars achieve the same efficiency.
Gas Car
A significantly larger gas engine, with a much lower miles-per-gallon rating, is needed to achieve a similar performance increase in a gas car.
Highway
City
Model S
Model S Performance
Defying the Laws of Physics
Model S has been engineered to come as close to defying physics as possible: it is the most aerodynamic sedan in its class. That being said, no car – gas or electric – can outrun physics. Because of forces like gravity, friction, and drag, your range will always vary.
Range vs Speed (computer simulated data)
Speed & Terrain
It takes more energy for any car to travel at 80 MPH than it does at 40 MPH. Drag from the air around the car increases with speed. Model S reduces the effect by coupling best in class aerodynamics with an extremely efficient powertrain. In addition, Model S is engineered to use terrain to its advantage: it is equipped with Regenerative Braking to recapture energy when slowing or heading downhill.
EPA Range Tests
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency establishes the procedures for fuel economy testing. These procedures determine the miles-per-gallon rating for a car with an internal combustion engine (i.e., gasoline or diesel) and the miles-per-gallon of gasoline equivalent rating for an electric car (1 gallon of gasoline = 33.7 kw-hr). The EPA amended the procedures for testing fuel economy to push vehicles to greater limits, including three new cycles added to the old highway & city cycles. These new cycles were applied to electric vehicles through new labeling requirements starting in model year 2013. Equipped with the 85kWh battery, Model S exceeded our expectations by about 20 miles by achieving a 2-cycle (old test) range of 320 miles and a 5-cycle (new test) range of 265 miles. Model S sets the record for EV range!1
When your garage is your charging station, it’s easy to recharge each night.
Pull in.
Plug in.
Without another thought, Model S can be Charged and Ready in time for the next day’s adventure.
How long will it take YOU to charge?
When your garage is your charging station, it’s easy to recharge each night. Plug in when you get home and Model S will be charged and ready in time for the next day’s adventure.
MOBILE CONNECTOR
The Mobile Connector plugs into both standard 110 volt household outlets and 240 volt outlets. A 240 volt outlet is often a Tesla owner’s primary charging solution. It can produce 10 kW of power, the capacity of the Single Charger.
MOBILE CONNECTOR
The Mobile Connector plugs into both standard 110 volt household outlets and 240 volt outlets. A 240 volt outlet is often a Tesla owner’s primary charging solution. It can produce 10 kW of power, the capacity of the Single Charger.
WALL CONNECTOR
The Wall Connector is mounted on the wall in your garage. If your Model S is equipped with Dual Chargers, the Wall Connector can charge Model S twice as fast as a 240 volt outlet can.
Ready, Set, Charge
One of the most exciting aspects of owning a Model S is waking up to a full charge every morning. We want this experience to begin the moment you take delivery. As such, we recommend installing your 240 volt outlet or Wall Connector before your Model S arrives.
Mobile Charging
If the rate of charge from a 240 volt or 110 volt outlet meets your daily needs, there’s no need to configure your Model S with additional charging equipment. The Mobile Connector will work for you.
The Mobile Connector comes with two adapters. One adapter allows you to plug into a 110 volt household outlet. The other adapter is for a 240 volt outlet called a NEMA 14-50. You probably don’t have one in your home today, but an electrician can easily install it.
High Power Charging
If you have a long commute, we recommend configuring your Model S with Dual Chargers and ordering the Wall Connector. This pairing will allow you to recharge quickly overnight.
Load up the car and start driving!
After an exhilarating few hours on the road, you’ll be ready for a pit stop
Using a Tesla Supercharger, you can refill over half your battery while you eat lunch
Plan your stops and you’ll be ready to answer the call of the open road.
Load up the car and start driving! After an exhilarating few hours, you’ll be ready for a pit stop. Using the Tesla Supercharger, you can refill over half your battery while you eat lunch.
Any Outlet Anywhere
There are many ways to charge on the road. Here’s what to look for.
Public Station
per hour of charge
Use Your J1772 Adapter
Most public charging stations charge at the rate of 20 miles per hour of charge though some are equipped to charge faster. Model S comes with an adapter enabling you to use these stations.
240 Volt Outlet
per hour of charge
Use Your Mobile Connector
240 volt outlets may be found at hotels, businesses, even a relative’s house. Your Mobile Connector comes with a 240 volt outlet adapter and additional adapters are available for purchase. A dryer outlet adapter is a good one to add to your arsenal if you’re planning to take road trips.
Supercharger
as little as 30 mins
of charge
Using industry-leading technology, the Tesla Supercharger refills half the battery in as little as 20 minutes. Over the next year, Tesla plans to install Superchargers on major interstates throughout the country. All Model S vehicles with the 85 kWh battery and properly-equipped vehicles with the 60 kWh battery can use Tesla Superchargers.
Nuclear
Natural Gas
Hydroelectric
Coal
Oil
Wind
Biomass
Solar
Geothermal
The electricity that powers Model S comes from many sources.
As new power plants using renewable energy are built, generating electricity becomes even more efficient.
Where does YOUR electricity come from?
Gas has one primary source.
The electricity that powers Model S comes from many power sources.
As new power plants using renewable energy are built, generating electricity becomes even more efficient.
Check out how electricity is generated in your state.
U.S. Energy Sources
While there are exceptions, most electricity in the United States is generated by steam turbines. Energy is used to turn water into steam. The steam is then used to move the turbines creating mechanical energy that is converted into electricity.
Reducing Emissions
Electricity will grow increasingly cleaner as new, modern power plants replace inefficient ones. As the grid shifts to more efficient technologies and uses more renewable sources, electric vehicle emissions drop even further.
Gaining Efficiency
Efficiency is often thought of in terms of range: more efficient cars can drive farther on a gallon of gas or a kWh of electricity. The Tesla powertrain is more efficient at using energy than a combustion engine. Only about 20-25% of the energy stored in gas actually turns the wheels. A Tesla is about three times more efficient.
Drive on Sunlight
If you’re looking to reduce your driving emissions even further, consider installing solar panels at your home. You’ll produce renewable energy to power your home and your car. Model S becomes truly zero emissions.
You Start Saving day one
Each time you zip past the gas station in a Model S, you save Time, Money & Emissions
With the price at the pump on the rise, “refueling” with electricity saves many thousands of dollars over the life of your car.
How much will YOU save?
You may need to get your own squeegee!
You start saving day one. Each time you zip past the gas station, you save time, money, and emissions. Calculate your fuel savings – it adds up!
NO MORE: GAS STATIONS
Ownership Made Easy
Model S is easy to own. With just one moving piece in the motor, compared to hundreds in a gas engine, there are fewer things that can go wrong. That translates to less maintenance and service over time.
Low Maintenance
Forget oil changes, smog checks, and spark plugs. Model S requires just one routine check up each year or every 12,500 miles. We make service super easy by sending a Tesla Service Ranger to your home or inviting you to visit one of our clean, welcoming Service Centers.
Automatic Updates
Like most electronic devices today, it’s easy to update your software to get new features. There’s no need to visit a service center – you can upgrade your car in your driveway (wireless connectivity required).
Incentives for Purchase
If you thought owning a Tesla couldn’t get any better, think again: there are incentives for both purchasing and driving electric vehicles! A $7,500 Federal Tax Credit may be available and many local governments offer additional incentives like free parking, special charging rates, and HOV lane access.
Still Have Questions?
Visit a Tesla Store
We're ready to answer your tough questions. Our friendly Product Specialists are always excited to talk about going electric. Visit a store near you to experience Tesla in person.
1. The calculators are provided for illustration purposes only. Range, charge time, travel and cost calculations are based on computer models and certain hypothetical operating conditions, including specific vehicle settings, driving, road and environmental conditions, and availability of charging options. The algorithms used in the calculators are not based on EPA estimates. Your actual results may vary.
2. Emissions calculations are for illustration purposes only and based on the following assumptions:
- Gas vehicle efficiency of 22 mpg
- Model S energy consumption rate of 291 Wh/mile
- Each gallon of gas generates 25.1 lbs of CO2
3. Assumes Model S energy consumption rate of 291 Wh/mile.