Tesla Model S

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
(Redirected from
Model S
)

Tesla Model S
Overview
ManufacturerTesla, Inc.
Production2012–present
Assembly
DesignerFranz von Holzhausen
Body and chassis
ClassExecutive car (E)
Body style5-door liftback sedan
Layout
Related
kWh lithium ion
Discontinued: 60, 70, 75, 85, 90 kWh
Electric range320–405 mi (515–652 km) (EPA)
Discontinued
Curb weight
4,323–4,960 lb (1,961–2,250 kg)[5][6][7]

The Tesla Model S is a battery electric executive car with a liftback body style built by Tesla, Inc. since 2012. The Model S features a battery-powered dual-motor, all-wheel drive layout, although earlier versions featured a rear-motor and rear-wheel drive layout.

Development of the Model S began prior to 2007, under the codename "WhiteStar". The Model S was officially announced on June 30, 2008, and a prototype vehicle was unveiled in March 2009. The Model S debuted on June 22, 2012.[8] A revised, dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version, known as the 60D, debuted on October 9, 2014. The 60D was followed by the 70D, which made dual-motor and all-wheel drive the standard, followed by the 85D, P85D, and P90D. Along with these updates, Tesla offered the Autopilot driving assistance system. The first major design refresh came in April 2016 when the Model S was updated with a new front hood design. In October of the same year, hardware became standard that supports Tesla's Full Self Driving (FSD) capability. As part of the update, integrated standard cameras around the car were added. In February 2017 the Tesla Model S P100D debuted, which included a revised motor and was the first electric vehicle to have an EPA estimated range exceeding 300 miles (483 km). The second major design refresh, codenamed "Palladium", was introduced in June 2021, offering a new "Plaid" performance model, along with a revised interior, powertrain, and suspension.

The Model S became the first electric car to top the monthly new-car-sales ranking in any country, leading twice in

plug-in electric car worldwide in 2015 and 2016, although it was later surpassed by the Model 3.[18][19][20]
Upon its release, the Model S received positive reviews, with praise for its acceleration and range, although initial models received criticism for their high cost and braking issues.

Development

The Model S was developed by a team led by

CLS series of cars.[22] Codenamed "WhiteStar" prior to its official unveiling, the Model S was designed with an electric powertrain in mind, unlike other electric vehicles where the manufacturer swaps out an internal combustion engine with an electric motor.[23][24][25] As a result, the Model S offers features such as a front trunk ("frunk") in addition to a rear trunk and an enlarged crumple zone.[26]

In January 2007, Tesla announced plans to build consumer-level sedans starting in 2009;[27] production was later delayed to 2011.[28] The Model S was officially announced on June 30, 2008,[29][30] and a prototype vehicle was displayed on March 26, 2009.[31] In May 2010, Tesla announced it would produce the Model S at the former NUMMI plant in Fremont, California.[32]

Frankfurt Motor Show

The Model S officially launched on June 22, 2012. Production grew from 15–20 cars completed per week in August 2012[citation needed] to about 1,000 cars per week in 2015.[33] Upon its release, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated the range for the base model at 208 mi (335 km)[34] while the longer range model was estimated to have a range of 265 miles (426 km).[35][36] Musk claimed that the Model S battery offered twice the energy density of the Nissan Leaf's, with more than double the range, increased by a low drag coefficient, motor efficiency and rolling resistance.[37] The original battery was made up of cells similar to the Panasonic NCR18650B that offered an energy density of 265 Wh/kg.[38] Analysts estimated battery costs to be around 21–22% of the car cost.[39] The 60 kWh battery was guaranteed for eight years or 125,000 miles (200,000 km), while the 85 kWh was guaranteed for eight years and unlimited miles.[citation needed] Throughout 2012, Tesla began building a network of 480-volt charging stations, called Tesla Superchargers, to facilitate long-distance travel.[40]

First production Model S, with owner and Tesla board member Steve Jurvetson

Subsequent changes

On October 9, 2014, Tesla introduced all-wheel drive (AWD) versions of the Model S 60, 85, and P85 models, designated by a D at the end of the model number (the P represents performance).[41][42][43] Deliveries of the P85D started in December 2014, with the 85D models following in February 2015, and the 70D models in April 2015.[42]

In September 2014, the Model S began to be equipped with cameras, forward looking radar[44][45] and ultrasonic acoustic location sensors that provided a 360-degree view, to be used with Tesla Autopilot. Autopilot later arrived in October 2015, as part of a software update.[46]

In June 2015, Tesla stated that the Model S had traveled over 1 billion miles (1.6 billion km), the first all-electric car to reach that total.[47][48] Globally, Model S sales passed 100,000 units that year,[49] and 150,000 in November 2016.[50] The 200,000 milestone was achieved by early in the fourth quarter of 2017.[14]

Throughout 2015, Tesla would make various changes to the Model S, including an enhanced powertrain that would last for one million miles.

electromechanical brakes.[52] That same year, Tesla introduced a 70 kWh battery to replace the existing 60 kWh batteries and base 60 kWh Model S vehicles.[53][54] Tesla also introduced a 90 kWh battery as a "range upgrade" and explained that the 6% energy increase was due to "improved cell chemistry"[51] and the introduction of silicon into the cell's graphite anode.[55] After being discontinued the year prior, the 60 and 60D returned in 2016 with a software-limited, upgradeable 75 kWH battery and a new air filter, dubbed "Bioweapon Defense Mode".[56]

In April 2016, Tesla removed the black nose cone and added a body colored fascia.[57] The front fascia has a similar design as the Model X, adding adaptive LED headlights. A HEPA cabin air filtration system was added. The standard charger increased from 40 to 48 amps, speeding charging at higher power outlets. Two ash wood interior options were added.[58] In August of that year, Tesla announced the P100D with a "Ludicrous" mode option, a 100 kWh battery with 315 miles (507 km) of range,[59] weighing 625 kg in a 0.40 m3 volume, a density of 160 Wh/kg.[60]

In 2017 Tesla introduced "ludicrous mode plus", which includes "launch mode", claiming that with both modes the car can accelerate 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 2.3 seconds.[61]

In April 2017, Tesla discontinued the 60 kWh software-limited battery option. The lowest-capacity option subsequently became the 75 kWh battery. Additionally, Tesla significantly reduced the software upgrade options for the facelifted 60 and 70 models to be upgraded over-the-air to 75 (and rebadged at their next visit to a Tesla service center). In August 2017, Tesla announced that HW2.5 included a secondary processor node to provide more computing power and additional wiring redundancy to improve reliability; it also enabled dashcam and sentry mode capabilities.[62][63]

In March 2018, the Media Control Unit (MCU) was updated,[64] improving the performance of the center screen and adding games to the MCU such as Cuphead and streaming services such as Netflix to the MCU.[65] In May of that year, in collaboration with the Software Freedom Conservancy, Tesla released some of the internal source code of Model S on a GitHub repository as part of their software license compliance process.[66][67]

In May 2019, as part of an engineering refresh, the range of the Model S was increased to 370 mi (600 km) and smart air suspension was added.[68] The range would be increased further in February 2020 to 390 mi (630 km) of range.[69] In August 2020, the EPA updated the results of their range test of the Model S to 402 miles (647 km).[70]

On October 15, 2020, the U.S. price of the long-range version was lowered to $69,420, a reduction of $2,570 from two days prior.[71][72][73]

Until 2018, the Model S had an optional folding third row with rear-facing seats for two children with a five-point harness.

In early 2021, with the introduction of an entirely new interior, now with landscape orientation of the MCU, more rear seat room, and a lightly modified exterior, Tesla changed the "Performance" and "Long Range" Model S branding in favor of "Plaid" and "Long Range," respectively. On June 10, 2021, the Model S Plaid was released at a delivery event at the factory with nearly 30 new owners taking delivery that evening; the Plaid version notably featured a return of the third-row seating, allowing a total of seven passengers,[citation needed] although third-row seating is not present within the consumer version of the car.[citation needed] The Long Range version was EPA-rated to a new high of 405 mi (652 km) when equipped with the standard 19" wheels, making it the longest range EV in the world at the time; the Plaid was listed at 396 mi (637 km) of range.[74]

Design

The Model S is

classified as a full-size luxury sedan in the United States, although the EPA refers to the Model S as a "Large Car"[75] (greater than or equal to 120 cu ft or 3.4 m3) or "Luxury Sedan".[76] The Euro Car Segment classifies the Model S as a S-segment (sports car);[77][78] in Germany, the Model S is classified as "Oberklasse" (F-segment).[79]

Powertrain

Model S front trunk compartment[80]

The rear axle has a traditional

open differential. Models with Dual Drive dual motors also have an open differential on the front axles. The front and rear axles have no mechanical linkage—with dual motors, the power distribution among them is controlled electronically. With the introduction of the tri-motor Plaid version in mid-2021, new performance levels were achieved, making the Model S Plaid the fastest accelerating production car in the world[81] until the debut of Rimac’s Nevera in mid-2022.[82]

Battery

The Model S' battery is made of several thousand cylindrical cells (18650).

The battery pack includes thousands of identical cylindrical

better source needed
]

Cell, group, module, pack

Model S chassis with powertrain and battery pack[85]

The P85 pack contains 7,104 lithium-ion battery cells in 16 modules wired in series (14 in the flat section and two stacked on the front).[86] Each module contains 6 groups of 74 cells[87] wired in parallel; the 6 groups are then wired in series within the module.[87][88][89][90]

The motor, controller and battery temperatures are controlled by a liquid cooling/heating circuit,[91] and the battery is uninsulated.[24] Waste heat from the motor heats the battery in cold conditions, battery performance is reduced until heated by motor generated heat until a suitable battery temperature is reached, in contrast to using an electric battery heater.[92] The battery can be pre-heated by a 6 kW internal heater, either from itself using battery power, or from a charger.[24]

Placement

In contrast to most earlier battery electric vehicles including the Tesla Roadster, the battery pack of the Model S forms the floor of the vehicle between the axles, with several advantages:

Energy consumption

Under its five-cycle testing protocol, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated the 90 kWh version at a combined fuel economy equivalent of 104 MPGe (2.26 L/100 km or 125 mpg‑imp), with an equivalent 102 mpg‑US (2.3 L/100 km; 122 mpg‑imp) in city driving and 107 mpg‑US (2.2 L/100 km; 129 mpg‑imp) on highways.[98]

External images
image icon Speed-dependent power consumption
image icon Speed-dependent ranges of various Model S
image icon Speed-dependent mileage, Model S & Roadster

Vehicle energy consumption is highly dependent on speed; the Model S requires 10 kW (14 hp) at 70 mph (110 km/h), and 31 kW (42 hp) at 100 mph (160 km/h).[99] Ancillary equipment (climate control, battery conditioning, etc.) may consume 15–25%, depending on outside temperature.[24]

Charger

The charge port is located behind a door in the left taillight.[100] During charging, the charge port pulses green. The pulse frequency slows as the charge level approaches full. When charging is complete, the light turns solid green.[100] The Model S comes equipped with a different charger and connector in North America versus other markets.[101]

The Mobile Connector allows charging at up to 72 amps.[102]

North America

Tesla Universal Mobile Connector (UMC), NEMA 5–15 Adapter (plugged in wall AC socket), NEMA 14–50 Adapter and SAE J1772 to Tesla TSL02 Charging Connector Adapter

Charging times depend on the battery pack's state-of-charge, its capacity, the available voltage, and the available amperage. From a 120 volt/15 amp household outlet, the range increases by 3.75 miles (6 km) for every hour of charging. From a 10 kW,

RVs or stoves), the charge rate is 28.75 miles (46 km) per hour. Using Tesla's 20 kW, 240 V High Power Wall Connector increases the rate to 57 miles (92 km) per hour if the car is configured with dual chargers (20 kW).[103]

Suspension

While some Model S's were built with a base, steel spring, suspension, the vast majority have a

ground clearance and relatively long 116 in (2,900 mm) wheelbase.[104]

The suspension system has evolved via "over-the-air" software updates. The height adjustment feature remembers locations where the driver has requested higher clearance and automatically adjusts each time the car returns to that location.[105]

In early 2019, as part of the "Raven" update, the Model S was upgraded to feature an enhanced "Smart Air Suspension" with automatic, dynamic suspension adjustments.[106]

Autopilot

Autopilot uses cameras, radar and ultrasound to detect road signs, lane markings, obstacles, pedestrians, cyclists, traffic lights, and other vehicles. Additionally, Autopilot includes adaptive cruise control and lane centering and supports semi-autonomous drive and parking capabilities.[107][108][109]

Instrument panel

Production dashboard with 12.3-inch (310 mm) main dashboard digital display (left) and central 17-inch (430 mm) touchscreen control panel (right)

The instrument panel is located directly in front of the driver. It includes a 12.3-inch (310 mm)

GPU, and dedicated audio, video and image processors.[citation needed
]

Touchscreen

The map display requires a constant Internet connection, limiting navigation in areas without service. Automatic navigation to charging stations is included.[112] The operating system powering the touchscreen runs Linux.[113]

Interior material

As of 2023, the materials used within the seats are animal-free, made of synthetic fiber, with the steering wheel covers shifting to an animal-free material in late 2019 as well.[114] The original impetus for this years-long transition to animal-free interiors may have been two shareholder proposals presented at an annual Tesla shareholders meeting in 2015, in which the substantial environmental damage caused by animal agriculture was highlighted, along with the obvious conflict with Tesla's stated mission.

Versions

The Model S exists in several versions, differing in energy capacity, motor size and power, and equipment.

Signature/Signature Performance

The official car of the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, a Signature Model S bought in 2014[115]

Tesla allocated its first 1,000 units to its Signature and Signature Performance limited edition configurations, equipped with the 85 kWh battery pack.[116][117]

60/85/P85

The base Model S 60 was released with 60 kWh battery capacity and used a 270 kW (362 hp), 441 N⋅m (325 ft⋅lb) motor.

The model 85 was a RWD 85 kWh battery with 278 kW (373 hp) and 441 N⋅m (325 lbf⋅ft).[118]

The Performance variant (P85) offered a three-phase, four-pole AC induction 310 kW (416 hp) 601 N⋅m (443 ft⋅lb) rear-mounted electric motor with a copper rotor.[119]

The company claimed a drag coefficient of Cd=0.24,[120] lower than any other production car when released.[121] Independent measurements by Car and Driver in May 2014 confirmed the figure.[99]

70D

Tesla Model S75D, model year 2017

The 70D replaced the 60, 60D, and P85, offering all-wheel drive and an improved range of 240 miles (385 km).[122][123]

In January 2019, Tesla made the 100D the base version and discontinued the 75D version.[124]

85D

The 85D replaced the rear drive unit with a smaller motor, while a second motor of similar size was added to the front wheels. The resulting AWD car offered comparable power and acceleration to the rear wheel drive. The 85D offered a 2% (5-mile) range increase and 11% increase in top speed over the 85.[125]

P85D

Model S P85+ using regenerative braking power in excess of 60 kW. During regenerative braking, the power indicator is green.

The P85D was a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive vehicle. The high-power rear-drive unit was retained, while the additional front-drive motor increased power by about 50%, increasing acceleration and top speed.

Tesla originally said the total output could reach 515 kW (691 hp). However, the battery was unable to supply both motors with their maximum power at the same time, so total power is limited to 345 kW (463 hp).[126]

It had a

g of acceleration.[127][128]

P90D

The P90D had a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h) and it could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour (0 to 97 km/h) in 2.8 seconds, despite the lower total motor power, in part due to the improved traction of the all-wheel drive powertrain. An optional "Ludicrous Mode" hardware package improved the 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) time to 2.8 seconds at 1.1g.[129][130][131]

The P90D combined a front axle power of 259 horsepower (193 kW) and rear axle power of 503 horsepower (375 kW) for a 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time of 2.8 seconds. The acceleration of the P90D can reach 1.1g, described by Tesla as "faster than falling".[51][132]

In June 2017, Tesla discontinued selling the 90 kWh battery pack option.[133]

P100D

The P100D outputs 588 kW (789 hp) and 1,248 N⋅m (920 lbf⋅ft) torque on a dynamometer.[134]

As of March 2017, P100D was the world's quickest production vehicle with a NHRA rolling start to 60 mph (97 km/h) in Motor Trend tests in 2.28 seconds (acceleration clock started after 0.26 seconds at 5.9 mph (9.5 km/h)) in Ludicrous mode.[135]

Owing to overheating issues (the radiator has no blower),[24] multiple uses of Ludicrous mode required rest periods to protect the battery.[136][137] According to Motor Trend, selecting the "Yes, bring it on!" option for maximum acceleration "initiates a process of battery and motor conditioning, wherein the battery temperature is raised slightly and the motors are cooled using the air-conditioning system. It usually takes just a few minutes, longer in extreme ambient temperatures or after repeated runs. You should expect to wait a minimum of 10 minutes in-between runs."[135]

It offered an EPA estimated range of 315 mi (507 km).[138] It was the first electric vehicle to have an EPA estimated range greater than 300 miles (485 km).[26]

Raven

In 2019, the Performance and Long Range Plus variants offered the "Raven" powertrain.[139] It included the permanent magnet synchronous reluctance motor from the Tesla Model 3 as the front motor.[139] The motor was more powerful and more efficient than its predecessor.[139] The Raven powertrain included a new adaptive air suspension.[139]

Palladium (Plaid)

A 2021 Tesla Model S Long Range. The refreshed exterior may be distinguished by the shape of the fog lights and black trim instead of chrome.

The Palladium refresh was announced in January 2021 with initial deliveries in June 2021. The refresh included a new interior, new powertrain, suspension and thermal management among other improvements.[140] The refresh originally consisted of three models, the Long Range (LR), the Plaid, and the Plaid+, although the Plaid+ was cancelled shortly before deliveries began. The "Plaid" name is applied to the performance model and is a reference to the only speed faster than "Ludicrous" in the movie Spaceballs.[141]

The Plaid model includes one motor for the front axle and two motors for the rear axle; the starting price was $131,100.[142] At the core of the Plaid's performance are innovative new motors featuring a carbon-wrapped rotor to allow much higher motor RPM.[143] Musk said that this presented challenges, because carbon and copper (the rotor material) have different thermal expansion rates.[144] The Long Range model includes the front motor and a single rear motor; its starting price was $80k, but it was raised to $85k soon after deliveries began.[145] "Track Mode" allows for adjustment from 100% FWD to 100% RWD in 5% increments, traction control strength in 21 stages and regenerative braking strength from 0% to 100% in 5% increments.[citation needed]

At its debut, the Palladium models had the lowest

GPU).[146][149] The company estimated that deliveries will reach 1000/week in Q3 of 2021.[145]

The Plaid has 1,020 hp (760 kW) and 1,050 lb⋅ft (1,420 N⋅m) of torque. It was independently tested by Motor Trend to go 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 2.07 seconds (1.98 on a prepped drag strip, ex. with PJ1 TrackBite) and cover a quarter-mile (400 m) in 9.34 seconds at 152.2 mph (244.9 km/h).[150] Tesla stated it will reach a 200 mph (320 km/h) top speed.[145]

Charging

A Tesla Model S connected to a high-speed Supercharger station at the Harris Ranch on Interstate 5 in California's Central Valley

For charging outside the home, Tesla has partnered with businesses to install Tesla Wall Connectors to provide a charging network called Tesla Destination. The units are provided to the businesses by Tesla for free or at a discounted price. The business is responsible for the cost of electricity. Not all destination chargers are available to the public, as some businesses limit them to customers, employees, or residents only.[151]

Tesla operates a global network of 480-volt charging stations. The Tesla network is usable only by Tesla vehicles apart from select countries in Europe where Tesla is currently running their Non-Tesla Supercharging Pilot. Supercharging hardware is standard on all new vehicles and most earlier editions.[40][152][153]

Tesla originally designed the Model S to allow fast battery swapping, which also facilitated vehicle assembly.[154] In 2013, Tesla demonstrated a battery swap operation taking around 90 seconds, about half the time it takes to refill an empty gas tank.[155][156] Tesla originally planned to support widespread battery swapping, but supposedly abandoned the plan due to perceived lack of interest by customers.[157] Tesla has been accused of gaming the California Air Resources Board system for zero-emission vehicle credits by launching the "battery swap" program that was never made available to the public.[158][159] Tesla announced in 2020 that it would integrate the batteries into the body to increase strength and reduce weight and cost.[160]

Sales and markets

Tesla Factory in Fremont, California
, held on June 22, 2012

U.S. deliveries began June 2012.[8] Tesla reported 520 reservations for the Model S during the first week they were available[161] and by December 2012, a total 15,000 net reservations (after deliveries and cancellations) had been received by year-end.[162]

The special edition Model S Signature model was sold out before deliveries began in June 2012, and according to Tesla all models were sold out for that year shortly after.[163][164] A total of 2,650 cars were delivered in North America in 2012.[165]

Tesla delivered 50,658 Model S/X units in 2015.[166][167] Tesla sold more than 50,000 Model S cars globally in 2016, making it the world's top selling plug-in electric that year.[168] In 2017, it became only the second EV to sell more than 200,000 units behind the Nissan Leaf.

The Model S was released in Europe in early August 2013, and the first deliveries took place in Norway, Switzerland and the Netherlands.[169] By November 2013, the Model S was on sale in 20 countries.[170] By the end of 2013, Norway and Switzerland became the company's largest per capita sales markets.[171]

Retail deliveries in China began in April 2014.

right-hand-drive model was released in the UK in June 2014,[173] followed by Hong Kong in July 2014[174] and Japan in September 2014.[175] Deliveries in Australia began in December 2014.[176]

The Model S ranked as the world's second best selling plug-in electric vehicle after the Nissan Leaf.[177] About 55% of deliveries went to North America, 30% to Europe, and 15% to the Asia-Pacific market.[178]

As of June 2015, the Model S was sold in 30 countries.[179] The Model S was the world's best-selling plug-in electric car in 2015, ahead of the Nissan Leaf (about 43,000 units).[167][180]

2016–2020

The Model S was the world's top selling plug-in car for the second year running.

city car, which sold over 78,000 units in China.[14]

The Model S continued to rank as the second most-sold electric car in history after the Nissan Leaf.[14][15][16][17] As of December 2018, cumulative global sales totaled about 263,504 units.[14][15][16][17][181]

Sales by country

Sales/registrations by top national markets
Country Cumulative

sales

% of global

sales[a]

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012
US[182][18][183][184][185] ~163,201 55.9% 14,425[186] 29,959 26,500 29,156 25,202 16,689 ~18,650 ~2,620
China[187][188][189] 11,858[b] [c] [c] [c] 6,334 3,025[b] 2,499
Norway[190][191][192][193][194][195] 20,639 7.4% 1,181 3,633 3,712 2,051 4,039 4,040 1,983
Netherlands[196][197][198][199][200][201] 13,839 5.3% 5,633 2,051 1,693 1,805 1,465 1,192
Canada[202] 6,731 3.2% 1,675 1,466 2,010 847 638 95
Germany[79][203][204][205][206][207] 7,551 2.9% 1,248 2,241 1,474 1,582 815 191
UK[208][209][210][211] 9,300[d] 2.9% 1,756 2,518 2,367 1,389 698
Switzerland [e][212] 4,695 2.2% 1,131 1,299 1,556 496 213
Denmark[213][214][215] 3,432 1.6% 46 78 2,736 460 112
Sweden[216][217][218][219][220] 3,788 1.4% 883 800 838 996 266 5
France[221][222][223][224] 3,455 1.3% 749 850 785 708 328 35
Belgium[225][226][227][228][229] 3,358 1.3% 535 659 675 820 521 148
Hong Kong[230] 2,221[f] 1.0% [c] [c] 2,221
Austria[231][232][233][234] 1,835 0.9% 584 575 492 136 48
Australia[235][236] ~1,319 0.6% [c] [c] ~1,250 69[g]
Italy[237][238] 662 0.3% 264 218 120 52 8
Global[14][15][16][17][181] 263,504 28,248[239] 50,630[15][16][17][181] 54,715[14] 50,931[19] 50,446[183][180] 31,655[177] 22,477[240] ~2,650[162]
  1. ^ Percentage of global sales by country, inception through December 2019.
  2. ^ a b Chinese market sales in 2015 only through September.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Sales figures not available
  4. ^ UK registrations at the end of June 2019 (not cumulative sales).
  5. ^ Includes registrations in Liechtenstein.
  6. ^ Hong Kong sales for 2015 only.
  7. Victoria
    .

Asia/Pacific

Model S at a quick charging CHAdeMO station in Japan[241]

The first nine Australian units were delivered in Sydney on December 9, 2014. Tesla opened its first store and service centre in St Leonards, and its first Supercharger station at Pyrmont in December 2014.[242][243]

The Model S was the top selling all-electric car in the country for the first quarter of 2015.[244]

The first Chinese deliveries took place on April 22, 2014.[172] The standard equipment was the same as the European version, with larger back seats because the car was expected to be driven by a chauffeur.[245] By mid-2018, China ranked as Tesla’s second largest market.[246] Sales began in Hong Kong in July 2014.[174]

Europe

First European deliveries were at Tesla's Oslo store in August 2013.

European retail deliveries began in August 2013, in Norway, Switzerland and the Netherlands.[169] Europe's first delivery took place in Oslo on August 7, 2013.[247] By the end of August, Europe's first six charging stations opened, in Lyngdal, Aurland, Dombås, Gol, Sundebru and Lillehammer.[248] Sales rose most rapidly in Norway. In April 2014 the Schiphol Group announced that three companies were selected to provide all-electric taxi service in Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.[249] The Model S topped the European luxury car segment in 2015, ahead of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (14,990), the traditional leader.[250]

Sales in 2015 totaled 1,805 units,[198] and declined to 1,693 in 2016.[199] As of October 2016, combined registrations of the Model S (5,681) and the Model X (250) represented 48.6% of the 12,196 all-electric cars on Dutch roads at the end of that month.[251] The Model S was the all-time top selling all-electric car in the Netherlands with 12,394 cars registered at the end of March 2021, however it has since been overtaken by the Tesla Model 3, with 38,745 cars registered in March 2021.[252]

In the UK from 2021 to 2022, deliveries of Model S vehicles dropped significantly to almost zero.[253] In 2023, Tesla also stated that the Model S will not be sold in the UK or Ireland in right-hand drive for the 'foreseeable future'.[254] In July 2023, the Plaid model was launched in the UK, and the standard Model S was relaunched, but both are only available in left-hand drive Unlike most cars sold in the country.[255][256]

Model S used since 2014 for all-electric taxi service at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

North America

The world's first delivery took place on June 1, 2012 in California, to a Tesla board member, while formal deliveries to the public began at a large ceremony on June 22, 2013.[257]

The first Model S sedans were delivered in Canada in December 2012.[202]

Retail sales began in Mexico City in December 2015. Initially, no Supercharger stations are available in the country.[258]

Personalized delivery of Model S

Retail sales model

Tesla sells its cars directly to consumers without a dealer network, as other manufacturers have done and as many states require by legislation. In support of its approach, the company fought legal and legislative battles in Ohio, New Jersey, New York and other states.[259][260] The Tesla direct sales model was permitted in 22 states as of March 2015.[261][262] In other states the Tesla salesperson is not allowed to discuss prices, and the ultimate sale must be made online.[263][264]

Safety

Tesla has made many claims about the safety of its vehicles, encompassing vehicle structure and driver assist software.

Features

External videos
video icon NHTSA Frontal crash test on
YouTube

In 2014, the Model S had a 5-star safety rating from both Euro NCAP and the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).[265][266] At that time, only two other cars had earned the same recognition since 2011 (when the NHTSA introduced its latest rating scheme).[267]

NHTSA[268]
Overall
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side, driver
Side, passenger
Side pole, driver
Rollover / 5.7%
Euro NCAP[269]
Overall
Adult occupant 35.8 pts / 94%
Child occupant 45 pts / 91%
Vulnerable road users 45.9 pts / 85%
Safety assist 15.7 pts / 98%
Small overlap front (Driver) Acceptable
Moderate overlap frontal offset Good
Side impact (original test) Good
Roof strength Good
Roof strength (P100D) Good
Headlights Poor
Front crash prevention (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) Superior
Child seat anchors (LATCH) ease of use Marginal

Incidents

Initial battery fire incidents