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Tesla Adjusts Range Estimates for Model Y, S, and X Vehicles · Elon Musk Podcast

• 0:01
  Hey everybody, welcome back to the Elon Musk Podcast.
• 0:05
  This is a show where we discuss the critical Crossroads, The
• 0:08
  Shape, SpaceX, Tesla X, The Boring Company, and Neuralink,
• 0:13
  and I'm your host, Will Walden. Tesla has adjusted the range
• 0:18
  estimates for several of its EV models in the United States,
• 0:21
  notably affecting the Model Y, the Model S, and the Model X.
• 0:25
  Now these changes include a reduction in the estimated range
• 0:29
  for various trims, with some models experiencing a decrease
• 0:32
  of up to 6%. Now, these modifications have
• 0:35
  not been applied to Tesla's listings in the UK or the EU.
• 0:40
  Now the most significant change is observed in the Model YS
• 0:43
  performance trim, which now shows an estimated range of 285
• 0:47
  miles, a decrease from the previous 303 miles.
• 0:51
  Similarly, the Model Y long range now stands at 310 miles,
• 0:56
  down from 330 now. The Model X's Plaid variant has
• 1:00
  seen a reduction from 333 miles to 326.
• 1:05
  Additionally, the Model S Plaid with 19 inch wheels now has a
• 1:09
  range estimate of 359 miles, down from 396 now.
• 1:15
  Tesla has not publicly explained the reason for these lowered
• 1:17
  range estimations. However, internal documentation
• 1:21
  reviewed by Dr. Tesla suggests that the changes are due to two
• 1:24
  factors, enhancements in comfort and functionality.
• 1:28
  They require more energy and the implementation of revised EPA
• 1:31
  testing requirements that have led to higher consumption and
• 1:35
  slightly reduced overall range. Now, Tesla has faced credit
• 1:39
  system in the past for overstating its range figures.
• 1:43
  In 2020, the EPA disputed Elon Musk's claim of 400 mile range
• 1:48
  for the Tesla Model S long range.
• 1:50
  Moreover, in October of last year, the Department of Justice
• 1:53
  began investigating Tesla over reports that some of its mileage
• 1:57
  figures were intentionally inflated alongside the range
• 2:01
  updates. Tesla introduced 2 new color
• 2:03
  options for the Model Y All Electric crossover.
• 2:06
  The colors Stealth Gray and Ultra Red are not new to Tesla's
• 2:10
  lineup, but are newly available for the Model Y Stealth Gray is
• 2:13
  offered at no additional cost, while Ultra Red carries a $2000
• 2:18
  premium. Stealth Gray was first
• 2:20
  introduced on the Model S in the Model X in October of 2023, with
• 2:25
  Ultra Red following in March of the same year.
• 2:28
  In China, Ultra Red is known as Flame Red, and this marks the
• 2:32
  first time that Tesla has introduced a new color for the
• 2:34
  Model Y in the United States since its launch in Europe.
• 2:38
  Tesla offers exclusive colors for the Model Y, including
• 2:42
  Midnight Cherry Red and Quicksilver, available only for
• 2:45
  vehicles built at Gigafactory Berlin.
• 2:48
  In addition to the new colors, Tesla has also updated range
• 2:51
  estimates for the model wise long range and performance
• 2:54
  configurations. The long range is now rated at
• 2:57
  310 miles and decrease of 20 miles and the performance is
• 3:01
  rated at 285 miles, down from 303.
• 3:06
  These changes have been applied to three Tesla models in the US
• 3:08
  with a Model 3 retaining its original 5 color options for the
• 3:12
  time being. Now we've revision in the EP as
• 3:15
  method for calculating electric vehicle range or EV range has
• 3:19
  resulted in most Tesla models appearing less efficient.
• 3:23
  These changes coincide with Tesla's updates in its 2024
• 3:26
  model lineup, which include the new Model Y colors and updates
• 3:29
  to steering wheels and yokes for the Model S and the Model X.
• 3:33
  And the Tesla community was further stirred up by the
• 3:36
  cybertruck's lower than expected range in a highway range test by
• 3:40
  out of spec studios. This occurred simultaneously
• 3:43
  with the EPA's changes to EV range testing procedures and
• 3:47
  these procedural changes in the 2024 model year updates LED some
• 3:52
  to speculate that the range reduction was due to the latter.
• 3:55
  However, the actual change lies in how the range is now
• 3:58
  calculated. EPA has mandated that EV
• 4:01
  manufacturers test acceleration and ride height modes in both
• 4:05
  best and worst case scenarios. This new approach is intended to
• 4:08
  better reflect real world range performance and applies to
• 4:12
  vehicles tested for the 2024 model year onwards.
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  Now for Tesla buyers in 2024, this means that the EPA range
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  estimates listed on Tesla's website are now more reflective
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  of actual use. Notably, the Model Y all-wheel
• 4:26
  drive and the Model Y performance have seen range
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  reductions of about 20 plus miles, now rated at 310 and 285
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  miles respectively. The Model S Plaids range is also
• 4:38
  decreased depending on the wheel option.
• 4:40
  While the Model X was less impacted.
• 4:43
  The Model 3 remains unaffected by these changes as Tesla has
• 4:46
  not tested the 2024 model year version in.
• 4:49
  The anticipated refresh of the Model 3, known as the Highland,
• 4:53
  is likely to undergo these tests when it begins sales.
• 4:56
  Tesla has also removed the creep and roll stopping modes from the
• 5:00
  2024 Model Y. Leaving hold is the only option
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  now. This change is expected to
• 5:05
  improve efficiency by maximizing regenerative braking.
• 5:08
  Hold Mode, popular among Tesla drivers, aligns with the one
• 5:12
  pedal driving experience now. Additionally, Tesla has reduced
• 5:16
  the top speed of the Model SLR to 130 mph from 155 mph, another
• 5:23
  moved at enhancing rated efficiency.
• 5:26
  Now the company's 2024 Model Year lineup includes new color
• 5:29
  offerings for the Y, with Stealth Gray now available for
• 5:32
  free and Midnight Silver Metallic Ultra Red, priced at
• 5:36
  $2000 is now the most expensive paint option for the Model Y,
• 5:40
  taking over from the discontinued Multi Coat Red.
• 5:43
  Now, this change aligns with Tesla's strategy of constantly
• 5:46
  refreshing its vehicle offerings and options.
• 5:49
  Lastly, the Model S and the Model X are set to receive new
• 5:52
  steering wheels and yokes. A significant update is the
• 5:56
  mechanically operated horn activated by pressing the center
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  hub, which replaces the capacitive button on a steering
• 6:03
  wheel or yoke used previously. These range adjustments and
• 6:06
  other updates reflect Tesla's ongoing efforts to align its
• 6:09
  vehicle offerings with regulatory changes and consumer
• 6:13
  preferences. Now, while some consumers may be
• 6:16
  disappointed by the reduced range estimates, these changes
• 6:19
  are part of Tesla's strategy to provide more accurate and
• 6:22
  realistic information about its vehicle's performances.
• 6:31
  Hey, thank you so much for listening today.
• 6:33
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• 6:35
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• 6:42
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• 6:58
  please take care of yourselves and each other and I'll see you
• 7:01
  tomorrow.