Model S reaches battery limit

Tesla has launched a new battery option – believed to be the biggest possible in its current format.

The new P100 option, for both the Model S and Model X, is a 100kWh battery, and can be ordered new or as an upgrade to existing P90 models. It gives a range of 614km in the S or 542 in the X by EU standards.

As part of the announcement call, founder Elon Musk indicated the option is the most capacity that can be put into the vehicles in the current battery format.

It also makes the Model S P100D with Ludicrous mode the third fastest accelerating production car ever produced, with a 0-60 mph time of 2.5 seconds. Tesla notes the cars that can beat that – LaFerrari and the Porsche 918 Spyder – were limited run, million dollar vehicles and cannot be bought new.

Tesla customers who have ordered a P90D Ludicrous, but not taken delivery, can upgrade to the 100 kWh pack for US$10,000. Existing P90D Ludicrous owners can also upgrade to a 100 kWh pack, but for US$20,000, as their used 90 kWh pack will have to be recycled.