Tesla has dropped hints that it’s ready to extend the range of its electric cars (there was an allusion to a “P100D” hidden in firmware), but it now looks like that long-distance technology is getting closer to fruition. Dutch regulators have approved 100D and P100D versions of both the Model S and Model X, hinting that a 100kWh power pack might soon hit the streets. If the listings are accurate, the Model S would get a whopping 380 miles on a charge — no mean feat when the 90D can ‘only’ manage 294 miles. The Model X would likely have a shorter range given that the existing SUV officially tops out at 257 miles, but it’s reasonable to say that you’d get over 300 miles on a charge.
There’s no official word on when you’d see 100D variants on the street, let alone how much they’ll cost. They’ll likely make the 60D seem like a bargain. Whatever price they’ll carry, they’ll bring Tesla one step closer to its dreams of cars that can drive cross-country (eventually, by themselves). And if history is any indication, the higher battery capacity will come along with a performance boost — add Ludicrous Mode and both EVs could put even the better supercars to shame in terms of short-distance acceleration.
