Electric Vehicle Guide - Tesla Model S
When you review the electric car market, Tesla will continue to pop up as one of the most reliable and well regarded manufacturers. The truth is, Tesla electric vehicles ooze technical superiority; offering everything from autopilot drive through to an app which allows you to summon your car from its parking space. Despite sharing many of these highlights, there are also a series of subtle and more distinct differences between the Tesla electric models, giving each their standout features.
When compared with its sister vehicles, the Tesla Model S is a slightly older and simpler vehicle in terms of capability, offering more range in miles than the Model 3 though incorporated into a less sleek design. Having said that, it was the very first mass-market electric vehicle to be launched back in 2013, and has been claimed by many to be the most impressive electric car made to date – even in comparison with other Tesla updated models.
Let’s take a closer look.
The Fine Points - Tesla Model S Charging
Where?
The Tesla Model S is compatible with any home-built charging point, workplace charger or public stop, and also offers the Supercharge option for speedy charging. For those new owners still awaiting the installation of their charge point, the Tesla Model S can be charged using a generic 3-pin plug socket, though it is worth noting that this takes considerably more time and will require an outdoor socket or a long extension cable.
How long?
In terms of the charge time itself, a typical 7kW charger will provide a full charge in around 15 hours both at home and at work or in public. There are specific work and public charge points which offer a 22kW charge, completing a full charge much faster and with a much more effective range, though these are not standard and are not as commonly located as the 7kW points. Once fully charged, the Tesla Model S will carry you an impressive 391 miles before emptying; though it is always recommended by the manufacturer that you plan to fill up way before you think the tank will be empty, for safety and to ensure you are able to reach a charge point in time.
As well as the standard charge point, as with all their other electric vehicles, Tesla have added a CCS connector to the newest S Models, designed for rapid charging to the vehicle, which can be used at work or public points at extra cost. To put that into perspective, a mere 15 minutes at a rapid Supercharger point will earn you an impressive 136 miles of range.
You will often find that the 7kw charger is the standard choice for home and workplace chargers as it is compatible with the most vehicles.
How much?
The typical cost to charge your Tesla Model S at home, assuming you are going from empty to full, sits at around £13.30 – an average of 4.13p – 4.26p per mile.
The Supercharge, convenient for those times when you are in a hurry, will set you back around £14.82 for a charge from 20% to around 80%, which is the optimum charge range for the CCS connector.
How much does it cost?
The Tesla Model S is only eligible for the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) grant to help with the installation of a home charger, meaning that drivers will have to purchase the vehicle itself without financial aid. Drivers will however benefit from £0 road tax and £0 London Congestion Charge, providing extra incentive to turn to electric vehicles and continue to save money in the long run, and the warranty of both the vehicle and battery come with impressive lifespans which cover you for any early issues with the model.
The fixed cost of the Tesla Model S electric vehicle starts at around £82,190.
