Tesla is now offering a “Power Enhance” software update to eligible Model Y RWD customers, granting access to additional battery capacity – at an added cost.
The Mannequin Y RWD has undergone several refinements recently. While distinct in its appeal, Tesla’s latest offerings have seen the introduction of a “Standard Range” Model Y with a smaller battery, followed by the launch of a “Long Range” variant, which has subsequently replaced the previously available SR model.
When Tesla discontinued the SR model, the company simultaneously revealed that the batteries in these vehicles were actually larger than advertised, and planned to offer software unlocks adding 40-60 miles of range, depending on battery cell configuration, for $1,500-$2,000, pending regulatory approval.
Now, it appears that the touted upgrades are finally rolling out, allowing many Model Y owners to start experiencing an “Power Enhance” upgrade available in their Tesla app.
Homeowners have received upgrades worth $1,600 and $1,000, respectively, enabling them to extend their internet range by up to 50 miles and 30 miles, respectively.
While expectations initially revolved around Tesla’s promise of 40-60 miles per dollar, reality slightly undershot the mark, settling at a modest decrement from these ambitious projections.
Each estimate is accompanied by a crucial caveat: “Estimates are largely grounded in internal simulations, but may deviate significantly depending on factors such as battery condition and driver habits.”
The estimated range of fifty miles is a substantial increase, approximately 15% more than usual. This raises questions about whether the numbers might be influenced by typical Tesla “optimism.” Since these figures are based on internal modeling rather than EPA-cycle testing, actual mileage may vary.
The improvement is now available on the market, although currently accessible only in the United States.
Electrek’s Take
Tesla pioneered the concept of offering vehicles at a base level, with subsequent software updates unlocking enhanced features and capabilities.
Opinions vary on this topic. Automakers strategically offer varying levels of functionality through their vehicle trim ranges, providing customers additional features while locking them behind higher price tags, a tactic similar to that employed by laptop CPU manufacturers. Although Tesla does not market its vehicles primarily by their kilowatt-hour (kWh) capabilities, the company actually emphasizes range as the key selling point, ensuring that customers receive exactly what they purchased.
While it’s understandable to feel uneasy about deliberately limiting a product’s potential, purchasing something that has been intentionally restricted by its manufacturer can be perceived as paying twice for the same thing. It turns out that people genuinely hated paying for BMW’s heated seat feature on a subscription basis.
With batteries, there are several attention-grabbing concerns as well. The prevailing trend in the industry suggests that lithium-ion batteries, particularly those featuring nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) or nickel-manganese-cobalt-oxide (NMC) chemistries, are increasingly being employed due to their impressive energy density, long cycle life, and relatively low cost. Are one additional successful compared to its counterpart? Tesla pioneered this technology in its early days, introducing “A” and “B” battery pack configurations in the original Model S. The implications of this unlocked capability on longevity remain unclear. Were these longevity functions prioritized at the outset to drive meaningful product innovation, or was the primary goal simply to distinguish offerings from competitors?
Will Tesla potentially substitute its own proprietary software for your automotive system’s capabilities? Will it compensate you fairly for your efforts? This situation has already transpired before it has taken place than… greater than as soon as. Even when the sole purpose is to charge a premium for hardware components that homeowners have already acquired?
What’s truly valuable would be if Tesla were to transparently address queries surrounding the divergent upgrades offered for its vehicles, specifying battery types, outlining potential future developments in the automotive sphere that might impact purchasing decisions, and providing further insight into such matters. We would reach out to ask them these questions.
While this may represent a favorable “cost per mile,” do you truly desire the added complexity that comes with it? The Mannequin, which already goes far enough, has access to Superchargers. This additional feature won’t expedite payment on roadtrips; fails to shield batteries from degradation as it’s merely a software-based upgrade; and, although daily driving is unaffected since you’ve already purchased the vehicle, might prove beneficial for individuals relying solely on public chargers, reducing the frequency of charging sessions. Doesn’t necessarily mean a lot to many drivers.
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When you’ve received an improvement, please share with us the specifications of your car (SR or LR) and whether you own it, so we can try to verify the sample here?
