Model S

Produced in Fremont, California the Tesla Model S is one of a few top scoring vehicles in both the NCAP and NHTSA Safety Ratings. Since its launch in 2012, it achieved top-selling status in various markets, including the top-selling plug-in vehicle in the USA for 2015. Tesla introduced the All Wheel Drive version in October 2014 and refreshed the model range in April 2016, which included a fast charger upgrade from 40amps to 48amps. Tesla is famous for “upgrading over the air,” allowing the owner to find a better version of his car when he wakes up in the morning. 2015 saw the introduction of the performance model with the geeky named “Ludicrous” mode made famous by the Mel Brooks classic Space Balls. All Model S versions since October 2014 included the Autopilot option, which lowers the probability of an accident by at least 50%. The introduction of a 100kWh battery model, the P100D is rumored for late 2016.

A standout feature of the Tesla Model S is the placement of the batteries which forms the floor between axles. The positioning provides distinct advantages such as allowing the battery to be replaced within 90 seconds, providing rigidity and preventing rollover of the vehicle thereby improving safety, low center of gravity providing lateral acceleration and quicker turn by lowering rotational inertia.