Updated Tesla Model S launched with 400-mile range

Tesla has revealed details of a new Model S electric saloon called Long Range Plus, which the firm claims is capable of 402 miles on a single charge. 

The US firm says the updates provide a 20 per cent improvement in range over the outgoing Model S Long Range. However, the new all-electric saloon was tested against the American EPA programme, which is slightly different to the WLTP cycle used in Europe.

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Due to the size of America and the vast distances between its cities, the EPA test is geared towards sustained, long-distance cruising. The WLTP cycle favours the stop-start, short-distance driving which is common to Europe and the UK. As such, we expect this 402-mile figure will drop slightly once the car has been homologated for the European markets.

Tesla’s revisions for the Model S Long Range Plus include a lighter battery pack and electric motors, lighter seats and a range of improved manufacturing tweaks carried over from the Model 3 and Model Y.

There’s also a new regenerative braking system which now engages at lower speeds, along with a fresh set of aerodynamically-efficient alloy wheels, which the company says provide a two per cent improvement to the car’s range alone.

Mechanical revisions include a new transmission for the car’s front electric motor, which Tesla says provides a further two per cent improvement in range when cruising. The old car’s mechanical oil pump has been replaced by an electric unit, too. 

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