Tag: Tesla Model S

  • Volvo ES90 Review: Tesla Model S Rival with Longer Range and Clearance

    Volvo ES90 Review: Tesla Model S Rival with Longer Range and Clearance

    Key Takeaways

    1. Volvo’s ES90 is its first electric vehicle on an 800V platform, competing with Tesla’s Model Y and Model S.
    2. The ES90 features a versatile design that combines elements of sedans, fastbacks, and SUVs, offering ample space and higher ground clearance.
    3. It boasts impressive performance with a dual-motor variant that accelerates from 0-60 mph in under four seconds and has a range of up to 700 km.
    4. The luxurious interior includes a quiet cabin, spacious seating, advanced climate control, and options for high-end audio systems.
    5. The ES90 offers significant cargo space, advanced safety features, and a starting price of around $70,000 in the U.S., with various customization options.


    Volvo has introduced its inaugural electric vehicle built on an 800V platform, positioning it to rival the Tesla Model Y and Model S simultaneously.

    A Blend of Styles

    “Some people might label it as a sedan, while others could view it as a fastback or even catch hints of an SUV,” Volvo points out, and they’re correct in saying that the new ES90 embodies aspects of all three types, with a hatchback feature adding to the categorization mix.

    Smart Design

    Regardless of the classification, the Volvo ES90 showcases a design that’s both attractive and functional. It provides generous space for both passengers and luggage, while its ground clearance is notably higher compared to a standard sedan, resembling more of an SUV.

    The specifications of the ES90 align with its intelligent design. Volvo has fitted it with 92 kWh-106 kWh batteries that deliver a range of 700 km (WLTP), surpassing the Tesla Model S, which is rated at 640 km on the same testing cycle. Charging speeds are impressive too, with over 180 miles of range added in just 10 minutes using a 350 kW charger.

    Performance Features

    The dual-motor Performance variant can sprint from 0-60 mph in less than four seconds, boasting a combined motor output of 680 hp.

    Luxurious Interior

    Turning to the inside, Volvo claims it has designed one of the quietest cabins to date, allowing passengers to savor the ES90’s premium sound systems, which can include up to a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins setup, depending on the chosen trim level.

    Tall passengers will find comfort in the raised rear seat, which provides ample room due to a lengthy 3.1m wheelbase. The cabin’s four-zone climate control system is enhanced with an asthma-friendly filter. Additionally, the panoramic roof offers an electrochromatic option, allowing users to adjust the tint to their liking on bright sunny days.

    Impressive Cargo Space and Safety

    In terms of storage, the Volvo ES90 excels with up to 733 liters of boot space available when the three rear seats are folded down individually. It has successfully completed Volvo’s famed 55-point safety test and includes advanced driver-assist features, such as a LiDAR system on the roof and a 360-degree camera for better parking visibility, all supported by an NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin processing system.

    Pricing and Options

    The starting price for the Volvo ES90 will be around $70,000 in the United States, reaching approximately $82,000 for the highest trim featuring the longest range and premium audio. Buyers can choose from seven color options and four wheel designs that can go up to 22 inches in diameter.

    Source:
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  • Tesla Reintroduces Free Lifetime Supercharging for Fastest, Longest Range Car

    Tesla Reintroduces Free Lifetime Supercharging for Fastest, Longest Range Car

    Despite the initial issues with the valve positioning in early Tesla Model S batteries that led to frequent failures, these cars remain highly desired in the used car market, especially those with upgraded batteries that were replaced under warranty.

    Reasons for Popularity

    The main attraction is the free lifetime Supercharging and premium connectivity that used to come with these Model S vehicles. Even though prices have dropped significantly, those that still offer free Supercharging maintain their value quite well, with a 2014 Model S being listed at around $28,995.

    Exciting News for Buyers

    For those interested in purchasing Tesla’s longest-range car, the Model S AWD, or the fastest version, the Model S Plaid, there’s good news: Tesla is bringing back the free lifetime Supercharging offer for this powerful sedan.

    Anyone who buys or leases a new Model S after December 13 will receive free Supercharging for life. This offer can be combined with other promotions that Tesla is currently offering, which are plentiful in the last quarter of the year.

    Important Conditions

    While owners will still have to pay congestion or idle fees at Superchargers, they won’t need to pay for driving their Model S for many years. However, unlike the early versions of this offer, the free lifetime Supercharging will be linked to the buyer’s Tesla Account and cannot be transferred to another Tesla vehicle or a new owner.

    Tesla typically starts with strict rules regarding the transfer of services or incentives like FSD or free Supercharging, but often changes these rules after some time to boost sales and encourage upgrades.

    It is uncertain how long this free lifetime Supercharging offer for the Model S will be available. However, considering that both the Model X and the Cybertruck now start at the same $79,990 price as the Model S, Tesla needed to provide a compelling incentive for customers choosing its fastest and longest-range model.

    Source: Link

  • Lucid Gravity: Longest Range SUV Beats Rivian and Tesla with NACS

    Lucid Gravity: Longest Range SUV Beats Rivian and Tesla with NACS

    Lucid’s Air Pure sedan has recently been recognized as the most efficient electric vehicle available for sale, managing to deliver over 500 miles of range with just an 84 kWh battery.

    Comparing with Tesla

    In comparison, the Tesla Model S AWD holds the title for the longest driving distance on a single charge, with an official EPA estimate of 402 miles, but it utilizes a larger 100 kWh battery.

    Innovative Technology

    Lucid attributes the remarkable efficiency of its electric vehicles to its cutting-edge drivetrain and lightweight electric motors, which are designed for optimal energy conversion. This is supported by the performance of the new Gravity SUV, which features integrated drive units that produce 670 horsepower while weighing only 74 kg (163 pounds).

    The EPA has just published the official range estimate for the Gravity, surpassing Lucid’s own internal prediction of 440 miles. Now, the Lucid Gravity is listed as the electric SUV with the longest range in the EPA’s records, capable of traveling 450 miles on a single charge from its relatively compact battery pack.

    Efficiency in Design

    Lucid’s Rowlinson stated that having a "smaller, lighter, and higher technology battery pack means fewer precious metals and minerals, less energy to charge, less electricity consumed, less pressure upon the grid, and a lighter weight and more dynamic vehicle." Their claims seem to hold true based on the performance of the Gravity.

    The Rivian R1T follows as the second-best electric SUV for range, reaching 420 miles but requiring a massive nearly 150 kWh battery pack.

    Future Prospects

    Currently, Lucid is delivering the more premium AWD GT version of the Gravity, and there’s a strong possibility that the more affordable Touring model could achieve even greater distances if it employs the same battery pack when it arrives in dealerships in 2025.

    The Gravity utilizes a modern and efficient 900V powertrain setup, allowing for the addition of 200 miles of range within just 15 minutes at Tesla’s new Superchargers equipped with V4 cabinets.

    Indeed, the Gravity is among the first electric vehicles produced by third-party manufacturers to feature Tesla’s NACS port, conveniently located on the left rear side.

    Source: Link