Skip to main content

Tesla introduces less-expensive Model S 60 and 60D variants

With public attention still focused on the Model 3, Tesla is reshuffling the Model S lineup once again. After adding a 75-kilowatt battery pack option for the electric car, Tesla is bringing back the 60kWh pack option it discontinued last year.

Tesla will offer both rear-wheel drive Model S 60 and all-wheel drive Model S 60D variants. They replace the 70kWh variants as the base models. Tesla quotes a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.5 seconds, top speed of 130 mph, and range of 210 miles for the Model S 60. The Model S 60D has an estimated range of 218 miles, will do 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, and has the same top speed as its rear-wheel drive counterpart.

Recommended Videos

Since the new cars have a lower nominal battery capacity (more on that later) than the outgoing Model S 70, they do benefit from a price cut. The rear-wheel drive Model S 60 starts at $67,200 (including destination), while the all-wheel drive Model S 60D starts at $76,200. Both represent $4,000 cuts from the comparable 70kWh versions. The 60kWh models can’t match the 234 and 240 mile ranges of the defunct Model S 70 and 70D, respectively, although buyers can get more range if they’re willing to pay.

Read more: Tesla Model S P90D first drive

While the cars will have a functional battery capacity of 60kWh, they will actually leave the factory with larger, 75-kWh packs. Owners can unlock the extra capacity with a software upgrade. Tesla previously said it would offer the 75kWh pack in a separate model rather than as a software upgrade. When it still planned to offer the Model S 70, it intended to do the reverse and use software to limit capacity for those models.

All of this is meant to make the production process more efficient, since Tesla will only have to make two sizes of battery pack instead of three. It still offers models with a 90kWh pack as well. Upgrading to 75kWh costs $8,500 from the factory, or $9,000 after delivery. Tesla says it will boost the range of the Model S 60 to 249 miles, while the Model S 60D will be able to achieve 259 miles.

The Model S 60 and 60D are currently available to order. The question now is whether Tesla will offer the smaller pack on the Model X, which is currently available only with 75kWh and 90kWh pack options.

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
GM launches PowerBank, a battery that could rival Tesla’s PowerWall
gm launches powerbank a battery that could rival teslas powerwall energy home system bundle

Competition to provide the best energy savings to EV owners is heating up between auto makers.General Motor’s unit GM Energy has just released PowerBank, a stationary energy storage battery pack that gives electric vehicles (EV) owners the ability to store and transfer energy from the electric grid, and allows integration with home solar power equipment.The PowerBank, which comes in 10.6kWh and 17.7kWh battery capacity variants, can power up a home when there is an outage or help offset higher electricity rates during peak demand, GM said. In addition, customers can also use PowerBank to store and use solar energy, supplement the charging of EVs and provide power to a home without an EV being present.GM says that combining two of its 17.7kWh PowerBanks can provide enough energy to power the average American home for up to 20 hours.The PowerBank can be bought as part of two bundles: the GM Energy Storage bundle at $10,999, or the GM Energy Home System bundle at $12,700. The latter includes a bi-directional EV charger that can provide up to 19.2kWh of power. By comparison, Tesla’s energy storage system, PowerWall 3, can store 13.5kWh of energy and has a price tag of $9,300.According to GM Vice President Wade Sheffer, one key advantage of the PowerBank it its “modularity,” which allows for easy integration with existing technology.GM announced in August that it would provide vehicle-to-home (V2H) technology on all its model year 2026 models. It will now also offer vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, which can provide additional energy and financial savings.
Energy savings coming from the integration of electric vehicles, solar-powered homes, and energy grids are increasingly at the center of EV manufacturers' offerings.
Nissan, BMW, Ford, and Honda have grouped together to offer the ChargeScape V2G software, which connects EVs to utilities and the power grid. EV owners can receive financial incentives to pause charging during peak demand or sell energy back to the grid.While Tesla has so far backed off from embracing V2G technology, CEO Elon Musk has hinted that V2G tech could be introduced for Tesla vehicles in 2025.

Read more
Tesla has released a cheaper Model 3 — and I really hope it comes to the U.S.
Tesla Model 3 Highland Front

The Tesla Model 3 is already one of the most popular electric vehicles, thanks to its large selection of great EV features and a reasonably low price compared to other electric cars. But it seems like Tesla is working on making the car even cheaper and has released a more affordable Model 3 with a downgraded interior in Mexico.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad that the Model 3 is available at a lower price in Mexico (it cuts the price of the current base Model 3 by around $4,000). But I really hope the vehicle makes it to the U.S.
What's different?
There are a few things that set the cheaper Model 3 variant apart from the current base Model 3 in the U,S. Most of these have to do with a regression of features compared to the Model 3 Highland update that was released last year. For example, the new passenger display in the back seat has been removed, and the accent lighting in the car is white only. Additionally, the seat coverings are a cheaper fabric instead of the faux leather available in the current Model 3. And there are no options for heated seats or a heated steering wheel.

Read more
Which Model Y trim should you buy? Model Y trims compared
which model y trim should you buy trims compared range tablet lhd v2 2

The Tesla Model Y has been the most popular electric car for a few years now, and it makes sense. The Model Y is reasonably priced for an EV while offering a good range and an excellent software experience. It's also larger than the Model 3 sedan -- and plenty of people need that extra room.

But there are a few Model Y trims to choose from, and the trim you should buy depends on a few different factors. So, we thought we’d put together a guide that explains the different Model Y trims, the pros and cons of each, and who should buy which trim.

Read more