Speaking at the Tesla Battery Day, Elon Musk has taken the wraps off the new “Plaid” version of his Model S. The EV boasts an extra-large traction battery powering its triple electric motors.
The newcomer covers the length of a quarter-mile drag strip in less than nine seconds and snaps from standstill into 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in less than two seconds. It maxes out at 200 mph (322 mph) – the only spec in which the Tesla still lags behind its archrival, the Lucid Air. Musk also claims the Plaid has set a new Nürburgring lap record among production cars – too bad the attempt was unofficial.
Where the Model S Plaid really shines, however, is the battery range. The power storage capacity hasn’t been disclosed yet, but the car can apparently cover 520 miles (837 kilometers) on a single charge – more than the Lucid Air can do with its 517 mi (832 km). The difference only exists on paper so far and is probably more symbolic than anything – but still a point of pride for Tesla.
The new flagship spec will begin at U.S. $139,000, making it $29,000 more affordable than the Lucid Air.