Tesla has unveiled a fleet of mobile servicing vehicles, made from a repurposed version of the Model S electric liftback, that can be used to carry out repairs on customer cars on location.
A fleet of 21 mobile service Model S cars are located at Tesla service centres across the country, with other fleets across the world bringing the total to around 350.
Inside, the rear five seats (three on the back bench and two smaller seats in the boot) of the Model S are removed, and replaced with a suite of tools on a rack of sliding trays, which itself slides out. Built-in tools include a compressor and charger for power tools, and there's also a coffee machine.
In the frunk (the front-located boot), more tool storage has been facilitated by removing the carpet and reinforcing the floor for heavier items. Many of the cars are former loan cars, which are wrapped into a uniform with branding on the sides.
Tesla managers worked with technicians to develop the kit, collaborating on the tools fitted, their accessibility and what is needed for a mobile repair.
The conversion takes several hours to complete, although the tool unit's fitment has been simplified by making it a single item which bolts into the mounting points of the seats.
Callouts for the mobile service vehicles are carried out within 72 hours, and can be done without the owner present, as the cars can be opened by the owner via Tesla's smartphone app.
While at the moment these special Model Ss will be used for simpler repairs, the kit they come with could soon become more extensive - Tesla managers and technicians are discussing how to improve it - to enable more ambitious repairs.
Eventually, lower level repairs will no longer require customers to take their car to a Tesla service centre, but instead, have the work carried out on location.