New Tesla Model S is first all-electric car to exceed 300-mile range

Facelifted 90D can eke out 303.2 miles/485.12 kilometres on a single charge; increases previous rating by 9 miles.

By Sam Sheehan, Autocar UK

28 Apr 2016

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Tesla says the increases in range come thanks in part to the facelifted car’s more aerodynamic front end but are largely due to the fact that the EPA has now tested a Model S 90D with a 90kWh battery.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given the latest Tesla Model S an official range rating of 303.2 miles/485.12 kilometres, pushing the all-electric fastback beyond the 300-mile mark for the first time.

The EPA published the official range figures as part of its routine updates in much the same way that European regulators update the official emissions figures used for UK car tax brackets.

The Model S 90D increases its previous official figure by 9 miles/14.4km, while the dual-motor P90D has also extended its official range from 253 to 270 miles/432 kilometres.

Tesla says these increases in range come thanks in part to the facelifted car’s more aerodynamic front end – the 2016 model features a smoother nose than the outgoing car – but are largely due to the fact that the EPA has now tested a 90D with a 90kWh battery.

Previous figures used percentage-increased estimates based on tests in a car with an 85kWh battery.

Aside from an increased range, the new Model S can also charge faster than before, thanks to its charger being upgraded from 40A to 48A.

Earlier this week, Tesla added 150 so-called Destination Chargers to its European recharging network, with 26 finding homes in the UK. The car maker also posted a picture of a Model S parked in front of a wall displaying the number 100, leading to suggestions that a new Model S 100D, with an even longer range, is on the way.

Tesla has so far dismissed the rumours.