Tesla vehicles will receive additional power increases, as well as improvements in Supercharging and drivability in the coming weeks via over-the-air software updates.
CEO Elon Musk announced during Tesla’s Q3 earnings call that a number of power improvements will be made to the Model S, Model X, and Model 3, including the increase of range, and speed of Supercharging for Standard Range and Standard Range Plus vehicles, as well as improved drivability.
The information came in a response from Musk to a question regarding the Model S and X development and how the company will improve upon the vehicles moving forward. “We’re also expecting there is going to be an over-the-air improvement, that will improve the power of the Model S, X, and 3. By the way, it’s coming in a few weeks. It should be on the order of 5% power improvement due to improved firmware.”
Tesla VP of Technology Drew Baglino added, “We are continuing to learn how to optimize motor control in our products. But yes, a 5% improvement for all Model 3 customers, and 3% for S and X.”
The improvements in Tesla’s vehicle software prompted Musk to add “I don’t think there has ever been a situation in history where you buy a car and it gets way better over time, through software.” Over-the-air updates have allowed Tesla owners to receive not only improved the functionality of their vehicles but also the addition of entertainment options. For example, the recently released V10 software update brought Tesla owners Netflix, Youtube, Spotify, and the widely popular, yet controversial, Smart Summon feature.
The anticipated range increase, in conjunction with the improvements to Supercharging times for owners of Standard Range and Standard Range Plus vehicles, will not only decrease the time spent at Tesla’s network of high-powered chargers but will also increase the convenience of having longer range for some of its vehicles.