Tesla will soon be discontinuing sales of its 60 kWh Model S sedan to make way for the more affordable Model 3.
The Model S debuted in 2012 with three different battery capacities: 40 kWh, 60 kWh and 80 kWh. A few years later, Tesla discontinued the 60 kWh only to reintroduce it last June starting at $66,000 and $71,000 for the Model S 60 and 60D, respectively.
Interestingly enough, the newer 60 kWh models actually shipped with 75 kWh batteries but have their capacity limited via software. For a fee, however, Tesla will “unlock” the additional capacity.
Tesla in e-mails to (potential) customers (via Electrek) said they introduced the 60 kWh model as a more affordable option to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. Most customers, however, ended up buying an equivalent to the 75 kWh model so in order to simplify the ordering process, they’ll be dropping the 60 kWh option from their lineup.
Those wanting a 60 kWh Tesla Model S will need to get their order in by April 16, the publication notes. After that, the cheapest option will begin in the mid-$70K range before any tax credits.
Tesla’s upcoming Model 3 is expected to start around $35,000 with a sub-60 kWh battery although cost will certainly climb as options are added. Discontinuing the cheapest Model S will help create more of a gap between a high-end Model 3 and an entry-level Model S, a wise move financially for Tesla.
https://www.techspot.com/news/68586-tesla-discontinuing-cheapest-model-s-next-month.html
