Exclusive: Tesla is testing a Model 3 mule with a 70 kWh battery pack and dual motors (Model 3 70D) Yesterday, we got a slightly better idea of the range of battery options for the Tesla Model 3 after CEO Elon Musk confirmed that the vehicle’s wheelbase can’t support a 100 kWh battery pack like the Model S and X. But specifics are still unclear since it leaves us only with a vague range of < 60 kWh to < 100 kWh for battery options. Today, we get some actual numbers for the first time as we learn of a Model 3 test mule. more… Filed under: Uncategorized Continue reading...
I'm sure many will disagree, but in my opinion, the Model ☰ will be limited to two battery options, with the max battery, at least for the initial year or so, around 70kWh. So if they are testing a 70kWh version, maybe it's the large option. (totally my own speculation based on no actual info )
Probably the best shot, @Dan Detweiler ... At this stage of the development of the company, I don't see a 2-battery scenario, even less as Elon knows perfectly the anticipation for a 'higher range & performance' battery alternative.... for those who can afford it...
Actually, this is not a mule, but an Alpha-prototype. Mule = existing car model with techniques (engine, wheel suspension) of a yet to be released model. Used for testing. Alpha = first prototype, for showing and early tests. Still unfinished in many aspects. Could alter a lot still. Beta = second alsmost definitive prototype for extensive production and road testing (sometimes called pre-production car).
Thanks, @MichelT3 ! And here I thought all these years that a mule was this : (Model S mule followed by a slightly smaller Model ≡ mule... )!! And if you want to get really scientific, please click on the other pic below...
Note that Fred makes it pretty clear in the electrek article that the report of a "70kWh mule" may not refer to one of the prototypes, but he doesn't rule it out.
IIRC, Elon made it clear that the 215 mile range would be "real world" range that included hills, cold temperatures and head winds. IMHO, I'm beginning to think the $100 per kWh barrier has been broken. A standard (for Model 3) 70 kWh battery could simply give the base Model 3 the stipulated 215 mile range under all conditions.
How coincidental, @Mike, I was just going to post this elsewhere yet your hypothesis prompts me to do it here... http://www.greencarreports.com/news...tteries-100-per-kwh-before-2020-80-soon-after Love your idea though!! Could it be true?!
Admittedly I'm viewing the world through my rose colored glasses. ..but...... $35,000 gets you the 215 mile "range under all conditions". Elon's stated expected average price of $42,000 gets you another 85 miles of EPA rated range.
We're pretty sure that the base Model battery will be less than 60kWh. Tesla confirms base Model 3 will have less than 60 kWh battery pack option
Well, all we can do is wait for the final reveal. I'm looking less at stated battery capacity and more at said EPA range. But in the end, this is all merely "idle speculation".....as Auric Goldfinger once said in a movie from 1964, I think.
Nope. You get busier when you retire.....in a good way. I just got back from one of my volunteer jobs. It's a three minute walk from my house to four outdoor ice rinks that the local Lions Club puts together every winter. I'm the guy that gets to drive the Zamboni!
70 definitely seems like a mid-battery to me. One thing I can't get my math around though: it would seem to make manufacturing sense to just use fewer modules for the base and mid batteries; the max battery would have all eight. If each module was 10 kWh, then you could do 60/70/80. How then could they do 55/70/85? If 11 kWh per module, you could do 55/66/88 (rounded to 55/65/90 by Tesla). Also, an odd number of modules would make the car asymmetrically weighted. That makes me think they'd do just even modules, six or eight...which would be just two battery sizes. Without a 100 kWh max possible, a four-module battery would be around 45 kWh, kind of a stretch.
