Tesla has been around the block for almost two decades now. In those years, it’s produced a few impressive EV sedans and developed an all-electric SUV, the Model X. Plus, it has other projects in the works with production dates for the future. One of the most popular sedans it’s built is the Tesla Model S. 

Having been out on the market for about eight years, this model has seen a few changes with its performance and looks. But the most interesting upgrades it’s rolled out have to do with its speed. MotorTrend talks about the upgrades coming up for the 2021 model and how it could affect performance. But, first, let’s look at some other changes it went through over the years. 

The Tesla Model S upgrades over the years

Tesla rolled out its Model S in 2012 after the original model brought tons of popularity. This ‘newest addition’ promised quicker acceleration times and longer traveling distances between charges. The Model S delivered and then some with its battery packs. 

Over the years, Tesla made a few upgrades to the car that proved to be a good move. In 2014, the Model S sported an all-wheel drivetrain and a dual motor setup for the front and rear axles. By 2016, the front grille, used for looks only, disappeared from the car’s design as noted by Business Insider. 

Between 2014-2017, Tesla’s Model S increased its acceleration times from 3.2 seconds to 2.4 seconds for a 0-60 mph run. There have also been a few software upgrades here and there and changes with their policies regarding the supercharging stations and free access for new Model S cars. 

What makes it so popular?

In 2020, Tesla upped its electric vehicle game and came up with a newly engineered design that will allow the Tesla Model S Long Range Plus to go further than any other EV car on the market. 

Originally, the Tesla Model S boasted an EPA estimate of 208 miles per charge, which was an awesome figure at that time. When the Long Range Plus model came along, the charging time jumped to approximately 390 miles per charge. 

Tesla announced that the 2020 Model S, going forward, will have their newly implemented design that increases the charging figure to a whopping 402 miles per charge. This not only matches the up-and-coming Rivian’s promised battery performance, but it also surpasses it because of the smaller battery pack that Tesla uses to gain that EPA-rating. 

What’s coming for the 2021 model?

Tesla hasn’t made too many major design changes in the last eight years, and it doesn’t exactly plan on too much going forward. It kept the Model S on the production line for now, but it’s focusing more on their other models. 

The 2021 Tesla Model S, however, has received some interesting changes that promise to increase its speed in its Long Range Plus model. With the introduction of aerodynamic-designed wheels, a regenerative braking mechanism, and an adjustable speed system to provide driving efficiency, the Model S now sports an acceleration time of 2.3 seconds for a 0-60 mph run. 

You will also see the same charging times the Long Range Plus model received for the 2020 Model S. You’ll also see the same price drop of $5,000 for their long-range variant as well as their Performance models. 

Now that Tesla has increased its charging times and eked out jaw-dropping acceleration speed for the Model S, we’re wondering what their competitors will do to up their game in the EV wars. With the announcement of a possible 500-mile EV, Tesla will surely fight back with something even more exceptional.