Tesla plans to add a “Bio-weapon Defense Mode” air filtration system (similar to the Model X) and a 100kWh battery option to the Model S, according to a report. Citing an unnamed source, The Verge claims that the EV firm could introduce the new options in the vehicle as early as this week alongside the debut of the Model X custom order configurator on its website.
Making Model S similar to Model X
Last week there were reports that Tesla is considering adding “luxury-minded appointments” to the Model S like LED headlights and ventilated seats similar to those in the Model X. Modest changes to the nose and new paint colors are among the other expected tweaks.
The 100kWh battery will also please Tesla fans interested in taking long rides. Currently, the Model S has a 90kWh battery as the largest available, and the range it provides is about 6% longer than the standard 85kWh battery the EV firm uses to test range.
Since Tesla is known for making last-minute changes to its plans, it could either delay or entirely cancel any or all of these upgrades. The EV firm doesn’t use model years like traditional carmakers, but over the years, it has made several upgrades to its vehicles; the addition of the semi-autonomous Autopilot hardware last year was the biggest upgrade the company has made so far.
As of now, there has been no comment from Tesla about the report.
Tesla’s bio-weapon mode: does it works?
Tesla’s bio-weapon defense mode can be activated with just a push of a button, kicking on an air filtration system capable of filtering viruses 800 times better than the standard.
At the launch of the feature, CEO Elon Musk said, “We’re trying to be a leader in apocalyptic defense scenarios.”
However, it might not be wise to depend on Tesla’s bio-weapon defense feature in situations of a bio-weapons emergency. Gizmodo discussed Tesla’s bio-weapon with an expert, who laughed.
“Is Musk actually advertising this?” Colonel Randall Larsen asked.
But a recent video showed that Tesla’s bio-weapon feature does come in handy in some situations.
The fact that the EV firm is adding new options to its existing vehicles indicates that the company has some big ideas to keep its existing range of cars fresh. Presently, Tesla is working on the release of the Model 3, which will be an affordable model in its line of electric cars. The company is focusing on getting the car ready for its debut in late 2017.
