Tesla is offering an option for the Model S that removes a barrier from nature while also promising to block up to 98% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays with a tinting that will also keep the car from becoming a boiler room. For less money than the $2000 panoramic roof option, the $1500 all glass option should tempt new owners looking to ride in style while enjoying the sun and stars above them each day and respective night.
Tesla boasts “the sky’s the limit” with new roof option for the Model S
For those that rightfully think that this new option will see the Tesla Model S turning into a solar powered sauna, the company has promised that, in addition to its UV protection, the all-glass roof will deflect roughly 80% of the sun’s heat. Plus, at the end of the day, Model S owners always have the option of using their iOS or Android powered phone to start the air conditioner before entering the vehicle. Obviously, a glass roof begs safety concerns, but the company had promised that that was certainly considered before Tesla chose to offer this option that expands on the existing panoramic roof option by removing the crossbar and adding even more viewing room.
Musk tweeted, “I highly recommend the new all glass roof on the Model S. This was very hard to develop, but it makes the interior feel amazing. pic.twitter.com/ob7lqrXP4n” on November 4 before adding, “In addition, we reinforced the surrounding body structure for improved safety (was already 5 star in all categories)” in a follow-up tweet.
Clearly, this option is not for everyone as those interested in satellite radio, or the possibility of a roof rack for baggage or bikes will need to stick with the metal roof or panoramic option. Following the forced acquisition of Musk’s SolarCity by Tesla, the company announced that it had created a specific in-house team to focus on glass technology as the company moves forward and introduces the Model 3 next year, which has seen tremendous demand in the form of preorders.
While Tesla added another option for Model S owners in the new roof, the company also took something away from its customers. The company announced that it would do away with the “ludicrous” option on all models with the exception of its high-end P100D offering.
Tesla shuts down free “Supercharging” stations to many
One of Tesla’s key selling features is the ability for owners to use any of its over 4,600 supercharging stations worldwide for free for the life of their vehicles.
The company announced on Monday that this would no longer be the case for buyers of its vehicles if not ordered or purchased before January 1, 2017. Those purchasing vehicles beyond that date will be subject to, yet undisclosed, charging fees. Tesla called it “a small fee” which would see owners “charged incrementally and cost less than the price of filling up a comparable gas car.”
“We will release the details of the program later this year, and while prices may fluctuate over time and vary regionally based on the cost of electricity, our Supercharger Network will never be a profit center,” the company said in a statement on Monday.
Those that already own Tesla vehicles and those that buy or order prior to the New Year will be grandfathered into the continued free use of the superchargers that they have enjoyed and were promised.
