Among the production details, there was an item worthy of discussion. Tesla said "Only four percent of customers chose the 40 kWh battery pack, which is not enough to justify production of that version." The Model S was originally planned to have 40, 60, and 85 kWh battery options. These are also known as the 160, 230, and 300 mile range battery packs.
Hmm, if they are not going to make the 40 kWh pack, what happens to those 4 percent of current orders and future orders that want the small pack? Are they going to be expected to pay $10,000 to upgrade to the 60 kWh pack? Tesla answered this with: "Customers who ordered this option will instead receive the 60 kWh pack, but range will be software limited to 40 kWh."
Every iPhone that has come out has been "jail-broken". Will Tesla be any better at preventing their products from being hacked? And what is the legality of an owner modifying the software of their vehicle? In the world of smartphones, rooting/jail-breaking has danced back and forth on the line of legality and end-user licenses.
It's not a perfect analogy but imagine this: an auto dealer sells you a new car and says "We put the 6 cylinder motor in there because they were selling better. You only wanted a 4-cylinder, so we pulled 2 spark plugs out and you better NOT put them back in." How many people would stop at the auto parts store on their way home and would it be illegal for them to replace the two missing spark plugs?
Tesla has been unafraid to try innovative ways to make cars, to sell cars, and now to software control their abilities. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
Tesla press release is below:
TESLA MODEL S SALES EXCEED TARGET
PROFITABILITY GUIDANCE AMENDED UPWARD; 40 KWH BATTERY CANCELLED
SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013
Tesla Motors announced today that sales of its Model S vehicle exceeded the target provided in the mid-February shareholder letter. As customers who note their Model S serial number this weekend will realize, vehicle deliveries (sales) exceeded 4,750 units vs. the 4,500 unit prior outlook. As a result, Tesla is amending its Q1 guidance to full profitability, both GAAP and non-GAAP.
“I am incredibly proud of the Tesla team for their outstanding work. There have been many car startups over the past several decades, but profitability is what makes a company real. Tesla is here to stay and keep fighting for the electric car revolution,” said Elon Musk, Tesla Motors co-founder and CEO. “I would also like to thank our customers for their passionate support of the company and the car. Without them, we would not be here.”
Also being announced today is that the small battery option for the Model S will not enter production, due to lack of demand. Only four percent of customers chose the 40 kWh battery pack, which is not enough to justify production of that version. Customers are voting with their wallet that they want a car that gives them the freedom to travel long distances when needed.
The customers who ordered this option will instead receive the 60 kWh pack, but range will be software limited to 40 kWh. It will still have the improved acceleration and top speed of the bigger pack, so will be a better product than originally ordered, and can be upgraded to the range of the 60 kWh upon request by the original or a future owner.
Tesla is also revealing a small Easter egg today: all 60 kWh cars have been and will be built with Supercharger hardware included. Tesla is taking a slight cost risk that ultimately all customers will want to buy the Supercharger upgrade and receive unlimited, free long distance travel for life. Even for those that never drive long distances, this will improve the resale value of their car to people that do.
ABOUT TESLA
Tesla Motors' (NASDAQ: TSLA) goal is to accelerate the world’s transition to electric mobility with a full range of increasingly affordable electric cars. California-based Tesla designs and manufactures EVs, as well as EV powertrain components for partners such as Toyota and Daimler. Tesla has delivered almost 10,000 electric vehicles to customers in 31 countries.
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For the latest information from Tesla Motors, including press releases and the Tesla blog, please visit: teslamotors.com/press
For more information on Tesla Motors and its products, please visit: teslamotors.com
For more information for Tesla Motors investors, please visit: ir.teslamotors.com
For the latest information from Tesla Motors, including press releases and the Tesla blog, please visit: teslamotors.com/press
Forward-Looking Statement
Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the expected profitability of the company, the availability of vehicle features and options and the Supercharger network, are “forward-looking statements” that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations, and as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those projected. Various important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including the risks and uncertainties identified under the sections captioned “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results Of Operations” in Tesla’s Form 10-K filed on March 7, 2013. Tesla disclaims any obligation to update information contained in these forward-looking statements.
Press Contact
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press@teslamotors.com
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