Last week, Tesla, the renowned electric vehicle manufacturer, announced a series of updates to the range ratings of several models in its fleet, sparking interest and discussion among EV enthusiasts and industry observers. The changes, primarily affecting the Model Y’s Long Range and Performance configurations, as well as the high-speed Model S Plaid and Model X Plaid, come in response to new EPA testing strategies set to be implemented with 2024 model-year vehicles. These adjustments are expected to influence the entire EV market, not just Tesla’s lineup.

Tesla Range Updates & New Features

In a surprising twist, Tesla is also implementing feature modifications and software updates, as revealed by a Tesla hacker who delved into the source code. A significant alteration is the removal of the Creep and Roll stopping modes in the Model 3 and Model Y, leaving only the Hold Mode. According to an internal document obtained by Drive Tesla, this change, effective from January 1, aims to provide a more accurate and efficient range estimate.

Moreover, Tesla is introducing an “efficiency package” in an upcoming hardware update. This package is particularly targeted at the vehicles that underwent EPA range rating changes last week. As per the information unearthed by the hacker @greentheonly and reported by Electrek, these modifications are geared towards enhancing the cars’ range accuracy and overall efficiency. However, the specifics of the changes in the software update identified by @greentheonly remain under wraps for now.

Check out one of our road trip videos to see some real-world range testing:

The topic of EV range and specifically Tesla range has always been a contentious and polarizing subject among EV owners. The question of “How much range is enough?” varies greatly, as each owner has unique requirements and preferences. Tesla’s latest move is a step towards providing its customers with more precise information on range ratings, enabling them to better plan their journeys and manage expectations. As the EV landscape continues to evolve, Tesla’s proactive approach in adjusting to new standards and enhancing user experience keeps it at the forefront of the industry’s innovations.

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