Tesla Model S

In 2012, Tesla launched Model S, the world’s first premium electric saloon. Built from the ground up to be 100 percent electric, Model S has redefined the very concept of a four-door car. With room for up to seven passengers and 894 litres of storage, Model S provides the comfort and utility of a family saloon while achieving the acceleration of a sports car: 0 to 100 km/h in three to five seconds.

Its flat battery pack is integrated into the chassis and sits below the occupant cabin, lending the car a low center of gravity that enables outstanding road holding and handling while driving + 400 kms per charge.

Model S is the world’s best selling luxury electric vehicle and it was named Motor Trend’s 2013 Car of the Year and achieved a 5-star safety rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Model S is a driver’s car. The cabin combines meticulous noise engineering with Tesla’s uniquely quiet powertrain to obtain the sound dynamics of a recording studio.

The gem of the interior is the 17 inch touchscreen, which is angled toward the driver and includes both day and night modes for better visibility without distraction. It puts rich content at your fingertips and provides mobile connectivity so you can easily find your destination, favourite song, or a new restaurant.

THE TOUCHSCREEN

The Model S 17 inch touchscreen controls most of the car’s functions. Opening the all glass panoramic roof, customising the automatic climate control, and changing the radio station all happen with a swipe or a touch. The touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and steering wheel controls seamlessly integrate media, navigation, communications, cabin controls and vehicle data.

• Media: AM/FM radio, online radio, on-demand Internet radio, Bluetooth®, and USB audio devices
• Controls: Driving personalisation, climate controls, and cabin controls
• Camera: High definition backup camera, optimised for visibility and safety
• Calendar: Calendar synchronisation for daily schedule and tap to navigate
• Map: Simple, intuitive Google Maps with real time traffic information
• Navigation: Smart routing that adjusts for real time traffic conditions
• Energy: Real time energy consumption and range estimation
• Phone:  Bluetooth-enabled, voice controlled handsfree phone system

Model S periodically receives over the air software updates that add new features and refresh the touchscreen look and feel.

• 17″ capacitive touchscreen
• Onboard maps and navigation with free updates for 7 years
• Automatic keyless entry
• WiFi and Internet connectivity
• Mobile app remote control
• Retracting door handles
• One touch power windows
• High definition backup camera
• Hands free talking with Bluetooth
• Voice activated controls
• AM/FM/DAB+ and Internet streaming radio
• Available Ultra High Fidelity Sound package
• Electrochromatic mirrors
• Power folding, heated side mirrors with memory
• Two USB ports for media and power
• 12 volt power outlet
• Twelve way power adjustable, heated front seats with memory and driver profile
• Front trunk (no engine!), rear trunk, and 60/40 folding rear seats with 894 liters of storage

The Model S electricity consumption for mixed driving is 24 kWh per 100 kms.

Considering the price of electricity and petrol in Mauritius, a Tesla’s fuel cost is approximately 45% less that of an ordinary combustion engine car of the same class.

As a Tesla car has only a few moving parts in its unique all-electric power train compared to an ordinary combustion engine car and no exhaust system, the maintenance is in principle limited to brakes, suspension and tires.

Tesla owners worldwide report annual maintenance as typically being limited to changing tires and windshield wipers.

Use our Cost Comparison Calculator and find out how much you can save per year.

Model S is designed from the ground up to be the safest car on the road.

Much of its safety is owed to the unique electric drivetrain that sits beneath the car’s aluminium occupant cell in its own subframe. This unique positioning both lowers the car’s centre of gravity, which improves handling and minimises rollover risk, and replaces the heavy engine block with impact absorbing boron steel rails.

Side impacts are met by aluminium pillars reinforced with steel rails to reduce intrusion, protecting occupants and the battery pack while improving roof stiffness.

In the event of an accident, six airbags protect front and rear occupants, and the high voltage power source is automatically disconnected.

RANGE PER CHARGE

Range per charge is approximately 400 kms, but may vary depending on the vehicle configuration and driving style.

WHAT COMES STANDARD WITH YOUR TESLA?

The vehicle comes with the Tesla Mobile Connector, a cable which can be used for common outlets. The cable can be mounted with the following standard adapters: Blue adapter for an industrial socket to charge the Tesla up to 35 kms of range per hour. An adapter with domestic plug to connect to the Mobile Connector and to charge up to 9.7 kms of range per hour.

HOME CHARGING INSTALLATION

One of the most convenient aspects of owning a Tesla is waking up to a fully charged car every morning. We recommend installing a Chargemaster at home since this is the most convenient way to charge. Chargemaster has a a universal ‘Type 2’ socket which accepts the Tesla Mobile Connector and most other brands. It enables charging up to 7 kW as the majority of homes have a 1- phase grid connection, allowing you to charge up to 7 kW or approximately 35 kms/hour. This is more than sufficient for overnight charging.