CARB discloses the existence of the Tesla S 75D
Automotive development activities are often shielded behind a veil of secrecy to protect trade secrets. It doesn’t help when a government agency goes and spills the beans about your latest top-secret development activities.
This is exactly what recently happened to Tesla. The California Air Resources Board (CARB), the all-powerful air quality and automotive regulator accidently shared plans to introduce a new version of the Model S. CARB mistakenly listed the 75D as a vehicle eligible for single occupant carpool lane stickers. The only thing was that the 75D was a vehicle not known to exist. This would have never been caught if it were not for the sharp eyes at Electrek. Upon contacting Tesla to confirm the vehicle, Tesla responded saying that there is such an upcoming vehicle. A timeline for the 75D was not received.
According to the Verge, the 75D is set to launch this week and will fit in between the 70kWh and 90kWh versions within the Tesla S line-up. Available as a $3,000 option, the 75D has a driving range of 259 miles, which is 19 miles more than the 70D and 35 miles less than the top-of-the-line 90D.
Interestingly enough, the 75kWh battery is already available on the Model X, replacing the 70 kWh battery as the entry-level option. The Model X SUV has a total driving range of 237 miles, 17 miles more than the 220 mile range of the 70 kWh battery. Acceleration and top speed remains the same in the Model X at 6 seconds for 0 to 60 miles per hour and 130 mph, respectfully.
There is no information as to whether the 75 kWh battery will be replacing the 70 kWh battery in the Tesla S.
