Tesla (IW 500/384) is expected to announce Thursday an update for its Model S electric vehicle, addressing a concern many would-be and current electric car owners feel, “range anxiety.” Or the fear electric car drivers feel when determining whether or not they’ll get to their destination before the charge runs out.
As he’s done in the past, CEO Elon Musk alluded to the announcement and its subject in a tweet Sunday morning. The company eventually confirmed the time and date would at 9AM PDT, Thursday.
The Tesla S already has the furthest range of any electric car. It’s rated to go 208 miles with the 60kw battery and 265 with the 85kw battery. The company also has hundreds of quick-charging stations across the country.
The update to the car’s operating system can be done wirelessly, another feature that sets Tesla apart from other car makers. Because the update is coming for all Tesla models, it will likely be something to optimize battery life, a power-saving mode or smarter navigation, according to engadget.
Toyota’s RAV4 EV has the second furthest range per charge, coming in more than a 100 miles fewer that Tesla, with a full charge range of 103 miles.
