Many are skeptical of claims made by the Tesla Model S that its 300-mile pack will be 85-95 kWh, citing the high cost, lengthy recharging, and heavy weight. Let’s make a comparison first. The battery pack in a Tesla Roadster is 53 kWh; the pack in the Chevy Volt is 16 kWh; the Nissan LEAF is 24 kWh; and the Hymotion/A123 kit to make the Prius a plug in car uses a 5 kWh battery.
Revealed last March, the Model S is said to be available in three versions corresponding to ranges of 160, 230, and 300 miles. The standard pack would be 42 kWh, with “70 kWh and greater battery storage systems optional.” Tesla’s chief technical officer, J.B. Straubel, who gave the 85-95 kWh estimate
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