The Tesla Model S, in production since 2012, is an executive liftback car notable for its all-electric powertrain. It features a dual-motor, all-wheel drive configuration, although earlier models were rear-wheel drive. This innovative vehicle is manufactured by Tesla, Inc.
January 2007: Tesla Announces Plans for Electric Sedan Production
In January 2007, Tesla announced their ambitious plan to build consumer-level electric sedans, with an initial production target of 2009, marking a significant step in their mission to bring electric vehicles to the mass market.
2007: Development of Tesla Model S Begins
Tesla's journey to create the groundbreaking Model S began in 2007, under the codename "WhiteStar," marking the start of an ambitious project that would redefine the electric car landscape.
June 30, 2008: Tesla Model S Officially Announced
On June 30, 2008, Tesla officially announced the Model S to the public, marking a significant step in the company's journey to produce high-performance electric vehicles.
March 2009: Tesla Unveils Model S Prototype
Generating significant buzz in the automotive industry, Tesla unveiled a prototype of the Model S in March 2009, showcasing the car's sleek design and promising electric performance.
March 26, 2009: Tesla Showcases Model S Prototype
On March 26, 2009, Tesla showcased a prototype of the Model S, giving the public a tangible glimpse of their vision for a high-performance electric sedan.
May 2010: Tesla Secures Production Site for Model S
Tesla secured a significant victory in May 2010 by announcing the former NUMMI plant in Fremont, California as the production site for the Model S, paving the way for large-scale manufacturing of their electric sedan.
2011: NHTSA Introduces Latest Safety Rating System
In 2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) implemented its most recent safety rating system, providing a standardized evaluation of vehicle safety performance.
June 1, 2012: First Tesla Model S Delivered
The world's first Tesla Model S was delivered on June 1, 2012, to a Tesla board member in California, marking a significant milestone for the company.
June 2012: Model S Deliveries Begin in the US
Deliveries of the Tesla Model S commenced in the United States in June 2012.
June 2012: Model S Signature Edition Sells Out
Before deliveries even commenced in June 2012, the special edition Model S Signature model completely sold out. Shortly thereafter, all other Model S models were also sold out for the year. Tesla delivered a total of 2,650 cars in North America in 2012.
June 22, 2012: Tesla Model S Makes Its Debut
The highly anticipated Tesla Model S made its official debut on June 22, 2012, capturing the attention of the automotive world and electric vehicle enthusiasts alike.
August 2012: Tesla Ramps Up Model S Production
Tesla gradually ramped up production of the Model S, going from 15-20 cars per week in August 2012 to an impressive rate of approximately 1,000 cars per week by 2015, demonstrating their growing manufacturing capabilities and the increasing demand for their electric vehicles.
December 2012: Strong Reservation Numbers for Model S
By December 2012, Tesla had garnered 15,000 net reservations for the Model S, highlighting strong initial demand.
December 2012: Tesla Model S Arrives in Canada
Tesla expanded its reach to the Canadian market by delivering the first Model S sedans in December 2012.
February 8, 2013: New York Times Publishes Critical Review of Tesla Model S Road Trip
On February 8, 2013, The New York Times published a review by John M. Broder documenting his experience driving a Tesla Model S from Washington, D.C., to Boston, highlighting issues with battery performance in cold weather and the limited availability of charging stations along the route.
February 18, 2013: New York Times Public Editor Responds to Tesla Model S Review Controversy
On February 18, 2013, following criticism of John M. Broder's Tesla Model S review, The New York Times Public Editor Margaret Sullivan acknowledged shortcomings in note-taking and judgment but maintained the article's good faith, admitting that some of Broder's vehicle logs were misleading.
June 22, 2013: Official Public Launch of the Tesla Model S
Following the initial delivery, Tesla held a grand ceremony on June 22, 2013, to mark the official commencement of public deliveries of the Model S.
August 7, 2013: First Tesla Model S Delivered in Europe
The first European delivery of a Tesla Model S took place in Oslo, Norway, on August 7, 2013, marking the start of Model S sales in Europe.
August 2013: Tesla Model S Retail Deliveries Begin in Europe
August 2013 witnessed the commencement of retail deliveries of the Tesla Model S in several European countries, including Norway, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
August 2013: European Deliveries of Model S Begin
Tesla initiated European deliveries of the Model S in early August 2013, starting with Norway, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
August 19, 2013: Tesla's Safety Rating Claim for Model S Challenged by NHTSA
On August 19, 2013, Tesla issued a press release claiming the Model S achieved the best safety rating ever tested by the NHTSA. However, the NHTSA refuted the claim, stating the Model S rating was equal to other 5-star cars and that Tesla didn't adhere to advertising guidelines.
October 1, 2013: First Widely Reported Tesla Model S Fire
On October 1, 2013, the first widely reported fire involving a Tesla Model S occurred on Washington State Route 167. The incident happened after the vehicle struck metal debris, leading to smoke and fire. The driver escaped unharmed thanks to the onboard alert system. Tesla attributed the fire to the impact on the battery modules and highlighted the firewalls designed to limit fire spread.
November 6, 2013: Tesla Model S Fire After Striking a Tow Hitch
On November 6, 2013, another fire incident involving a Tesla Model S occurred after the vehicle struck a tow hitch on the road, resulting in damage underneath the car. These incidents prompted Tesla to enhance its warranty to cover fire damage and to release a software update that increased ground clearance at highway speeds as a safety measure.
November 2013: Model S Available in 20 Countries
By November 2013, the Tesla Model S was available for purchase in 20 different countries.
December 12, 2013: Tesla Releases Software Update to Address "Vampire Drain" Issue
On December 12, 2013, Tesla released software update v5.8 (v1.49.30) which aimed to reduce the "vampire drain" issue that plagued earlier versions of the Model S. This issue caused significant battery drain when the car was not in use.
2013: Battery Swapping Demonstration
In 2013, Tesla showcased its battery swapping technology, achieving a swap in approximately 90 seconds. However, despite plans for widespread implementation, Tesla seemingly abandoned the battery swapping program, citing insufficient customer demand. This decision led to accusations that Tesla had manipulated the California Air Resources Board's zero-emission vehicle credit system.
2013: NHTSA Investigates Tesla Model S Fires
Following a fire incident involving a Tesla Model S in 2013, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated a preliminary evaluation to assess potential risks. The investigation focused on undercarriage strikes and their potential to cause fires in the Model S.
February 2014: Tesla Model S Fire in Toronto Garage
In February 2014, a Tesla Model S parked and not charging in a Toronto garage caught fire. The cause of the fire remained unknown, but Tesla stated that it did not originate from the battery, charging system, adapter, or electrical receptacle, as these components were undamaged.
March 2014: Tesla Introduces Triple Underbody Shield for Model S
To address fire safety concerns, starting on March 6, 2014, Tesla began equipping all new Model S units with a triple underbody shield. This enhancement aimed to provide additional protection against road debris and potential fire hazards. Owners of existing vehicles were offered the option to have the shield retrofitted upon request or during routine service.
March 28, 2014: NHTSA Concludes Investigation into Tesla Model S Fires
After investigating potential risks related to undercarriage strikes on 2013 Tesla Model S vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) closed its investigation on March 28, 2014. The agency found no evidence linking the fires to safety defects. Tesla's implementation of a titanium underbody shield, aluminum deflector plates, and increased ground clearance were deemed to mitigate fire risks effectively.
April 2014: Model S Launched in China
Retail deliveries of the Tesla Model S commenced in China in April 2014.
April 2014: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Adopts Model S for Taxi Service
In April 2014, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol announced the selection of three companies to provide all-electric taxi services using the Tesla Model S, showcasing the car's suitability for sustainable transportation solutions.
April 22, 2014: Tesla Model S Arrives in China
On April 22, 2014, the first deliveries of the Tesla Model S took place in China, marking the entry of Tesla into this significant automotive market.
May 2014: Model S Drag Coefficient Confirmed
In May 2014, Car and Driver independently verified Tesla's claim of a Cd=0.24 drag coefficient for the Model S, confirming it as the lowest among production cars at the time.
June 2014: Right-Hand Drive Model S Released in the UK
The right-hand drive version of the Tesla Model S was launched in the United Kingdom in June 2014.
July 2014: Tesla Model S Launches in Hong Kong
In July 2014, Tesla expanded its presence in Asia by launching sales of the Model S in Hong Kong.
July 2014: Model S Launched in Hong Kong
Tesla launched the Model S in Hong Kong in July 2014.
September 2014: Model S Launched in Japan
The Tesla Model S was introduced to the Japanese market in September 2014.
September 2014: Tesla Integrates Hardware for Autopilot in Model S
In a significant step toward autonomous driving, Tesla began equipping the Model S with cameras, forward-looking radar, and ultrasonic sensors in September 2014, laying the groundwork for their Autopilot system.
September 2014: German Magazine Raises Concerns About Tesla Model S Battery Performance
In September 2014, an independent German car magazine, in partnership with TÜV, conducted tests on the Tesla Model S, revealing potential issues with the battery's performance. Tesla allegedly declined to participate in a repeat test.
October 9, 2014: Tesla Introduces Dual-Motor, All-Wheel Drive Model S
Tesla introduced a dual-motor, all-wheel drive variant of the Model S on October 9, 2014, dubbed the 60D, expanding the appeal and capabilities of the electric sedan.
December 9, 2014: First Tesla Model S Deliveries in Australia
On December 9, 2014, the initial nine Tesla Model S units arrived in Sydney, Australia, marking the beginning of the model's presence in the country.
December 2014: Model S Deliveries Begin in Australia
Tesla started delivering the Model S to customers in Australia in December 2014.
December 2014: First Deliveries of Tesla Model S P85D Commence
Tesla enthusiasts and early adopters celebrated a milestone in December 2014 as the first deliveries of the highly anticipated Model S P85D, featuring all-wheel drive and impressive performance capabilities, began reaching customers.
December 2014: Tesla Expands Presence in Australia
In December 2014, as part of its expansion in Australia, Tesla established its first store and service center in St Leonards. Additionally, the company launched its first Supercharger station in Pyrmont, further supporting Model S owners in the country.
2014: Tesla Model S Achieves 5-Star Safety Rating from Euro NCAP and NHTSA
In 2014, the Tesla Model S achieved a 5-star safety rating from both Euro NCAP and the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This recognition highlighted the car's exceptional safety features and performance in crash tests.
2014: Singapore's Land Transport Authority Justifies Carbon Surcharge on Tesla Model S
Singapore's Land Transport Authority defended its decision to impose a carbon surcharge on the Tesla Model S, citing the need to account for carbon emissions from electricity generation. They argued that even electric vehicles contribute to emissions indirectly.
2014: Tesla Releases Software Update to Improve Safety
In 2014, Tesla released a software update for the Model S, enhancing safety by including a feature to prevent charging if a short circuit is detected. This update aimed to mitigate potential fire risks during charging.
February 2015: Tesla Begins Deliveries of Model S 85D
Expanding the reach of their all-wheel drive technology, Tesla commenced deliveries of the Model S 85D in February 2015, offering customers a balance of performance and efficiency.
March 2015: Tesla's Direct Sales Model Faces Legal and Legislative Challenges
By March 2015, Tesla's direct-to-consumer sales model, which bypasses traditional dealerships, faced legal battles and legislative hurdles in various states, including Ohio, New Jersey, and New York. While permitted in 22 states, the company faced restrictions in others, such as limitations on discussing prices and requiring online sales transactions.
April 2015: Tesla Model S 70D Enters the Market
Tesla further diversified its Model S lineup in April 2015 with the introduction of the 70D, making dual-motor and all-wheel drive the standard configuration for the electric sedan and offering a compelling blend of performance and range.
June 2015: Model S Sold in 30 Countries, Becomes Global Best-Seller
As of June 2015, the Tesla Model S was available in 30 countries and became the world's best-selling plug-in electric car, surpassing the Nissan Leaf, which sold approximately 43,000 units.
June 2015: Tesla Model S Surpasses 1 Billion Miles Driven
In a testament to the growing popularity and reliability of electric vehicles, Tesla announced in June 2015 that the Model S had collectively surpassed 1 billion miles driven, a remarkable achievement for the pioneering electric sedan.
October 2015: Tesla Autopilot Released via Software Update
Marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Model S, Tesla released its Autopilot driving assistance system in October 2015 through a software update, showcasing the company's innovative approach to enhancing vehicle capabilities.
October 2015: Consumer Reports Withdraws "Recommended" Rating for Tesla Model S
In October 2015, Consumer Reports removed its "recommended" designation for the Tesla Model S due to an increase in complaints from owners regarding reliability issues. These issues ranged from minor problems to major failures.
November 2015: Discrepancies in Tesla Model S P85D Horsepower Reported by Owners
In November 2015, owners of the Tesla Model S P85D reported inconsistencies in the vehicle's actual horsepower compared to the advertised 691 hp, with some dynamometer tests showing up to 20% less power. Tesla later updated its website to reflect a lower horsepower figure.
December 2015: Tesla Model S Launches in Mexico
In December 2015, Tesla expanded its presence in North America by launching retail sales of the Model S in Mexico City. However, no Supercharger stations were initially available in the country.
2015: Tesla Sells 50,658 Model S/X Units
Tesla delivered 50,658 Model S and Model X units in 2015.
2015: Model S Outsells Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Europe
In a significant achievement, the Tesla Model S surpassed the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the traditional leader, to become the top-selling luxury car in Europe in 2015.
2015: Tesla Model S Sales Peak in the Netherlands
In 2015, Tesla Model S sales in the Netherlands reached their highest point, totaling 1,805 units. However, sales declined to 1,693 units in 2016.
2015: Model S Dominates Australian Electric Car Market
During the first quarter of 2015, the Tesla Model S achieved the top spot in sales among all-electric cars in Australia.
2015: Shareholder Proposals for Animal-Free Interiors
At the 2015 annual Tesla shareholders meeting, proposals were presented highlighting the environmental impact of animal agriculture and its conflict with Tesla's mission, potentially prompting the shift towards animal-free interiors.
2015: Tesla Implements Enhancements to Model S Powertrain and Brakes
In pursuit of continuous improvement, Tesla introduced several notable changes to the Model S in 2015, including an enhanced powertrain designed for increased longevity and the implementation of electromechanical brakes, further refining the car's performance and efficiency.
January 1, 2016: Tesla Model S Catches Fire While Supercharging in Norway
On January 1, 2016, a 2014 Tesla Model S caught fire while plugged into a Supercharger in Brokelandsheia, Norway. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and the slow-burning fire allowed the owner to disconnect the car and retrieve belongings. While the Norwegian Accident Investigation Board's (AIBN) investigation confirmed the fire's origin within the car, it couldn't pinpoint the exact cause.
March 2016: Tesla Identifies Cause of Supercharging Fire, Announces Software Update
Following their own investigation into the January 1, 2016 Supercharging fire in Norway, Tesla concluded in March 2016 that a short circuit in the vehicle's distribution box caused the incident. However, the extent of the damage prevented a more precise determination. Tesla emphasized that the Supercharger detected the short circuit and deactivated, and announced a forthcoming software update to prevent charging in case of detected short circuits.
March 2016: Singapore Imposes Carbon Surcharge on Tesla Model S Due to High Energy Consumption
In March 2016, a report by Stuff magazine revealed that tests conducted by VICOM, Ltd., on behalf of Singapore's Land Transport Authority, found a 2014 Tesla Model S to have a higher energy consumption rate than reported by the EPA and Tesla. This discrepancy resulted in Singapore imposing a carbon surcharge on the Model S, making it the only country to do so for an electric car.
April 2016: Tesla Updates Model S with Design and Feature Enhancements
In April 2016, Tesla implemented further updates to the Model S, refining the exterior design by removing the black nose cone and adding a body-colored fascia for a more integrated look, as well as introducing a HEPA cabin air filtration system for improved interior air quality.
April 2016: Tesla Revamps Model S Design
Tesla gave the Model S its first major design refresh in April 2016, introducing a sleeker front hood design and incorporating adaptive LED headlights, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
May 7, 2016: First Known Fatal Tesla Autopilot Accident
On May 7, 2016, the first known fatal accident involving a Tesla vehicle with Autopilot activated occurred in Williston, Florida. The accident involved a Tesla Model S and a tractor-trailer.
June 2016: NHTSA Investigation into Fatal Tesla Autopilot Accident
In June 2016, following the fatal accident in May, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated a formal investigation into the incident, collaborating with the Florida Highway Patrol to determine the causes and potential failures related to Tesla's Autopilot system.
October 2016: Tesla Model S and X Account for Nearly Half of Electric Cars in the Netherlands
By October 2016, the combined registrations of the Tesla Model S (5,681 units) and Model X (250 units) represented a substantial 48.6% of the total 12,196 all-electric cars on Dutch roads.
November 2016: Tesla Model S Sales Reach 150,000 Units Globally
Tesla celebrated a significant sales milestone in November 2016, announcing that global sales of the Model S had reached 150,000 units, solidifying its position as a leader in the luxury electric car market.
December 2016: Tesla Settles Lawsuit with Norwegian Owners Over Model S P85D Horsepower
In December 2016, Tesla reached a settlement with 126 owners in Norway who filed a lawsuit over misleading horsepower claims related to the Model S P85D. The owners alleged that their vehicles delivered less power than advertised.
2016: Model S Becomes Top-Selling Plug-in Electric
With over 50,000 units sold globally, the Tesla Model S became the world's best-selling plug-in electric car in 2016.
2016: Tesla Reintroduces Model S 60 and 60D with Software-Limited Battery
Tesla reintroduced the Model S 60 and 60D in 2016, featuring a software-limited, upgradeable 75 kWh battery, providing a more affordable entry point to the Model S lineup while allowing owners to unlock additional range through software upgrades.
2016: Consumer Reports Upgrades Model S Reliability to "Average"
In 2016, Consumer Reports upgraded the Tesla Model S reliability rating to "average" in its Annual Auto Reliability Survey, acknowledging improvements in the vehicle's performance and a decrease in reported issues.
January 2017: NTSB Concludes Tesla Not at Fault in 2016 Fatal Autopilot Accident
In January 2017, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concluded that Tesla was not at fault for the May 2016 fatal Autopilot accident in Florida. The investigation found that the driver had sufficient time to react to the tractor-trailer, and that the Tesla's Autopilot system was not the cause of the crash.
February 2017: Tesla Launches Model S P100D with Extended Range
Pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle performance, Tesla debuted the Model S P100D in February 2017, boasting an impressive EPA-estimated range exceeding 300 miles, a milestone for the time.
March 2017: P100D Sets Acceleration Record
In March 2017, the Model S P100D achieved a record-breaking 0-60 mph time of 2.28 seconds (with a rolling start) in Motor Trend's testing, making it the world's quickest production vehicle at the time.
April 2017: Tesla Discontinues 60 kWh Battery Option for Model S
In April 2017, Tesla made a strategic decision to discontinue the 60 kWh software-limited battery option for the Model S, shifting the base model to the 75 kWh battery pack and simplifying the lineup while offering increased range as standard.
June 2017: 90 kWh Battery Pack Option Discontinued
Tesla stopped offering the 90 kWh battery pack option for the Model S in June 2017.
July 2017: IIHS Lowers Model S Safety Rating Due to Failed Crash Tests
In July 2017, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted crash tests on the Tesla Model S and found that the safety belts allowed excessive forward movement of the driver's torso, resulting in a poor rating. The headlights also received the worst possible rating.
August 2017: Tesla Upgrades Model S with HW2.5 Hardware
Tesla continued to enhance the Model S in August 2017 with the introduction of the HW2.5 hardware suite, which included a secondary processor node for increased computing power, enhanced wiring redundancy for improved reliability, and the enabling of features like dashcam and sentry mode, further enhancing the car's technological capabilities and safety features.
2017: Tesla Introduces "Ludicrous Mode Plus" for Enhanced Acceleration
Pushing the limits of performance, Tesla introduced "Ludicrous Mode Plus" for the Model S in 2017, incorporating a "Launch Mode" designed to deliver blistering acceleration, enabling the car to achieve a 0-60 mph time of 2.3 seconds, setting a new benchmark for electric vehicle performance.
2017: Model S Surpasses 200,000 Units Sold
In 2017, the Tesla Model S reached the milestone of 200,000 units sold, making it the second electric vehicle to achieve this after the Nissan Leaf.
2017: Consumer Reports Raises Model S Reliability to "Above Average"
In 2017, Consumer Reports elevated the Tesla Model S reliability rating to "above average" for the first time, based on its annual Car Reliability Survey. This significant improvement was attributed to Tesla's efforts in addressing previous quality concerns.
2017: Tesla Model S Achieves 200,000 Sales Milestone
By early in the fourth quarter of 2017, the Tesla Model S achieved a significant sales milestone, surpassing 200,000 units sold globally, a testament to its enduring appeal and Tesla's growing dominance in the electric vehicle market.
March 2018: Tesla Updates Model S Media Control Unit
In March 2018, Tesla rolled out an update to the Model S Media Control Unit (MCU), enhancing the performance of the center screen and adding new features such as games like Cuphead and streaming services like Netflix, enriching the in-car entertainment experience.
December 2018: Model S Remains Second Most-Sold Electric Car
As of December 2018, the Tesla Model S maintained its position as the second most-sold electric car in history, following the Nissan Leaf, with a total of around 263,504 units sold globally.
2018: Consumer Reports Downgrades Model S Reliability to "Below Average"
In 2018, Consumer Reports downgraded the Tesla Model S reliability rating to "below average" due to reported issues, particularly with the suspension and door handles. This marked a setback for the Model S after two years of improved ratings.
2018: China Becomes Tesla's Second Largest Market
By mid-2018, China emerged as the second largest market for Tesla, highlighting the growing demand for electric vehicles in the country.
2018: Model S Sales Rank Falls to Second Place
In 2018, the Tesla Model S, after being the top-selling plug-in car for two consecutive years, dropped to second place. This was due to the BAIC EC-Series city car outselling it with over 78,000 units sold in China.
January 2019: 100D Becomes Base Model, 75D Discontinued
In January 2019, Tesla discontinued the 75D version of the Model S, making the 100D the new base model.
May 2019: Tesla Increases Model S Range, Adds Smart Air Suspension
As part of an engineering refresh in May 2019, Tesla increased the range of the Model S to an impressive 370 miles and incorporated smart air suspension, further enhancing the car's efficiency and ride comfort.
September 2019: Tesla Model S "Plaid" Prototype Sets New Speed Record at Laguna Seca
In September 2019, a prototype of the Tesla Model S "Plaid" with a tri-motor setup broke the lap record for a four-door electric sports car at the Laguna Seca Raceway. It surpassed the previous record held by the Tesla Model 3 Performance, showcasing the performance capabilities of the upcoming Model S variant.
2019: Consumer Reports Grants Model S "Recommended" Designation Again
In 2019, Consumer Reports reinstated the "recommended" designation for the Tesla Model S, citing significant improvements in reliability. This marked a return to favor for the Model S after facing reliability challenges in previous years.
2019: Steering Wheel Material Transition
By late 2019, Tesla had switched to animal-free materials for the steering wheel covers in the Model S.
2019: Raven Update: Enhanced Air Suspension
In early 2019, the Model S received the "Raven" update, which introduced an enhanced "Smart Air Suspension" system, enabling automatic and dynamic suspension adjustments.
2019: Raven Powertrain Introduced
The "Raven" powertrain, introduced in 2019 for the Performance and Long Range Plus Model S variants, featured the Tesla Model 3's permanent magnet synchronous reluctance motor as the front motor, improving power and efficiency. The Raven powertrain also incorporated a new adaptive air suspension system.
February 2020: Tesla Extends Model S Range to 390 Miles
Continuing to push the boundaries of electric vehicle range, Tesla announced a further range increase for the Model S in February 2020, extending it to 390 miles on a single charge, solidifying its position as a leader in long-range electric vehicles.
August 2020: EPA Confirms 402-Mile Range for Tesla Model S
In August 2020, the EPA updated the results of their range test for the Tesla Model S, officially confirming an impressive range of 402 miles, setting a new benchmark for production electric vehicles and highlighting Tesla's commitment to maximizing efficiency and range.
October 15, 2020: Model S Price Reduction
On October 15, 2020, Tesla reduced the price of the long-range Model S by $2,570, bringing the price down to $69,420.
2020: Integration of Batteries into the Body
In 2020, Tesla announced the integration of batteries into the Model S's body structure, aiming to enhance vehicle strength and reduce both weight and production costs.
January 2021: Palladium Refresh Announced
Tesla announced the Palladium refresh for the Model S in January 2021. The refresh was set to include a redesigned interior, a new powertrain, suspension upgrades, and thermal management improvements, among others. The initial models included the Long Range (LR), Plaid, and Plaid+, but the Plaid+ was subsequently cancelled.
March 2021: Tesla Model 3 Overtakes Model S in Dutch Sales
While the Model S held the title of the all-time top-selling electric car in the Netherlands with 12,394 registrations by March 2021, it was eventually overtaken by the Tesla Model 3, which reached 38,745 registrations in the same month.
June 10, 2021: Model S Plaid Release
On June 10, 2021, Tesla launched the Model S Plaid, featuring a new interior, more rear seat room, and a slightly modified exterior. The Plaid featured a return of the third-row seating, allowing for seven passengers. The Long Range version received an EPA-rated range of 405 miles, while the Plaid offered 396 miles of range.
June 2021: Palladium Refresh First Deliveries
Deliveries of the refreshed Tesla Model S, known as the "Palladium" refresh, commenced in June 2021.
June 2021: Tesla Introduces "Palladium" Design Refresh for Model S
In June 2021, Tesla unveiled the "Palladium" design refresh for the Model S, featuring a revamped interior, updated powertrain and suspension, and the introduction of the high-performance "Plaid" model.
December 2021: Tesla Issues Seven Recalls for Model S
By December 2021, Tesla had issued seven recalls for the Model S, addressing various safety and technical concerns to ensure the vehicles met the required standards.
2021: Tesla Model S Sales Plummet in the UK
Between 2021 and 2022, there was a significant decline in Tesla Model S deliveries in the UK, with numbers dropping to almost none.
2021: Model S Plaid Performance and Acceleration
In 2021, the introduction of the tri-motor Plaid version brought new performance levels to the Model S. The Model S Plaid became known for its remarkable acceleration, becoming the fastest accelerating production car until the Rimac Nevera was released in mid-2022.
2021: Palladium Refresh: Enhanced Aerodynamics, HVAC, and Interior
With a drag coefficient of Cd=0.208, the Palladium Model S achieved the lowest drag coefficient of any production car at its debut. The new HVAC system incorporated a heat pump for increased efficiency, offering a 30% range boost and using 50% less energy in cold weather. The interior featured a redesigned yoke steering wheel, a landscape-oriented center screen, a rear passenger screen, improved headroom and legroom, reduced noise, a customizable user interface, and enhanced gaming capabilities. Tesla aimed for 1000 deliveries per week in Q3 2021.
2022: Tesla Announces Halt on Right-Hand Drive Model S Sales in the UK and Ireland
In 2022, Tesla announced that it would not be offering the Model S in right-hand drive configuration for sale in the UK and Ireland for the foreseeable future.
2022: Rimac Nevera Surpasses Model S Plaid in Acceleration
In 2022, the Rimac Nevera debuted, surpassing the Tesla Model S Plaid as the fastest accelerating production car.
July 2023: Tesla Relaunches Model S in the UK, Only in Left-Hand Drive
In July 2023, Tesla reintroduced the Model S to the UK market, including the Plaid model. However, both versions were exclusively available in left-hand drive, a departure from the norm in the country.
2023: Model S Transitions to Animal-Free Interior Materials
As of 2023, the Tesla Model S features an entirely animal-free interior. The seats are now crafted from synthetic fiber, while the steering wheel covers transitioned to animal-free materials in late 2019.