Tesla Model S review: range, battery & charging
Large batteries and access to Tesla's Supercharger network makes the Model S a great long-distance car – but it's now left-hand drive only
| Model | Range | Wallbox charge time | Rapid charge time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Range | 405 miles | 15hrs 15mins (0-100%, 7.4kW) | 30mins (10-80%, 250kW) |
| Plaid | 390 miles | 15hrs 15mins (0-100%, 7.4kW) | 30mins (10-80%, 250kW) |
Few electric cars on sale can match the range offered by the Tesla Model S, which comes with a 95kWh usable battery in both Long Range and Plaid forms. Meanwhile, access to Tesla’s Supercharger network should help make long distance journeys easier than in most other electric cars. Beware, however – new cars are left-hand drive only, which scuppers their usability somewhat.
Tesla Model S range
The latest version of the Model S Long Range – with its 95kWh battery – has an official range of 405 miles, although it's likely you'll manage a little less than that in the real world. The Plaid uses the same-size battery, but its predicted range is slightly lower – 390 miles – probably due to its additional electric motor and performance.
We’ve yet to test the new Model S variants to see how efficient they are in the real world, but they do at least boast much more range than close rivals like the Porsche Taycan (up to 318 miles) and Audi e-tron GT (up to 305 miles) on paper. The BMW i7 (up to 388 miles) comes within touching distance, while the Mercedes EQS (up to 453 miles) actually trumps the Tesla in official tests.
Charge time
The Tesla Model S charging time varies depending on how you charge it. Using a normal household socket is extremely slow due to a maximum charging rate of around 2.3kW: this means you’d need the better part of two full days to fully recharge a Model S Long Range or Plaid. But that’s just a last resort; we expect owners will get a home wallbox to charge their cars overnight, with a standard 7.4kW home charger capable of fully replenishing both models in around 15 hours.
When out and about, you can avail yourself of the numerous Tesla Supercharger locations around the UK, mostly focused around motorways and main roads. Use of the company’s latest V3 Supercharges capable of 250kW charging speeds and a 10-80% top-up will take half an hour.
