Electrek, who noticed this change, adds that Tesla is not currently accepting orders for the fastest version of the Model S. Recall that in the Plaid + configuration, this electric car is equipped with three electric motors with a combined output of 1115 horsepower and all-wheel drive. It can drive 832 km without recharging and accelerating to 100 km / h in less than 1.99 seconds. The Plaid version without the Plus suffix will offer a power of no more than 1020 horsepower and an acceleration time to “hundreds” of about two seconds with a power reserve of 624 km. Not only did it not rise in price, but it will also be offered following the previous schedule, four weeks from the moment of ordering in the most optimistic case.

Most likely, the need to delay the market launch of the Tesla Model S Plaid + is caused by the difficulties with the release of the 4680 battery cells with which it will be equipped. They will be produced in small quantities at Tesla plants in California and Nevada, and mass production will be established on lines under construction in Berlin and Texas. The Korean company LG Energy Solution also plans to launch batteries of a new standard size, but this will happen only a few years later.

Earlier, Elon Musk admitted that it is precisely the need to establish the production of batteries of the 4680 size in sufficient quantities that is the main obstacle to the mass production of Tesla Semi long-haul tractors. For similar reasons, the mass production of Cybertruck electric pickups is also delayed until next year. Apparently, the Tesla Model S Plaid + production program will also obey the timing of the availability of 4680 battery cells in sufficient quantities.