An ethical hacker and Tesla Model S owner appears to have discovered the next big update for the Tesla Model S, and it’s not a software update, it’s one where Tesla rolls out a more powerful version of its flagship electric car with a 100 kilowatt-hour battery. Tesla hasn’t confirmed anything about this yet as it’s most likely focused on the Model 3 unveil that’s set for later this month.
The top-of-the-line Model S that money can buy right now features a 90 kilowatt-hour battery. It provides a range of up to 290 miles on a single charge. A bigger battery would mean that the range would increase, perhaps it would even cross the 300 mile mark, and also provide a performance boost.
Jason Hughes, the aforementioned hacker, found references to the as yet unannounced “P100D” in the latest software update for Tesla’s cars. Since the existing top-of-the-line model carries the P90D badge which directly references the battery capacity, Tesla fans are convinced that this is proof of a P100D Model S.
Interestingly, after Hughes tweeted about his discovery, he found that his Model S was trying to download a new update which was basically downgrading the software on his car. He thought this was Tesla retaliating. He tweeted Tesla CEO Elon Musk who replied that the downgrade wasn’t done at his request and even commended him on his discovery, saying that “Good hacking is a gift.” He remained tightlipped abotu a P100D Model S though.
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