Tesla Model S Plaid vs Model S: EPA range, specs and history

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Tesla Model S Plaid is the three-motor version of Tesla's full-size sedan. For 2026, EPA rates it at 368 miles (309 miles on 21-inch wheels), against 410 miles for the dual-motor Model S. Tesla decommissioned the Model S line at Fremont in 2026, so remaining cars are final-year or used.

Status
Discontinued
Body style
Full-size four-door sedan
Longest EPA range
410 mi (2026)[2]

Tesla Model S trims

Tesla Model S trims and published figures
TrimModel yearsMSRPDrive / motorsHorsepower0–60 mph
Model S (dual-motor AWD)[1][2]fueleconomy.gov names this version simply "Model S"; it is the longest-range Model S EPA has rated.2022–2026—All-wheel drive · Two motors (EPA lists 243 and 248 kW for 2025–2026)——
Model S Plaid[3][1][4][2][5]EPA rates Plaid separately on 19-inch and 21-inch wheels; the larger wheels cost 36–59 miles of rated range depending on year.2021–2026—All-wheel drive · Three motors (EPA lists three 250 kW motors for 2022–2025)——
Long Range / Long Range Plus[6][7][3]2020 Long Range Plus was the first Model S rated above 400 miles (402).2019–2021—All-wheel drive · Two motors——
Performance[6][3]2019–2021—All-wheel drive · Two motors——
P85D / P90D / P100D[8][9][10][6]Tesla's 10-K filings gave 3.2 seconds for the performance dual-motor Model S (85 kWh) and 2.8 seconds with the Ludicrous speed upgrade (fiscal 2015 filing); the 2.8-second figure is shown.2015–2019—All-wheel drive · Two motors (performance rear motor)—2.8 s
40 / 60 / 70 / 75 / 85 / 90 (RWD and "D" dual-motor)[11][12][8]The number is the battery size in kWh as fueleconomy.gov lists it; dual-motor AWD versions arrived in December 2014.2012–2019—Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive ("D") · One or two motors——

Tesla lists current prices only on tesla.com, which we could not open when this page was built, so no MSRP is shown. Trim names follow fueleconomy.gov's variant names; Tesla does not publish horsepower in its SEC filings.

Tesla Model S EPA range by year and version

EPA-rated range and efficiency, fueleconomy.gov (2012–2026)
YearVersion (EPA listing)RangeMPGe comb.City / HwykWh/100 mi
2026Model S[2]410 mi124132 / 11627.1
2026Model S Plaid[2]368 mi110114 / 10530.6
2026Model S Plaid (21in wheels)[2]309 mi9397 / 8936.2
2025Model S[4]410 mi124132 / 11627.1
2025Model S Plaid (19in wheels)[4]348 mi104108 / 9932.5
2025Model S Plaid (21in wheels)[4]312 mi9397 / 8936.1
2024Model S[18]402 mi122127 / 11627.7
2024Model S Plaid (19in wheels)[18]359 mi107111 / 10331.5
2024Model S Plaid (21in wheels)[18]320 mi96100 / 9135.2
2023Model S[17]405 mi120124 / 11528.2
2022Model S[1]405 mi120124 / 11528.2
2022Model S Plaid (19 inch wheels)[1]396 mi116119 / 11229.2
2022Model S Plaid (21 inch wheels)[1]348 mi101102 / 9933.4
2021Model S Long Range[3]405 mi120124 / 11528.2
2021Model S Performance (19in Wheels)[3]387 mi110114 / 10630.6
2021Model S Performance (21in Wheels)[3]334 mi9698 / 9335.2
2021Model S Plaid (21inch wheels)[3]348 mi101102 / 9933.4
2020Model S Long Range[7]373 mi111115 / 10730.3
2020Model S Long Range Plus[7]402 mi117121 / 11228.9
2020Model S Performance (19in Wheels)[7]348 mi104104 / 10432.4
2020Model S Performance (21in Wheels)[7]326 mi9798 / 9634.7
2020Model S Standard Range[7]287 mi109113 / 10530.8
2019Model S 100D[6]335 mi102101 / 10233.2
2019Model S 75D[6]259 mi103102 / 10532.6
2019Model S Long Range[6]370 mi111115 / 10730.3
2019Model S P100D[6]315 mi9892 / 10534.6
2019Model S Performance (19in Wheels)[6]345 mi104104 / 10432.4
2019Model S Performance (21in Wheels)[6]325 mi9798 / 9634.7
2019Model S Standard Range[6]285 mi109113 / 10530.8
2018Model S 100D[16]335 mi102101 / 10233.2
2018Model S 75D[16]259 mi103102 / 10532.6
2018Model S 75kWh[16]249 mi9897 / 10034.2
2018Model S P100D[16]315 mi9892 / 10534.6
2017Model S (60 kW-hr battery pack)[15]210 mi9998 / 10134
2017Model S (75 kW-hr battery pack)[15]249 mi9897 / 10034
2017Model S AWD - 100D[15]335 mi102101 / 10233
2017Model S AWD - 60D[15]218 mi104101 / 10732
2017Model S AWD - 75D[15]259 mi103102 / 10533
2017Model S AWD - 90D[15]294 mi104102 / 10732
2017Model S AWD - P100D[15]315 mi9892 / 10535
2017Model S AWD - P90D[15]270 mi9592 / 10035
2016Model S (60 kW-hr battery pack)[12]210 mi9998 / 10134
2016Model S (70 kW-hr battery pack)[12]234 mi8988 / 9038
2016Model S (75 kW-hr battery pack)[12]249 mi9897 / 10034
2016Model S (85 kW-hr battery pack)[12]265 mi8988 / 9038
2016Model S (90 kW-hr battery pack)[12]265 mi8988 / 9038
2016Model S AWD - 60D[12]218 mi104101 / 10732
2016Model S AWD - 70D[12]240 mi101101 / 10233
2016Model S AWD - 75D[12]259 mi103102 / 10533
2016Model S AWD - 85D[12]270 mi10095 / 10634
2016Model S AWD - 90D[12]294 mi103101 / 10733
2016Model S AWD - P100D[12]315 mi9892 / 10535
2016Model S AWD - P85D[12]253 mi9389 / 9836
2016Model S AWD - P90D[12]270 mi9591 / 10035
2015Model S (60 kW-hr battery pack)[10]208 mi9594 / 9735
2015Model S (85 kW-hr battery pack)[10]265 mi8988 / 9038
2015Model S (90 kW-hr battery pack)[10]265 mi8988 / 9038
2015Model S AWD - 70D[10]240 mi101101 / 10233
2015Model S AWD - 85D[10]270 mi10095 / 10634
2015Model S AWD - 90D[10]270 mi10095 / 10634
2015Model S AWD - P85D[10]253 mi9389 / 9836
2015Model S AWD - P90D[10]253 mi9389 / 9836
2014Model S (60 kW-hr battery pack)[14]208 mi9594 / 9735
2014Model S (85 kW-hr battery pack)[14]265 mi8988 / 9038
2014Model S AWD (85 kW-hr battery pack)[14]242 mi8986 / 9438
2013Model S (40 kW-hr battery pack)[11]139 mi9493 / 9636
2013Model S (60 kW-hr battery pack)[11]208 mi9594 / 9735
2013Model S (85 kW-hr battery pack)[11]265 mi8988 / 9038
2012Model S[13]265 mi8988 / 9038

Every Model S variant fueleconomy.gov lists for 2012–2026. EPA did not post a separate 2023 Model S Plaid row; 2024–2026 ratings reflect the revised EPA labels Tesla filed for those years.

Tesla Model S battery and charging

Battery sizes in EPA listings (2012–2019)
40, 60, 70, 75, 85, 90 and 100 kWh packs[11][12]
Battery & drive unit warranty (current)
8 years or 150,000 miles, minimum 70% capacity retention[19]
Battery & drive unit warranty (cars sold under FY2015–FY2018 terms)
8 years, infinite miles; capacity not covered[9][20]
Original 2012–2013 battery warranty
8 years or 100,000 / 125,000 / unlimited miles depending on pack; capacity not covered[21]
Level 2 (240 V) full charge, EPA
9.7 hours (2026 Model S); 12.0 hours (2026 Plaid)[2]
DC fast charging
Supercharger network; Model S introduced Tesla Supercharging[22]
Connector
North American Charging Standard (NACS), which all major automakers have announced they will adopt[23]

Tesla Model S generations and updates

Tesla Model S generations and major updates
Generation / updateYearsWhat changed
Original Model S2012–2016Deliveries began in June 2012 with rear-drive 40, 60 and 85 kWh versions; dual-motor AWD arrived in December 2014.[21][8][11]
First major update2016–2019Restyled front end in 2016; 75, 90 and 100 kWh packs, with the P100D at the top. Naming moved to Standard, Long Range and Performance in 2019.[24][12][6]
2021 update (Plaid era)2021–2026Tesla began delivering new versions of Model S with higher performance and range in 2021, including the three-motor Plaid. The Fremont line was decommissioned in 2026.[25][5][26][24]

Model S Plaid vs Model S: what the EPA numbers say

Since 2022 the lineup has been two versions: a dual-motor Model S and the three-motor Plaid. The dual-motor car always carries the longer EPA rating. For 2026 it is rated at 410 miles and 124 MPGe combined. The Plaid gets 368 miles and 110 MPGe on standard wheels, and 309 miles and 93 MPGe on 21-inch wheels.

Wheel size makes a big difference for the Plaid. On 2024 cars the 21-inch wheels cut the rating from 359 to 320 miles. On 2025 cars it fell from 348 to 312. If you care about range, check which wheels a car actually has, not only the trim name.[18][4][2]

How Model S changed, 2012–2026

Tesla began delivering Model S in June 2012. Early cars were rear-drive with 40, 60 or 85 kWh packs, and the 85 kWh car was rated at 265 miles. Dual-motor "D" versions arrived in December 2014. By 2017, the 100D was rated at 335 miles.

In 2019 Tesla moved to Standard Range, Long Range and Performance names and newer motors. The 2020 Long Range Plus was the first Model S rated above 400 miles (402). Tesla's fiscal 2021 10-K says new versions of Model S with more performance and range went on sale in 2021. That is the generation that introduced Plaid.[21][8][25][11][15][7]

Model S production has ended

In its Q1 2026 update, Tesla said its first-generation Optimus robot line would replace the Model S and Model X lines in Fremont. The Q2 2026 update says the Model S and X lines have been decommissioned. fueleconomy.gov still lists 2026 Model S and Model S Plaid ratings. Expect any new car to be remaining 2026 inventory, and most buyers to be shopping used.

Tesla sells directly, so new-car pricing isn't negotiated through a dealer. On a used Model S, the things to compare are model year, battery or variant, wheel size and recall history.[27][26][2]

Battery warranty: depends on when the car was first sold

Tesla's current North American warranty covers the Model S battery and drive unit for 8 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, with at least 70% capacity retention. The warranty says a Model S bought before its effective date keeps the battery terms that applied on its purchase date.

Those older terms vary. Tesla's 10-Ks for fiscal 2015 through 2018 describe an 8-year, infinite-mile battery and drive unit warranty that did not cover capacity loss. The fiscal 2012 filing describes 8 years with a mileage cap of 100,000 miles, 125,000 miles or unlimited, depending on battery size.[19][21][9][20]

Used Model S checks

For 2012–2018 cars, confirm the center-display memory recall (21V035000) was done. For 2012–2016 cars with Bosch steering racks, confirm the steering-bolt recall (18V204000). For 2014–2021 cars, confirm the frunk-latch inspection (21V00B000). These needed a service visit. Most later Model S recalls were fixed over the air.

  • Match the EPA variant (for example 85D, Long Range or Plaid 21-inch) to the car's build, because ratings differ by up to 100+ miles across years.
  • Ask which battery warranty applied at first sale: infinite-mile (older) or 150,000-mile (current).
  • Check the VIN for open recalls.[28][29][30][19][9]

Tesla Model S recalls and known issues

Unit counts are NHTSA's 'potentially affected' totals for the whole campaign, which often spans several Tesla models. Check any specific VIN for open recalls before buying.

Selected NHTSA recall campaigns for the Tesla Model S
CampaignScopeIssueRemedyUnits
23V8380002023-12-122012–2023 Model S (with other Tesla models)Autopilot Controls Insufficient to Prevent Misuse. Autosteer's controls may not do enough to keep drivers from misusing the Level 2 driver-assistance feature.[31]Over-the-air software update2,031,220
23V0850002023-02-152016–2023 Model S (with other Tesla models)Full Self-Driving Software May Cause Crash. FSD Beta could act unsafely around intersections, such as rolling through stop signs or going straight from a turn-only lane.[32]Over-the-air software update362,758
24V0510002024-01-302012–2023 Model S (with other Tesla models)Incorrect Font Size on Warning Lights/FMVSS 105. Brake, park and ABS warning lights were shown in a font smaller than federal rules require.[33]Over-the-air software update2,193,869
22V7020002022-09-192021–2022 Model S (with other Tesla models)Power Windows May Pinch/FMVSS 118. Power windows might not reverse correctly after detecting an obstruction.[34]Over-the-air software update1,096,762
21V0350002021-01-292012–2018 Model S and 2016–2018 Model XCenter Display Can Lose Rearview Camera Image. The center display's 8GB eMMC memory can wear out, knocking out functions including the rearview camera.[28]Service visit: replace the display's memory daughterboard134,951
18V2040002018-03-292012–2016 Model S with Bosch steering racksLoss of Power Steering Assist Due to Corrosion. Aluminum bolts on the power-steering motor can corrode and break, reducing or cutting steering assist.[29]Service visit: replace bolts and add corrosion sealer70,421
22V8180002022-11-012017–2021 Model S and Model XLoss of Power Steering Assist. Power steering assist could drop out on rough roads or after a pothole.[35]Over-the-air software update40,168
21V00B0002021-12-212014–2021 Model SFront Trunk Hood May Open Unexpectedly/FMVSS 113. A misaligned front trunk latch can stop the secondary latch from engaging, so the frunk lid could open while driving.[30]Service visit: inspect and reposition the latch130,441
23V8620002023-12-192021–2023 Model S and Model XDoors Can Be Unlocked During a Crash/FMVSS 214. The cabin doors could unlock during a crash.[36]Over-the-air software update120,423
25V0020002025-01-072024–2025 Model S (with other Tesla models)Rearview Camera Image May Fail/FMVSS 111. A short on a computer circuit board can cause loss of the rearview camera image.[37]Over-the-air update, plus computer replacement where needed239,382
26V2830002026-05-052021–2023 Model S on software 2026.8.6 (with other Tesla models)Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111. The rearview camera image may be delayed when shifting into reverse.[38]Over-the-air software update218,868
14V0060002014-01-132013 Model S with certain NEMA 14-50 adaptersPlug in vehicle charger/Possible fire. The 240-volt charging adapter, cord or wall outlet could overheat during charging.[39]Over-the-air update that cuts charging current on unstable input21,081

Frequently asked questions

What is the EPA range of the Tesla Model S Plaid?

For 2026, EPA rates the Model S Plaid at 368 miles, or 309 miles on 21-inch wheels. The 2025 Plaid was rated at 348 miles on 19-inch wheels and 312 miles on 21-inch wheels.

Which has more range, Model S or Model S Plaid?

The dual-motor Model S. EPA rates the 2026 Model S at 410 miles, against 368 miles for the 2026 Plaid.

How many motors does the Model S Plaid have?

Three. Tesla's filings describe three-motor powertrains for certain Model S versions, and fueleconomy.gov lists three 250 kW motors for 2022–2025 Plaid cars.

Is the Tesla Model S discontinued?

Production has ended. Tesla's Q2 2026 update says the Model S and Model X lines at Fremont were decommissioned to make room for Optimus production.

What is the Model S battery warranty?

Under Tesla's current North American warranty it is 8 years or 150,000 miles with at least 70% capacity retention. Cars bought earlier keep the terms that applied when they were sold, and some older cars had an 8-year, infinite-mile warranty.

How long does a Model S take to charge at home?

fueleconomy.gov lists a 240-volt full charge time of 9.7 hours for the 2026 Model S and 12.0 hours for the 2026 Plaid.

Sources

Figures come from the sources below, each opened when this page was built. EPA range and efficiency are from fueleconomy.gov; recalls are from the NHTSA recall dataset published on data.transportation.gov. A dash means no source we could open gave that figure.

  1. 2022 Tesla Model S — EPA fuel economy and range — U.S. DOE / EPA, fueleconomy.gov
  2. 2026 Tesla Model S — EPA fuel economy and range — U.S. DOE / EPA, fueleconomy.gov
  3. 2021 Tesla Model S — EPA fuel economy and range — U.S. DOE / EPA, fueleconomy.gov
  4. 2025 Tesla Model S — EPA fuel economy and range — U.S. DOE / EPA, fueleconomy.gov
  5. Tesla Form 10-K for fiscal year 2023 — Tesla, Inc. via U.S. SEC EDGAR
  6. 2019 Tesla Model S — EPA fuel economy and range — U.S. DOE / EPA, fueleconomy.gov
  7. 2020 Tesla Model S — EPA fuel economy and range — U.S. DOE / EPA, fueleconomy.gov
  8. Tesla Form 10-K for fiscal year 2014 — Tesla, Inc. via U.S. SEC EDGAR
  9. Tesla Form 10-K for fiscal year 2015 — Tesla, Inc. via U.S. SEC EDGAR
  10. 2015 Tesla Model S — EPA fuel economy and range — U.S. DOE / EPA, fueleconomy.gov
  11. 2013 Tesla Model S — EPA fuel economy and range — U.S. DOE / EPA, fueleconomy.gov
  12. 2016 Tesla Model S — EPA fuel economy and range — U.S. DOE / EPA, fueleconomy.gov
  13. 2012 Tesla Model S — EPA fuel economy and range — U.S. DOE / EPA, fueleconomy.gov
  14. 2014 Tesla Model S — EPA fuel economy and range — U.S. DOE / EPA, fueleconomy.gov
  15. 2017 Tesla Model S — EPA fuel economy and range — U.S. DOE / EPA, fueleconomy.gov
  16. 2018 Tesla Model S — EPA fuel economy and range — U.S. DOE / EPA, fueleconomy.gov
  17. 2023 Tesla Model S — EPA fuel economy and range — U.S. DOE / EPA, fueleconomy.gov
  18. 2024 Tesla Model S — EPA fuel economy and range — U.S. DOE / EPA, fueleconomy.gov
  19. New Vehicle Limited Warranty — Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y (North America, effective 2026/09/01) — Tesla, Inc.
  20. Tesla Form 10-K for fiscal year 2018 — Tesla, Inc. via U.S. SEC EDGAR
  21. Tesla Form 10-K for fiscal year 2012 — Tesla, Inc. via U.S. SEC EDGAR
  22. Tesla Form 10-K for fiscal year 2019 — Tesla, Inc. via U.S. SEC EDGAR
  23. Tesla Form 10-K for fiscal year 2025 — Tesla, Inc. via U.S. SEC EDGAR
  24. Tesla Model S — Wikipedia (secondary reference)
  25. Tesla Form 10-K for fiscal year 2021 — Tesla, Inc. via U.S. SEC EDGAR
  26. Tesla Q2 2026 Update (Form 8-K, Exhibit 99.1) — Tesla, Inc. via U.S. SEC EDGAR
  27. Tesla Q1 2026 Update (Form 8-K, Exhibit 99.1) — Tesla, Inc. via U.S. SEC EDGAR
  28. NHTSA recall 21V035000: Center Display Can Lose Rearview Camera Image — NHTSA (recall dataset on data.transportation.gov)
  29. NHTSA recall 18V204000: Loss of Power Steering Assist Due to Corrosion — NHTSA (recall dataset on data.transportation.gov)
  30. NHTSA recall 21V00B000: Front Trunk Hood May Open Unexpectedly/FMVSS 113 — NHTSA (recall dataset on data.transportation.gov)
  31. NHTSA recall 23V838000: Autopilot Controls Insufficient to Prevent Misuse — NHTSA (recall dataset on data.transportation.gov)
  32. NHTSA recall 23V085000: Full Self-Driving Software May Cause Crash — NHTSA (recall dataset on data.transportation.gov)
  33. NHTSA recall 24V051000: Incorrect Font Size on Warning Lights/FMVSS 105 — NHTSA (recall dataset on data.transportation.gov)
  34. NHTSA recall 22V702000: Power Windows May Pinch/FMVSS 118 — NHTSA (recall dataset on data.transportation.gov)
  35. NHTSA recall 22V818000: Loss of Power Steering Assist — NHTSA (recall dataset on data.transportation.gov)
  36. NHTSA recall 23V862000: Doors Can Be Unlocked During a Crash/FMVSS 214 — NHTSA (recall dataset on data.transportation.gov)
  37. NHTSA recall 25V002000: Rearview Camera Image May Fail/FMVSS 111 — NHTSA (recall dataset on data.transportation.gov)
  38. NHTSA recall 26V283000: Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 — NHTSA (recall dataset on data.transportation.gov)
  39. NHTSA recall 14V006000: Plug in vehicle charger/Possible fire — NHTSA (recall dataset on data.transportation.gov)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere Research — not affiliated with or endorsed by Tesla, Inc.. Tesla and the model names are trademarks of their owners.