But Model S production has made progress and holds a run-rate of 1.5K a week, which removes doubt about the timing of the reintroduction of Tesla’s 60-kwh version of the model. It’s not quite Speed Racer’s submarine mode, but it’ll do for now. Tesla’s next stop will be Europe, though quotes from CEO Elon Musk don’t include any information as to which European countries will get the Model X. When all the pathways are flooded, the ideal thing to do is not to be out there with your auto.
Advertisement
Obviously we don’t know exactly how well sealed other parts of the Model S are, but it’s safe to assume that the battery pack-which contains lithium, which bursts into flame on contact with air or water-is fairly impenetrable.
Elon Musk has responded to a video of a Tesla Model S propelling itself through a flood – saying the auto “floats well enough to turn it into a boat for short periods of time”. He adds that it gets thrust via wheel rotation.
This revelation arrived in response to an article in Electrek discussing a video that shows a Model S plowing through a flooded tunnel. Control button F, here we come. Supercharger stations mean you can fully charge the vehicle in 30 minutes and drive up to 300 miles before needing to recharge. But the risk he took to drive his auto in the flooded tunnel could have backfired – the mixture of electricity and water can be risky as both of them do not mix well.
Musk confirmed through Twitter that the drive units and the battery of the Tesla Model S are sealed, which makes the vehicle less vulnerable to damage from flooding compared to cars with internal combustion engines.
The Model 3 captured on video appears to be the same vehicle that was giving test rides the day of the official unveiling.
A few months ago, there were some speculations that Tesla is turning toward South Korean battery makers, including Samsung SDI and LG Chem, to diversify its battery sourcing for the Model 3.
Advertisement
The Tesla co-founder was adamant he was not encouraging Model S owners to try and float their cars. The vehicle then appeared to stop, at which time, it began to float.
