Which Tesla Model S is the best fit for you?

As of early 2013, there are three versions of the Model S:

1. Standard or "Base" with the 60 kWh
2. Standard or "Base" with the 85 kWh battery
3. Performance (available with only the 85 kWh battery)

With each step, the Model S accelerates faster, and gets a slight increase in equipment level, with a big step up with the Performance model.  For example, the first step to the 85 kWh battery adds:

1. 19" tire swap from Goodyears to 19" Michelins (otherwise, a $1k option on the 60 kWh version)
2. Lifetime Supercharger Access (otherwise, a $2k option, or $2.5k option after delivery)
3. 57 miles more range (EPA-Certified 265 miles vs. 208 miles on the 60 kWh battery)
4. 60 more horsepower to 362 (but likely more)
5. 8-year, unlimited mileage battery warranty (vs. 8-year, 125k mileage battery warranty)

Thus, the actual net cost of the larger battery is only $7k when the upgrades are included.

Could you buy the smaller battery and upgrade later?  It's been done, but it's not necessarily a good idea.  The author below had an S60, but lives in an area far removed from the current Tesla Supercharger network.  He was able to secure the first battery replacement that I've heard of, but for far more money ($18.4k) than it would have cost if he'd just ordered his Model S with the most appropriate battery choice in the first place; see:

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1089183_life-with-tesla-model-s-battery-upgrade-from-60-kwh-to-85-kwh

At this writing, stepping up to a Performance or "P85" Model S costs another $13,500 above an S85, but that also includes all the regular upgrades included with the 85 kWh battery, and:

1. Alcantara headliner (ostensibly worth $1,500 as a stand alone option)
2. Carbon Fiber Spoiler (may be deleted is undesired)
3. Tesla Red Brake Calipers (available, and included, only with the Performance Model S)
4. 54 more horsepower to 416 (but likely more)

So, which one to get?  It depends . . . .

Most people would be more than satisfied with the 60 kWh battery, but yet most buyers (myself included) end up going for the biggest battery.  Why?  Because of just not wanting to be low on power, and for the enhancements included above which drive the cost down to only $7k while adding significant flexibility to one's travel.  One other factor:  As the battery ages (we're talking a decade or more), its capacity to store a charge gradually decreases.  One might notice it more with the smaller battery so "buying big" up front might make that a far less noticeable factor as the car ages.  Is it worth worrying about now?  Probably not.  The original Tesla, the Roadster, seems to be doing quite well as it approaches "old age" even with it's first generation battery technology:

http://www.plugincars.com/tesla-roadster-battery-life-study-85-percent-after-100000-miles-127733.html

Lastly, with the buildout of the Supercharger network in the months and years to come, the value of having the Supercharging feature included with your Model S actually increases its value with each passing month.  Since it's included with all 85 kWh batteries, it makes sense to simply step up for maximum functionality and for maximum resale value.

Then there are the options . . . but we'll save those for the next post.