How far can it run? Test drive Tesla MODEL S P85

The popularity of Tesla MODEL S in China is really surprising. Although charging piles are not yet popular, you can already see it often in parking lots. But this electric car still has a sense of mystery to us who are used to driving gasoline cars. How does it drive, how long does it take to charge, and how far can it run? We will use these questions to experience the Tesla MODEL S P85.

Let’s first review Tesla’s powertrain. Tesla uses a three-phase four-pole AC induction motor with a maximum power of 316kw and a maximum torque of 600Nm. The transmission part uses a single-speed gearbox with a reduction ratio of 9.73:1. Therefore, when Tesla outputs power, there will be no power interruption due to gear shifting, and the feeling of frustration is eliminated from the mechanical structure. The tail mark of the vehicle is P85, which represents the 85 kWh battery pack and high-performance drive converter installed on the chassis of the vehicle. This is currently the highest performance version of Tesla MODEL S.

After getting in the car, we habitually look for the ignition switch. The problem is that Tesla does not need to do this. The sensor key will directly activate the vehicle and pop up the door handle. We only need to step on the brake pedal and push into D. You can drive away quietly. If the vehicle loses power and needs to be started again, you only need to step on the brake pedal.

The accelerator feels a bit weird on an electric car. Perhaps it is more appropriate to call it a switch. The rebound strength of the accelerator pedal tends to be that of German cars, and it feels a bit overwhelming. This design is indeed necessary because its power is too powerful. Due to the constant reduction ratio, there are no gears and shifting processes, and the movements of the feet are directly converted into changes in torque. The torque of the electric motor does not need to be supported by speed. The accelerator will release 600Nm directly on the wheels in exchange for a strong push-back feeling. The ESP will also start to intervene when the vehicle swings slightly. Tesla MODEL S P85 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds. We also measured an excellent result of 4.9 seconds even when the battery was not full. In terms of cost performance, Tesla should get a very high score.

The braking system has an energy recovery function and has two gear adjustments. The high gear is similar to the B gear on Volkswagen electric vehicles, with the highest recovery efficiency, but you can feel obvious braking when you release the accelerator, and frequent acceleration and deceleration will compromise comfort. The low gear is closer to the geared coasting of a gasoline engine. The deceleration effect is not very obvious, but it can also recover some electrical energy.

The control is mainly stable

After experiencing Tesla’s manic power, let’s talk about its controllability. Since the cruising range is about 360km, we had difficulty choosing the route. Going back and forth on a mountain road of nearly 200 kilometers, whether the battery will be consumed too quickly is a big challenge. In the end, we boldly drove the Tesla into the mountain. The average power consumption did increase a lot when going up the mountain, but the power recharge when going down the mountain almost made up for the consumption going up the mountain. Overall, the consumption on the Heping Road was basically the same, and the cruising range did not fluctuate much. When we returned to the city, we It still has a cruising range of about 100km, which is very safe and there is no risk of pushing the car.

Tesla provides four-speed suspension height adjustment and three-speed steering mode. The hardness of the suspension cannot be adjusted. The front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension structure ensures Tesla's comfort and stability. Since Tesla was photographed at the same time as the RS5, the comparison shows that Tesla is a bit too stable in terms of power.

In the sports mode, the front wheels have excellent directivity, the steering wheel strength is also increased compared with the standard mode, and the road feel returned from the front wheels is relatively weak. The advantage of the battery pack being laid flat on the chassis gives it perfect front and rear weight distribution and a low center of gravity. Combined with the 245 wide tires, it has a high limit in corners. Despite its strong power, the Tesla still feels lively on the road. It can complete all commands accurately, and it also gives you strong confidence in corners. The only drawback is that it lacks some restlessness, and it behaves too steadily.

There is no doubt about practicality

Tesla adopts the fastback shape of a coupe, with a wheelbase of 2959mm, which is only slightly shorter than the Audi A6L, so there is no need to worry about space. The tail is very smooth, somewhat similar to Jaguar, with a strong sporty feel. 19-inch tires are standard, and 21-inch 245 wide tires are optional, which is another great tool to enhance the visual effect.

In addition to the multi-function buttons on the steering wheel, there are only two buttons you can find in the car, one is a double flash button and the other is a button to open the glove box. All functions are concentrated on the huge central touch screen, which can do almost everything from controlling the air conditioner, playing music, adjusting the suspension to browsing the web. Currently, this screen does not support the playback of online videos, and the system does not support APP expansion, so the potential for upgrading needs to be improved. In addition, the original Google Maps has been removed because it is unusable in China, and there is currently no built-in navigation system.

The sunroof without sunshades is another major feature of Tesla. The sunroof area almost occupies the entire roof. According to Tesla officials, the skylight can block 98% of visible light and 81% of heat, so there is no need for sunshades.

The front half of the sunroof can be fully opened, also controlled via the central touchscreen.

Tesla’s interior space is definitely spacious. The official rear hip space (leg room) reaches 1390.4mm. Coupled with the full-pass floor in the rear, it gives people a practical sense of space. It feels a little more spacious. There are no complicated storage compartment designs in the car. There are two cup holders in the front center armrest, and the central aisle is a huge storage slot. There is a small storage compartment designed on the center console, which can store mobile phones and other odds and ends.

Because the drive motor is arranged on the chassis, Tesla can load luggage on both the front and rear, and the rear seats can be folded down. Even the smaller front luggage compartment can easily accommodate carry-on suitcase-sized items.

Charging is simple and convenient

Due to the pure electric drive, the charging process is essential. Tesla can use two charging methods, namely fast charging and slow charging. Tesla's charging interface adopts a hidden design and is hidden on the side of the left taillight. Charging is somewhat similar to refueling. You just need to press the switch on the charging handle, and the vehicle's charging port will automatically open.

Two super charging installations and multiple ordinary charging piles have been installed at the entrance of Tesla China Company, which currently provides free charging services to car owners.

Using 400V super charging piles to charge 50% of the battery in 20 minutes, the cruising range can be increased by nearly 180 kilometers, which can meet daily needs and the waiting time will not be too long. From 0 to full charge, it takes about 1 hour using fast charging. The full charge mentioned here means charging to 80% of the battery capacity. This is for the protection of the battery. If you need to travel long distances, you can manually adjust the charging amount to long-distance mode, which can add additional cruising range.

In addition, car owners can also choose ordinary charging piles and mobile charging packages to slowly charge their vehicles. At present, Tesla can install ordinary charging piles for car owners in their own garages or residential basements, but it requires coordination between the car owners and the property management. It takes about 10 hours to fully charge an ordinary charging station. Using a mobile charging pack, it can be connected to a household socket, but due to limitations of domestic electricity current, the charging time will be longer. The test car was not equipped with a mobile charging bag.

Do you need to worry about electromagnetic radiation?

Tesla has a powerful heart (battery pack). The maximum power of its electric motor can reach 310KW, and the 0-100M acceleration can be completed in only about 4 seconds. It seems that its electromagnetic radiation value should not be small. Let us take a look at what the test results will be!

Test results: Through testing, we can see that the electromagnetic radiation of pure electric vehicles like this is indeed higher than that of traditional fuel vehicles. However, although there is a certain amount of electromagnetic radiation, according to the electromagnetic radiation exposed in the public environment The standard value is still much lower. The manufacturer has already thought about the problem of electromagnetic radiation, and must have taken protective measures at the beginning of the design.

A different car

Tesla has brought us enough freshness, whether it is the driving method or the operating experience, it is different from existing cars. If we say we are leading the times, it is still too early. But Tesla offers an inexpensive option for those who are new to the trendy and idiosyncratic. Whether it's popularity or practicality, Tesla has done an excellent job.

The only inconvenience now is still the charging problem. If charging piles can be popularized in major parking lots, Tesla’s future will be bright. The technology of fast charging to 50% in 20 minutes is indeed impressive, and Tesla can also handle short intercity trips. It is no longer a symbol, but a true mass-produced car that can provide us with convenience, driving pleasure and full of novelty.