Tesla unveils new Model S sedan with larger battery and faster acceleration

Tesla on Tuesday unveiled new versions of its Model S electric vehicle with a larger battery that makes it one of the fastest-accelerating production cars in the market today. Equipped with a 100 kWh battery, it’s said that the Model S P100D with Ludicrous mode will clock 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.5 seconds, making it slower only than the LaFerrari and the Porsche 918 Spyder.

The company’s newest battery will also be available on the Model X SUV. Based on its tests, Tesla estimates that it both vehicles will have increased ranges, with the Model S getting 315 miles and the Model X going 289 miles.

It’s reported that the Model S P100D will start at $134,500, while the updated Model X will be around $135,500. Furthermore, initial production runs of the updated battery are said to be “limited” to 200 packs per week, meaning that it’ll be a while until Tesla is able to offer the enlarged batteries elsewhere.

Customers who have ordered the Model S P90D with Ludicrous mode, but who haven’t yet taken possession, can upgrade to the 100 kWh battery for $10,000. If you have received your vehicle, you can pay $20,000 for the updated battery, but will also need to recycle your used 90 kWh pack.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk teased the announcement earlier today with a vague tweet that sent the company’s stock up by more than two percent. Amid a fury of speculation among Tesla fans, the company was rumored to announce a significant update to its Autopilot technology and larger batteries for Tesla’s Model S and Model X electric cars.

Today’s news follows two major announcements from Tesla: a bid to acquire solar energy company SolarCity and the unveiling of a new “master plan” that outlines Tesla’s vision for SolarCity, autonomous cars, and an Uber competitor, among other things.

Tesla also has its first mass-market car on the way, the $35,000 Model 3 sedan, which has theoretically surpassed billions of dollars in preorders.

Shares in the company were up nearly 1 percent for the day, spiking following Musk’s tweet earlier today but dropping after the news broke.