Musk improves Tesla Model S and battery service

Tesla is making changes to the Model S sedan's battery warranty and service contract.

Company CEO Elon Musk detailed the changes to reporters on Friday via a conference call and Web press conference.

First, the company is building a fleet of top-of-the-line Model S loaners for their customers. Tesla says that if your car needs service, it will be swapped for a car that is “ideally better in some or many ways." The loaners will be made available for immediate purchase. If customers like the loaner better than their old car, they can keep it, for a “price that is lower by 1 percent per month of age and $1 per mile.” This ensures that the fleet is always refreshed.

Customers will also have the option of taking a Tesla Roadster while their car is in service, and the company says that instead of bringing the car in, they will come pick it up.

The annual service contract for Tesla is completely optional. The company says that an electric car doesn’t need an oil change, spark plugs, fuel filters and a bunch of other parts that need to be replaced. They say that even the brake pads last longer through the use of regenerative braking. Even if you never bring your car in, the warranty is still valid.

Speaking of warranties, the battery pack in the Model S now has a warranty of eight years. Tesla says they took care in the creation so the battery would protect itself. This may be in response to the “battery bricking” stories that left a sedan stationary after the cell was completely drained. The only thing that isn’t covered is in the case of a collision or having the battery pack opened by non-Tesla personnel.

Musk says that the intent is to provide piece of mind about owning the Model S, even if you’ve never read or followed the instruction manual.

By Jake Lingeman