Tesla Motors' Model S boasts a 265-mile driving range, surpassing any other electric vehicle currently being offered in the market. However, it seems that the automaker wants to even boost that range in a bid to eliminate EV users’ anxiety in driving long distances.
Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk believes that the range may not be a problem in the near future, saying during an interview with Danish media when grilled about driving distances that the automaker could have a 600-mile range electric vehicle by 2017.
He also announced during the interview that the driving range could increase even higher to about 725 miles on a single charge by 2020, as the automaker will focus on developing the right battery and powertrain technology.
The chief executive of Tesla was attending the opening of Tesla’s first factory in Europe when he revealed the company’s plans.
Meanwhile, Musk also tackled Tesla’s Autopilot autonomous driving technologies during the interview, saying that the company is presently carrying out a beta test and that it expects to roll out some of the technology as early as next month.
The initial phase of the release will consist of an automated passing function that could be part of Tesla cars.
Musk likewise believes that fully autonomous autos are possible within three years. However, he added that it may take another year or two before federal regulators will legalize it.
Musk noted during the interview that the company’s Autopilot program is slated to be available by the end of October.
Currently, Tesla is facing its rivals in the industry with the likes of Audi, which unwrapped its e-tron Quattro concept during the Frankfurt Motor Show, as well as Mercedes-Benz, which is rumored to unveil its own electric SUV.
Tesla has unveiled its much-awaited Model X, an electric sports utility vehicle and Tesla’s third car.
"Every Model X comes with all-wheel drive standard, powered by two independent, digitally controlled electric motors. Brilliantly functional Falcon Wing rear doors fold up and out of the way to allow easy access to third row seats," reads the reservation page of the Model X on the company's website.
