Tesla expands battery capacity using over-the-air updates during Hurricane Irma

Sept. 12, 2017

Model S/X 60 drivers, which were previously software limited to 60 kWh of battery power, were given unexpected temporary access to the full 75 kWh.

By Assistant Editor

Vesna Brajkovic

As millions of Florida residents were ordered to evacuate in preparation of Hurricane Irma, long lines formed at gas stations putting stress on the fuel supply. During all this, some electric vehicle owners saw a surprise increase to theirs.

Tesla Motors issued an unexpected over-the-air (OTA) software update to Model S/X 60 vehicle owners living within Florida's Hurricane Irma evacuation zone which increased their battery capacity and driving range by about 40 miles.

A Tesla spokesperson confirmed an OTA software update was issued to increase driving range for Tesla owners that may be impacted by Hurricane Irma. It will be removed on September 16.

The upgrade was sent to select base versions of Tesla's SUV and sedan models which normally have 60 kilowatt-hours of battery power. More expensive models feature 75 kWh of battery power. Both of these models, though, share the same 75 kWh battery. The base model Teslas only have restricted access, which can be upgraded to full capacity for $4,500 to $9,000 with an OTA update.

This update was done free of charge in preparation for Irma, and without permissions or notification to the drivers of these vehicles.

About the Author

Vesna Brajkovic | Associate Editor - Vehicle Repair Group

Vesna Brajkovic is a former associate editor for the Vehicle Repair Group.

Brajkovic has covered the transportation industry for a number of trade publications, with a focus on the vehicle maintenance and automotive aftermarket industries since 2016. Prior to that, she covered the global aviation industry as assistant editor for Endeavor Business Media's AviationPros.com, and held a number of editorial positions at an award-winning community newspaper.