THE CENTRAL QUESTION ...
The Model S is a high tech vehicle with features that make it unique in the automotive world. What features distinguish the Model S from its premium vehicle competitors?
COURSE ABSTRACT
A broad-based examination of the features that make the Model S unique. Features considered include the 17-inch display, the driver dash display, active controls, digital controls, interior features, storage options, regen, charging, battery characteristics, and autopilot. To obtain a copy of the EVU study guide for this and other available EVU courses, please complete the form on this page.
Course level: Introductory
2. 2
Model S—
Features,
part 1
MS-102a
This course is presented as part of
Evannex University—a free, open
learning environment that presents
concise, video-based mini-courses for
those who have interest in electric
vehicles (EVs) …
3. A Features Overview
Visit the Tesla Motors Website
for a complete run-down
Use the Owner’s Manual for an
in-depth discussion
Our goal is to show you things
from an owner’s perspective that
might not be readily apparent
3
4. The 17-inch display
Driver and passenger-usable, touch
screen functionality
communication (phone),
entertainment, web
navigation, rear HD camera
other apps—calendar integration
Vehicle Control
driving functions and attributes
vehicle settings
4
5. The Driver Dash Display
all relevant driving information
speedometer data, battery
data, regen information,
energy consumption data
collision avoidance information
autopilot info when enabled
six driver selectable functions in
two display panels
5
6. Active Controls
Steering wheel controls
rollers and push buttons
Digital controls
fixed function and
placement
A/C & heating controls,
cabin temperature,
music volume
6
7. The Interior—Center Channel Area
Atrea
One of the more discussed
features
open space vs.
a place to put your stuff
Evannex—The Center Console
Insert
Tesla Motors—Premium
Center Console & “Yacht
Floor”
7
8. The Interior—The Pano Roof
The pano roof takes a hardtop sedan
and turns it into an (almost)
convertible
wide expanse of ‘sky’
controlled through the touch
screen
attenuates heat and light
most impressive for rear seat
passengers
8
10. The Interior—Frunk and Trunk
Truly impressive storage volume
front trunk (“frunk”)
small suit cases ++
more storage space for single
motor cars than dual motor
versions
hatchback “SUV-like” storage
Trunk — large suits case or 2 - 4 sets
of golf clubs
10
Single motor
frunk
Dual motor
frunk
Trunk
11. 11
… a free study guide for
all EVU mini-courses is
available for download
from our website …
For a complete list of mini-
courses and the study guide,
visit: www.evannex.com
Editor's Notes
Our intent in this EVU mini-course is to provide you with an overview of some of the Model S’s most unique features.
We cannot hope to cover everything, so please
>> Visit the Tesla Motors Website for a complete, up-to-date run-down on all features offered in the car
>> and use the Owner’s Manual for an in-depth discussion of specific features and functions
>> Our goal here is to show you things from an owner’s perspective that might not be readily apparent to those unfamiliar with the car.
The Model S is a truly beauty automobile and it will elicit stares as you move down the road.
But there are lots of beautiful automobiles.
It’s when you open the front doors of the Model S and allow a newbie to take a look,
that you often hear the exclamation: “Wow, that display is massive, it’s bigger than an iPad, much bigger!”
The 17-inch display is the centerpiece of the Model S interior.
>> The display is driver and passenger-usable, with touch screen functionality like a tablet computer,
It offers
>> communication, entertainment, web capability
>> navigation functionality, and a rear HD camera display,
>> and other apps—such as iPhone calendar integration today, with more apps promised in the future
But far more important, the 17” display is the center of
>> Vehicle Control
>> almost all driving functions and attributes are selected and controlled from the display
>> all vehicle settings are selected there
The display remains one of a kind, and as a consequence, the Model S has almost no buttons, knobs, or other widgets.
The Driver Dash Display provides
>> all relevant driving information
>> including speedometer data, battery data, regen information, energy consumption data
For cars equipped with these features it provides
>> collision avoidance information, and
>> autopilot info when enabled
>> In addition, there are six driver selectable functions that can be displayed in two side display panels.
In essence, you customize the driver dash display to meet your individual needs
There are a variety of active controls for the driver. These include
>> steering wheel controls that provide
>> rollers and push buttons that enable
everything from air-conditioner fan speed to audio volume to reboot functionality for the dashboard and display computers
There are also
>> Digital controls with
>> fixed function and placement along the bottom of the 17” display.
These controls simulate actual buttons and allow the driver or passenger to control
>> A/C and heating controls, cabin temperature, music volume.
It’s worth noting that music volume and fan speed can also be controlled from steering wheel rollers and buttons.
>> The center channel area in the driver/passenger space is one of the more discussed and controversial features of the Model S
>> on the one side are the open space proponents who argue that its nice to have room to put stuff on the flat floor.
The open space center channel is shown in the top image on your screen.
>> On the other side are the storage advocates who argue that a premium car should have a sleek center console to store small items, place a beverage container or two and enhance the interior
Our company, Evannex, your host at EVU, grew out of a perceived need for a Model S center console when the car was still a beta prototype.
>> Our first product, the center console insert, commonly called the CCI within the Model S community,
began as an design idea in 2011.
It grew into a best-selling product that is now in thousands of Model Ss around the world.
The CCI is shown in the bottom image on your screen.
After substantial prodding from the Model S community,
>> Tesla Motors announced their idea for a premium center console in 2013,
and have only recently provided their version as an accessory for the car.
They also offer a “yacht floor” add-on for the center channel area.
>> The pano roof takes a hardtop sedan and turns it into an (almost) convertible
>> It provides passengers and driver with a wide expanse of ‘sky’
>> The pano roof can be opened using the touch screen display
>> The roof glass is made with special added materials that attenuate heat and light.
Living in South Florida, where the sun is strong and summer temps exceed 90 degrees,
I can personally attest to its effectiveness.
>> When open, it provides a quasi-convertible feel for the front seat occupants,
and an impressive view of the sky for rear seat passengers
The interior rear seating provides sufficient room to
>> seat three adults, although recent new options provide for two seats with an armrest console
>> because there is no drive train and therefor no center hump, no one sits with knees to chin.
>> The rear seats have split fold down seat backs,
enabling you to carry large and long items in the trunk.
Recently, Tesla announced that it would provide a rear seating option with a center arm-rest and cup holder. Obviously, the addition of this option will limit rear seating to two adults.
>> The storage volume of a Model S rivals that of many mid-size SUVs.
Sure it’s a premium automobile,
but if you need to go the Home Depot or Lloyds and take home something pretty big, the Model S can do the job
>> the front trunk (the “frunk”) provide storage under the hood
>> and can accommodate a couple of small suitcases or all of your groceries for the week
>> it’s worth noting that there’s more frunk storage space available in single motor versions of the Model S than for dual motor versions,
because the front motor takes up some of the frunk space
>> With its fold-down rear seats and hatchback design, the Model S provides SUV-like storage volume in the rear
>> the Trunk can accommodate multiple large suitcases or 2 - 4 sets of golf clubs, depending on whether you fold down the rear seats
In the next part of this EVU mini-course, we’ll explore other features of the Model S.