Range Extender - Any Updates? (MAR 2025)

[SCTesla]

Tesla is super close to a major breakthrough with dry cathode (at mass scale) that should land them ~20 percent or more energy density. They are definitely waiting for that to be a thing before deploying a range extender.

If they ever do. And they probably won't, to be honest.

As Tesla has said in the past, the dry cathode won't produce much or any additional energy density. It's a cheaper, faster process. The future phase of high silicone anode would produce the additional energy density.

https://digitalassets.tesla.com/tesla-contents/image/upload/IR/2020-battery-day-presentation-deck

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[not_elon_]

I actually had a opportunity to visit the Gigafactory in Nevada and got to see the solar tiles up close. They were a real product and I was trying to get them installed on my house but apparently they just cannot get them right. There is apparently one house in my area that has them and they are doing no more it’s discontinued indefinitely maybe never will be seen again.

Got to hold them and look at them up close, if they could’ve gotten it done they were absolutely stunning as a product

That is so saddening. Solar roof that’s beautiful instead of ugly. Too good to be true I guess.

 

[YDR37]

Seems like it’s going to ship along side of the new roadster, at this point.

Or (even closer to home) the inexpensive single-motor RWD Cybertruck.

Maybe this is a topic for a different thread, but the outlook for the Range Extender actually seems better than the outlook for the RWD CT. At least the Range Extender is still shown on the order page, and Tesla will still take your reservation.

 

[dalton108]

Or (even closer to home) the inexpensive single-motor RWD Cybertruck.

Maybe this is a topic for a different thread, but the outlook for the Range Extender actually seems better than the outlook for the RWD CT. At least the Range Extender is still shown on the order page, and Tesla will still take your reservation.

I just think it’s important to say whether it comes to fruition or not, in fairness Lars and Franz just told Jay Leno a couple of weeks ago (when he was reviewing the Juniper Y). That the new roadster was “still coming.” There wasn’t anything even close to a timeframe given though. They seemed sincere, but very sheepish about it.

as far as the battery is concerned I don’t know how many people are in the same boat with me but when I was allowed to order my FS CB in June of last year there was a slight period of time where you were not allowed to order the battery it seems like it was only a couple of weeks so I don’t know how many people were affected. And there was never an opportunity provided for me to add it to my order later after they resumed taking pre-orders for it.

I didn’t care too much because on this one I have been pretty resolute though I want it desperately, to wait and see exactly what it looks like and how much real world range people are getting. But, at this point, as I’ve stated previously my solution to the range issue is … a whole other truck (Scout).

 

[not_elon_]

Or (even closer to home) the inexpensive single-motor RWD Cybertruck.

Maybe this is a topic for a different thread, but the outlook for the Range Extender actually seems better than the outlook for the RWD CT. At least the Range Extender is still shown on the order page, and Tesla will still take your reservation.

Agreed. Do they really still think cybertruck will scale beyond S and X sales levels? I mean I’m glad they had the delusional optimism necessary to go through with Elon’s vanity project. But people want their hick pickups and bulbous breeder mobiles and there’s nothing anyone can do to change this.

 

[dalton108]

Agreed. Do they really still think cybertruck will scale beyond S and X sales levels? I mean I’m glad they had the delusional optimism necessary to go through with Elon’s vanity project. But people want their hick pickups and bulbous breeder mobiles and there’s nothing anyone can do to change this.

“Hickup Trucks” was RIGHT THERE!

Day NOT seized!

 

[rjheld]

In my opinion, what caused me and probably a lot of people, not to purchase the range extender was the service department install. If i could take it in and out (yeah, I know it's heavy, I can deal with that) it might be worth it. Drop it in when you need it, set it out of the way for daily driver, then maybe. I don't tow a lot, hobby tractor, side by side, not very often. Adding all that weight every day doesn't make sense.

 

[cyberville]

In my opinion, what caused me and probably a lot of people, not to purchase the range extender was the service department install. If i could take it in and out (yeah, I know it's heavy, I can deal with that) it might be worth it. Drop it in when you need it, set it out of the way for daily driver, then maybe. I don't tow a lot, hobby tractor, side by side, not very often. Adding all that weight every day doesn't make sense.

I'm with you on the swappability...that would be ideal given the circumstances. Regarding weight, some of it would've been there if orig range targets were met so not a total penalty. BUT, now it might be in a less optimal location for handling dynamics, etc?? As mentioned, I'm hoping for an awesome outcome here.

 

[aeroguy]

In my opinion, what caused me and probably a lot of people, not to purchase the range extender was the service department install. If i could take it in and out (yeah, I know it's heavy, I can deal with that) it might be worth it. Drop it in when you need it, set it out of the way for daily driver, then maybe. I don't tow a lot, hobby tractor, side by side, not very often. Adding all that weight every day doesn't make sense.

I did reserve the RE, but agree, after maybe a service center retrofit for the connector (since the current connector is definitely not user friendly), installation/removal should be something we can do safely and easily with a simple hoist. Plugging in should be as easy as plugging in a supercharger then let the pack(s) manage the balancing.

 

[dalton108]

I did reserve the RE, but agree, after maybe a service center retrofit for the connector (since the current connector is definitely not user friendly), installation/removal should be something we can do safely and easily with a simple hoist. Plugging in should be as easy as plugging in a supercharger then let the pack(s) manage the balancing.

Yeah, that certainly made it far less desirable. Structurally attached and not removable? Why!? (I know they explained it multiple times - I still don’t like the explanation.)

 

[SCTesla]

I did reserve the RE, but agree, after maybe a service center retrofit for the connector (since the current connector is definitely not user friendly), installation/removal should be something we can do safely and easily with a simple hoist. Plugging in should be as easy as plugging in a supercharger then let the pack(s) manage the balancing.

I doubt it. It will likely need a special software load as well. Tesla made it clear that this was something a SC will need to do.

 

[YDR37]

Tesla made it clear that this was something a SC will need to do.

Yeah, the Cybertruck order page has the bad news about the RE right under the "Reserve Today $2,000" button:

Non-refundable reservation deposit. Requires Tesla Service Center installation after delivery when available.

Not clear if installation is included in that "$16,000 (est.)" price. Would hope so.

 

[aeroguy]

Yeah, that certainly made it far less desirable. Structurally attached and not removable? Why!? (I know they explained it multiple times - I still don’t like the explanation.)

And since I'm dreaming...after Tesla rethinks their ways and makes the RE easily removable, they add a NACS port with powershare capability. Range extender on the truck, 47kWh whole house backup on your garage floor.

 

[dalton108]

And since I'm dreaming...after Tesla rethinks their ways and makes the RE easily removable, they add a NACS port with powershare capability. Range extender on the truck, 47kWh whole house backup on your garage floor.

This is the Way.

 

[earthworm]

IMO - Range extender would likely will be a pack swap. LG is manufacturing 4680's for tesla in Arizona, and that plant is going to be ready in the second half of 2025. LG has plans for 46x120 cells, which is a great way to use the extra vertical space in the pack. With the 50% volume increase, that would be 487 miles of range.

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