Tesla Model S is getting a 75 kWh battery option

Tesla's electric sedan, the Model S, currently comes in two basic variants: The 70D and the 90D, the numbers corresponding with the battery size in each model, 70kWh and 90kWh, respectively.

But a third option will soon become available: The Model S 75D. 

Electrek found that out by digging through the California Air Resource Board (CARB)'s website, and it was later confirmed by a Tesla spokesperson. The Verge got some more details directly from Tesla; a spokesperson said the 75kWh battery would be a $3,000 option for the Model S, with the launch being later this week.

The change is not very surprising for several reasons. Tesla already did something similar with the high-end Model S model, which originally came with an 85kWh battery. Soon after the 90kWh variant was introduced, the Tesla Model S 85 was removed from the lineup. Since the 75kWh battery pack is currently one of the two options available for Tesla's SUV, the Model X (the other is 90kWh), it makes sense for Tesla to simplify things with just two battery options across its range. 

The range on the entry-level Tesla Model S 70 with a rear wheel drive is 234 miles per charge. A battery capacity increase of about 7% could theoretically bring that range to about 250 miles. The all-wheel drive S 70D has a bigger estimated range, 240 miles per hour. The new battery pack could increase that to around 257 miles.