Tesla just announced that they are extending the warranties of all 85kWH Model S drivetrains to eight years and infinite miles. Yes, infinite miles. Challenge accepted, Elon Musk.
Elon made the announcement today on Twitter.
As TechCrunch reports, 85kWh (as opposed to the lower-spec 60kWh) Model S owners already started with a 4-year, 50,000 mile limited drive unit warranty and had the option of extending to 8 years and 100,000 miles for $4000.
The 85kWh battery itself has always had an 8 year/infinite mile warranty.
Musk, keen to advertise the reliability of an inherently simple electric drivetrain, said on his blog that an infinite-mile warranty should have been standard from the start.
In hindsight, this should have been our policy from the beginning of the Model S program. If we truly believe that electric motors are fundamentally more reliable than gasoline engines, with far fewer moving parts and no oily residue or combustion byproducts to gum up the works, then our warranty policy should reflect that.
Naturally, what's reliable in theory isn't always reliable in practice, but a warranty like this should allay the fears of some prospective buyers. The warranty, it should be mentioned, also extends to new owners after a resale.
So, if you plan on driving your car for several hundred lightyears while remaining under warranty, give Elon a call.
Photo Credit: Tesla