Tesla drops 85 kWh from Model S offering

Tesla's mid-range 85-kWh Model S has officially been discontinued. In a bid to reduce the currently confusing six different options available for the Model S, Tesla is trimming its line-up down to four models. "The recently introduced 90-kWh battery pack offers unprecedented range and value that has been well received by our customers. As a result, we will no longer be offering the 85kWh battery." Tesla stated yesterday. This change brings the Model S' line-up more in line with the Model X, which is available in 70D, 90D, and P90D levels.

If you had your heart set on the mid-range 85-kilo-Watt-hour Model S, I have some bad news: Tesla Motors has officially ended production of that power level.

However, it has left in place the entry-level 70 kWh variants 70 and 70D (all-wheel drive), as well as the top tier 90 kWh variants 90D and P90D (performance all-wheel drive).

"The recently introduced 90kWh battery pack offers unprecedented range and value that has been well received by our customers," a Tesla representative told Mashable. "As a result, we will no longer be offering the 85kWh battery."

This discontinuation of the 85 level brings the Model S inline with the Model X model range, which is offered in 70D, 90D and P90D.

Moreover, it simplifies the production process. If Tesla can cut down on the number of battery pack variants it needs to produce, the more time and money it can save. Plus, with the Model 3 coming online sometime this year, it likely needed to make room in the assembly plant.

So don't see it as having one fewer Model S to choose from. Instead, see it as a more streamlined Model S lineup.