2021 Tesla Model X Refresh drops weight thanks to lighter battery

Tesla introduced the Model X Refresh at the beginning of the year but news about the all-electric SUV have been few and far between. Customer deliveries started only a few weeks ago after months of delays, and it’s only the Long Range version that’s being shipped out as those who have ordered the Plaid have to wait some more.

Documents submitted by Tesla to the EPA have revealed some juicy tidbits about the revised Model X, and according to EV enthusiast temperament on Twitter, significant changes have been made for the updated SUV. The Long Range has lost four percent of weight over its predecessor, partially thanks to a 14% drop in battery weight.

The fact Tesla has been able to shave off weight from the battery is impressive considering the pack now holds 13% more energy than before. After slimming down, the Model X Refresh Long Range tips the scales at 5,219 pounds (2,367 kilograms) whereas the previous 2020MY weighed 5,437 lbs (2,466 kg). The battery pack now weighs 1,183 lbs (537 kg) as opposed to 1,377 lbs (625 kg) installed in the pre-refresh Model X Long Range.

The good news continues as the latest variant of the zero-emissions SUV is approximately 30% more powerful than the model it replaces. It features a front-mounted electric motor rated at 243 kW and a rear e-motor producing 248 kW, up from the 180-kW front and 189-kW rear electric motors of the 2020 Model X.

Bear in mind the documents sent by Tesla to the EPA are only for the Long Range, but we’re expecting great things for the high-performance Plaid as well. Early adopters of the updated Model S and Model X are saying the sound insulation is better than before, which makes it even more remarkable the SUV has lost weight since it likely carries more sound-deadening material than before.

Source: Temperament / Twitter