Tesla Model S and Model X ranges get big upgrades

Tesla is giving its Model S and Model X cars much-needed boosts — just as its older offerings have seen sales languish.

Range and charging capabilities will be upgraded in both, the carmaker announced in a blog post Tuesday. Tesla is also bringing back a cheaper version of the cars that don't have as much range.

The new Model S can now get 370 miles on a single charge, while the Model X steps up to 325 miles thanks to an all-new drivetrain design. Previously, these cars got 335 miles and 295 miles out of their batteries, respectively. (To help you picture all that, the shortest route from LA to San Francisco is about 380 miles.) The cars will be slightly less-expensive than what used to be Tesla's longest-range options: starting at $88,000 for the S and $93,000 for the X. These upgrades come with no changes to the cars' 100 kWh battery packs. The improvements will start at its Fremont factory this week. Read more...