Tesla hasn’t shared any details about the next-generation Model S or Model X, but after spending time with these vehicles, it’s clear they could benefit from updates to their design, interior, and technology to stay competitive.
Both models have received major upgrades since their launch in the previous decade, but Tesla has hinted that more changes are on the way. In its Q4 and FY 2024 Update presentation, a slide titled “Cybertruck – Advancements in Vehicle Technology and Architecture” outlined components and tech developed for the electric truck that the company plans to use in future models.
Based on this, here are the 6 features that we’re hoping to see in the next-gen Tesla Model X and Model S:
Integrated Audio with Body Structure
Tesla could use its future sedan and SUV’s body structure as a resonance chamber for dual subwoofers. This approach, first seen in the Cybertruck, allows for powerful audio output while minimizing space usage.
48-Volt Electrical Architecture
A 48-volt system would reduce electrical current by four times and lower heat generation by 16 times compared to conventional 12-volt systems. This setup would decrease wiring complexity, reduce weight, and improve energy efficiency in the next-gen Model S and Model X.
800-Volt Battery System
An 800-volt battery architecture, similar to what Tesla uses in its recent launches such as the Cybertruck and Semi, would enable smaller, lighter cables while supporting faster charging.
Etherloop Communication Architecture
A gigabit Ethernet-based communication system could replace traditional wiring networks, improving data transfer speeds by 1,000 times. This setup, used in the Cybertruck, would allow for a more distributed control system while reducing vehicle wiring by 70%.
Bidirectional Charging
Tesla’s next-gen vehicles could include bidirectional charging, allowing them to supply power to homes, job sites, or other devices. With up to 11.5 kW of output, the system could provide hours of backup power to owners of the next-gen Model S and Model X.
Steer-by-Wire with Rear-Wheel Steering
A steer-by-wire system, as seen in the Cybertruck, would eliminate the traditional steering column, replacing it with electronic controllers and motors. This technology could enable variable steering ratios, improving maneuverability at low speeds and stability at high speeds. Rear-wheel steering, with up to 10 degrees of movement, could further enhance agility in tight spaces and highway stability.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
