Tesla Guns For Eternal Drive Units

Tesla Model S (Credit: Tesla)

Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk isn’t taking the news that Consumer Reports no longer recommends the Model S sitting down. Instead of lashing out at the publication, he’s making huge promises that are causing some to praise him, while others wonder how he could possibly deliver.

More specifically, Musk has said that his company is gunning to create drive units for its cars that would be eternal. It’s a lofty goal, but Tesla Motors has a habit of shooting for the stars, something other automakers often find annoying.

While some of the issues Consumer Reports has a problem with when it comes to the Tesla Model S include door handles that don’t extend properly or sunroofs that are too rickety, the most troubling complaint has to do with the cars’ drivetrains.

Naturally, Tesla’s investors are pretty concerned about the accusations of reliability problems. Musk addressed the issue during a conference call this week, telling investors and stock analysts what the company’s doing about it, reports Ecomento.

Apparently, the electric drive units on the early Model S cars actually do wear out prematurely, and the culprit is too little lubrication. Musk says that engineers turned up the automatic grease injection for later designs, which has solved the reliability issue. He reiterated that customers with the faulty units received free replacements, which hopefully has kept them satisfied.

To help allay fears from owners, Tesla Motors has increased its battery and drive unit factory warranties to eight years and unlimited miles.

While the drive units that are included in the current Tesla vehicles likely won’t last indefinitely, Musk says they’re ‘excellent” in comparison to the old design. When exactly the company plans to create drive units that last forever isn’t exactly clear.

Musk also used the conference call to reiterate that despite the trouble with Consumer Reports, Tesla owners show higher levels of satisfaction than any other car brand on the market today. That fact alone should help investors sleep easier at night.