【】

Tesla's electric sedan, the Model S, currently comes in two basic variants: The 70D and the 90D, the numbers corresponding with the battery size in each model, 70kWh and 90kWh, respectively.

But a third option will soon become available: The Model S 75D. 

Electrekfound that out by digging through the California Air Resource Board (CARB)'s website, and it was later confirmed by a Tesla spokesperson. The Verge got some more details directly from Tesla; a spokesperson said the 75kWh battery would be a $3,000 option for the Model S, with the launch being later this week. 

Mashable Light SpeedWant more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Thanks for signing up!

SEE ALSO:Tesla tested Model X's Bioweapon Defense Mode, and it performed admirably

The change is not very surprising for several reasons. Tesla already did something similar with the high-end Model S model, which originally came with an 85kWh battery. Soon after the 90kWh variant was introduced, the Tesla Model S 85 was removed from the lineup. Since the 75kWh battery pack is currently one of the two options available for Tesla's SUV, the Model X (the other is 90kWh), it makes sense for Tesla to simplify things with just two battery options across its range. 

The range on the entry-level Tesla Model S 70 with a rear wheel drive is 234 miles per charge. A battery capacity increase of about 7% could theoretically bring that range to about 250 miles. The all-wheel drive S 70D has a bigger estimated range, 240 miles per hour. The new battery pack could increase that to around 257 miles.  

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.

TopicsTeslaCars