April 20, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] Tesla is planning to launch two additional trim levels of the model S sedan -- 75D and 100D -- in Korea, the US-based automaker said on April 30. 

The company has begun taking preorders of Model S 75D and 100D on its Tesla Korea website and plans to deliver them within three months. 

The numbers ensuing the model name represents battery capacity; a 100D is equipped with a 100kWh battery, while the 75D is fitted with smaller 75kWh battery. The 100D -- the highest trim available for the Model S -- is priced at 128.6 million won (US$113,008) and boasts a top speed of 250 kilometers per hour. Its 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 4.4 seconds. The 75D, costing 99.4 million won, can be driven up to 225 kilometers per hour, and has a 0-100 km/h dash time of 5.4 seconds. 

At the moment, Tesla is selling only the Model S 90D at the two stores it has opened in Korea -- one in the shopping mall Starfield Hanam owned by Shinsegae Group and the other in Cheongdam-dong of southern Seoul. 

The currently available 90D -- priced at 115.7 million won -- is eligible for various tax deductions, such as for registration, consumption and acquisition taxes, as the car was designated an eco-friendly car by the Korean government. But due to its large-sized battery that requires a longer charging time, the 90D failed to meet the requirements for state subsidies of up to 22 million won. 

The Model S 75D, the 90D and the 100D are all fitted with the same software, and also Tesla’s signature driver assistance feature, Autopilot. With the goal of quickly expanding its customer base here, Tesla plans to install 14 high-speed supercharger stations by the end of this year, including at least six in Seoul. To support the promotional efforts, Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk is expected to make his first visit to Korea in June for the official launch of Tesla Korea. 

By Ahn Sung-mi (sahn@heraldcorp.com)