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Want the Tech Package just for Navigation, don't get it.

Many people want the Technology Package on the base model Model S, but if you don't want/need the Xenon headlamps, Electrochromatic side mirrors, LED foglights, Convenience lighting, Power rear liftgate, High definition back-up camera, Homelink, and Automatic keyless entry, you can save $3,750 on your Model S. Why? Because you can always go on the internet, go on Google Maps, and get Turn-by-Turn driving directions. Keep in mind that the internet system is STANDARD. But if you REALLY want those extra features, then suit yourself.


I've had Fords. Trust me, quality ain't job 1. I doubt it's even in the top 50.

The basic car has a backup camera; with tech package it is a 720p backup camera. It is pretty sweet- it's really a rearview camera, not just a backup camera, because (unlike my wife's volvo) you can leave it on (occupying half the screen) WHILE DRIVING so it is sort of an auxiliary rear view- view is reversed like a mirror, but has a fair view angle out into the blind spots. Pretty much makes up for the slot-like visibility out the rear window with the actual mirror.

Leveling the lights (regardless of the technology used to emit it) is a non-issue for cars with air suspension, b/c the entire car is automatically leveled regardless of load (within the legal limits). Thus, if you intend to get the air suspension anyway, you don't have to worry about blinding anyone with your low-beams.

Also auto-leveling lights have been around for decades now. Should not be difficult task to include those in Model S (if not yet, then 2.0).


Time to take a look at consumer reports. Ford has been acting like a real automaker for the last three years or so. Several models have better repair records, better driving dynamics, fuel economy, and far better interior finishes than their Asian counterparts.

Sounds to me that you know as much about current offerings as Romney knows about Tesla. Things change. And sometimes perception stays the same. Get out of your private bubbles people.

If you configured without the Tech package and are having second thoughts, better check with TM now. I'm P2860, inquired yesterday, and received an email today saying it was too late. My order had gone to the factory.

There has been at least one recent report of a Telsa rep saying that cars without the Tech Package will have a GPS and navigation though will not have turn by turn navigation.

This is in opposition to previous, consistent comments by Tesla reps saying that cars without Tech will not even have a GPS installed and that no navigation, only route guidance via web-based Google maps, will be available.

Can anyone corroborate this recent report? A few 85kWh cars with Air but without Tech will soon be entering production. I'm wondering if Tesla's policy regarding non-Tech cars has solidified in a changed format or if this report was misinterpreted or miscommunicated. Thanks.

@ddruz - I haven't been in a car without the tech package, but my understanding is that if you don't have it, what you have is Google Maps running in a browser. In that, you get the list of turns and it draws your route on the map and can follow where you are (if the browser supplies location information to the web app), but it doesn't tell you "in a half mile, turn right onto Foo Bar Rd".

Tech package should be standard as over 90% are going to order it and if that was 100% we would all save a few bucks eliminating the option. Same goes for performance, pano roof and stereo upgrade. Leave the stripped down car buyers to get a Volt or Leaf.

dstiavnicky, I disagree.

@dstiavnicky - Besides having a non-Tech package Model S that may be delivered before the end of the year, I also own one of those "stripped down" Leafs. Did you know that TBT Nav and XM/Sirius radio is standard equipment if both models of the Leaf? That will cost you an extra $4700 to get in Model S. We will soon be an all electric vehicle family, but if I want compartmented console storage, door panel storage, heated back seats, steering wheel and side mirrors, a CD player, aux input jack for my mp3 player or carpeted front and rear floor mats, I'll have to take the Leaf. If my wife wants a lighted sun visor vanity mirror, she'll take our Camry. I can also set two separate charge timers in the Leaf. Can you do that in Model S? They are two very different cars for two very different markets. They just both happen to be EVs. Yea!

@dstlavnicky - I don't want the pano roof, and I would be very unhappy if you made me get one. I also wouldn't pay $15k for the performance option, as 0-60 in 5.5s in plenty for me., I guess I'm spoiled, I want my Model S to exceed the 0-60 in more like 3.5 seconds, sorry to take it off topic, I love the reaction people give me when I "punch it" and like a typical adrenaline junky, I want MORE... :D

Yes, TM focussed on "the dimensions that count", and Leaf so far has better bells and whistles. The difference is that every MS will continually upgrade, whereas the Leafs will only wear out, and can never offer anything more in "the dimensions that count". ;)

@stevenmaifert - You may be one of the first to get a car without the Tech package. When it arrives please post whether there is any GPS or stripped down navigation. At this point I am assuming without Tech you get web-based Google maps route guidance like on a PC but no GPS indication of car location on the map. It would also be great to know what you think of the standard definition back up camera, FOB operated door handles and manual lift rear gate.

I too have a Leaf and have been astonished that the standard amenities on Model S don't compare. The rest of Model S of course blows the Leaf totally and completely out of the water. - Got the call today. Delivery is December 23. Will be happy to check out all you asked about and post my thoughts/opinion.

@ddruz - Google Maps in the browser can show you where you are via GPS if your browser makes it available (such as on a tablet).

'Twas the day before the night before Christmas,

'Twas the day before the day before the night before Christmas,

;) - Yes, well aware of this. Tesla has previously consistently stated that cars without Tech will not even have a GPS installed therefore would be unable to pinpoint car on Google maps. The question is whether they have changed their mind about this. We should know in just a couple weeks when stevenmaifert gets his car.

My experiences driving a 2011 Roadster Sport with the Alpine tech package in that car, resulted in me owning and using a recent model iPad with 3G and the GPS built in.

I find an app from MotionX called "GPS Drive HD" works great on the iPad. It is quick to update the map as you drive, you can preload map data, the nav and search features work well, you can customize the voices to taste, choose from 3D or 4 other map views, including traffic overlay on the map. It is a simple button tap to orient the map for always north at top, or forward direction toward the top of map, change map type, the display updates instantly. This app uses bing maps, so there is no issue with Apple failed map update.

So, having solved the nav problem myself, I opted out of the tech package on my Model S. Will the standard headlights on the Model S be so bad that I want to upgrade them? Time will tell. I expect to love the car. Currently it is sitting lonely at the factory, having waited all week so far, to be loaded on a truck. I keep asking, but there seems to be no information as to the reason for the delay in putting the car on a truck, -presumably the easiest part of building cars and selling them to customers.

I have finally got the answer about the tech package and what it would take to get a xenon light set after purchasing the car without the tech package. I have talked to a parts department at Tesla and they said that the roadster has a package for $600 and it is very likely that Model S will have the same option. The voltage and wiring is the same so if you can't afford $4000 tech package, it is likely that you will be able to get Xenon's afterwards. My reason to go without the tech package is simple. The Canadian duty and taxes come up to hefty $17 000 and I have to do my best to keep the price down.
Suddenly the 60 kW option with sunroof and suspension came to over 90000. I love what Tesla is doing, I am really unhappy the duty that Canada imposed on it.

The Google maps app for the iPhone provides turn by turn voice navigation. Will the sound for this app come through on the standard sound system?


Yes, the audio plays fine through my sound system. I have the upgraded sound system, but I doubt that it matters.

Depends how sexy the voice is ...

Cool!! Thanks DR.

A question was asked a while back (I can't find the thread) about whether other smartphone audio plays via Bluetooth over the car's speakers. It does. I have the Rhapsody music service, and not only does the audio play, but I get skip and pause controls as well as album art on the touch screen. I haven't checked everything, but when my iPhone is selected as the audio device in the car's Media Player App, everything that would normally produce audio on the phone's speakers seems to play through the car's speakers. Sounds pretty good, too!

Without the tech package how does the keyless entry work? Is there a key hole?

I just want key less entry and maybe homelink (and even then I park outside)..

so for $3,700, I'm not sold on Xeon and other features.

*I drive a 2009 Range rover sport now, so yes, I know how bright the lights are. And the range has active head lights , something that's more important then the bulb type.

Do you know if you can add a after market alarm?

Also without the tech package, no back up camera... I can live without it, don't have it now.

- Home link ~ $300
- Keyless entry ~ $300
- Backup camera ~ $900

so i'm still $1,600 off what I think its worth.

You still get a back up camera - just not HD

"Without the tech package how does the keyless entry work? Is there a key hole?"

The tech package gives you "Automatic Keyless Entry", which means that you don't need to touch the key fob. As you approach the car it detects the fob and unlocks and extends the handles without you doing anything. Without the tech package you have normal keyless entry and and press the top of the key fob to unlock the car.

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