Tesla Model S Performance P85, 2014 EU Free Supercharging, 165000 km

Here is an outline of the benefits of the Tesla Model S Performance P85, 2014 (EU spec) with Free Supercharging.

*Note: The „P85“ was produced 2012–2014. The „Performance“ model was sometimes called P85 or P85+. In 2014, the „P85D“ (dual motor) appeared later in the year. This outline focuses on the RWD Performance P85 (pre-Dual Motor), common in early-to-mid 2014 EU deliveries.*

1. Free Supercharging (Unlimited, Non-Transferable?)

• Lifetime free Supercharging – unique to very early Teslas (pre-2017). No per-kWh or per-minute fees at any Tesla Supercharger in Europe.

• EU-specific benefit: No roaming fees or subscription – works across all EU countries with Superchargers (Germany, France, Italy, Scandinavia, UK, etc.).

• V2 Supercharging support – up to ~120–135 kW (slower than modern 250 kW, but free).

• Potential for transfer: Original 2014 cars often have free Supercharging attached to the car (not owner). In EU, many remained transferable privately – check Tesla’s current policy. If transferable, it adds significant resale value.

Critical nuance: Some 2014 EU P85s had free Supercharging non-transferable if sold by a dealer or after a certain date. Verify with Tesla if buying used.

2. Performance Benefits (2014 P85)

• 0–100 km/h: ~4.2 seconds (with “Insane Mode” – optional, rare). Standard Performance ~4.4s. Very fast for 2014.

• Top speed: ~210 km/h (limited).

• Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Lighter front end, playful handling, less understeer than later AWD models.

• Instant torque: 600 Nm from 0 rpm – no lag, no gear shifts.

• Single motor efficiency: Slightly lower consumption than early dual-motor cars at highway speeds.

3. Free Supercharging + Long-Distance Travel Benefits

• Zero fuel cost for road trips – charge at Superchargers for free indefinitely. Over 100,000 km, saves €5,000–10,000 vs. paid Supercharging or petrol.

• No idle fees worry (though Tesla may still apply idle fees if you leave car plugged in after full charge – free energy doesn’t exempt you).

• Perfect for high-mileage drivers – couriers, cross-continent commuters, road-trip enthusiasts.

• Supercharger network access – still one of the most reliable in Europe, even for older cars (Type 2 connector on 2014 EU P85).

4. Practical & Usability Benefits (2014 EU Spec)

• Practical hatchback – large boot (745 litres rear seats up, ~1,645 litres folded). Frunk (150 litres).

• Towing capability – up to 1,200 kg braked (EU spec) – enough for small trailer or bike rack.

• Heated seats (front and rear) – standard on many 2014 P85s in cold EU markets.

• Panoramic roof (common option) – rare in modern EVs.

• Air suspension (standard on Performance) – adjustable ride height for speed bumps, driveways, or rough roads.

5. Ownership & Environmental Benefits

• No road tax in some EU countries (e.g., Norway, parts of Germany temporarily) – but 2014 car may now enter reduced tax bands.

• Low-emission zone access – all EU LEZs/ULEZ (e.g., London, Paris, Milan) allow free entry.

• No congestion charge in some cities (e.g., London ULEZ and Congestion Charge exempt until 2025? – check local rules).

• Lower maintenance than ICE – no oil, belts, spark plugs, exhaust, clutch. Brake pads last 100k+ km due to regen.

• Battery warranty (expired for most 2014s) – original was 8 years/unlimited km. By 2024+, battery is out of warranty – a risk but also a negotiating point for purchase price.

6. Unique “Classic” Model S Benefits

• Vertical 17-inch touchscreen – unique, some owners prefer layout over horizontal screens.

• Physical stalks and controls – no yoke, no gear selection via screen – familiar to traditional drivers.

• Dashboard instrument cluster screen – shows navigation, media, energy use.

• Sunroof option – openable glass roof (rare on newer Teslas).

• Smaller, lighter body – ~2,100 kg vs. ~2,300+ kg for modern Long Range – more agile.

• No cabin camera – complete privacy inside (no driver monitoring beyond steering wheel torque).

7. EU-Specific Advantages (2014)

• Type 2 (Mennekes) charging port – compatible with most public AC chargers in Europe without adapter.

• CHAdeMO adapter support (rare) – could use early rapid chargers in some EU countries (though obsolete now).

• Genuine free Supercharging – many 2014 EU cars were sold before Tesla introduced “transfer fee” or “owner-only” restrictions. Some remain fully attached to VIN.

• Lower insurance group (often) than newer Performance models – due to lower assessed value.

8. Potential Hidden Value (If Free Supercharging is Transferable)

• Resale premium – a 2014 P85 with transferable free Supercharging can sell for €5,000–10,000 more than identical car without.

• Ideal second car – use for long trips, keep another EV for daily commuting.

• Roof rack compatible – OEM roof rack available for bikes, skis, boxes.

• Aftermarket upgrades – many owners retrofit MCU2 (faster screen, Netflix, better maps) or LTE module.

Key Limitations to Consider (Honest counterpoint)

• Range: Original ~85 kWh battery (net ~81 kWh). Real-world range today (2026) with degradation: ~320–350 km (vs. ~425 km new). Cold weather: ~250–280 km.

• Slow Supercharging: Older battery limits charging speed. 10–80% can take 45–60 minutes (modern cars do 20–30 min).

• Outdated tech: No Autopilot (2014 pre-AP), or optional AP1 (Mobileye, basic lane keeping) – no FSD, no Sentry Mode, no Netflix while parked unless MCU2 upgraded.

• Battery failure risk: Out-of-warranty battery replacement costs €15,000–20,000+ in EU.

• Drive unit failures – early large drive units had issues. Replacement cost €5,000–8,000.

• RWD in snow: Less traction than AWD – winter tyres essential in Alpine/Scandinavian regions.

• No heat pump – cabin heating uses resistive heater, reducing winter range significantly.

• Parts availability: Some early Model S parts are harder to find in EU (e.g., door handles, MCU1 eMMC).

Summary – Who Is This Car For?

Bottom line: The 2014 EU Model S P85 with free Supercharging is a collector’s curiosity and a fantastic value if you drive many km, understand battery degradation, and accept the risk of no warranty. The free Supercharging alone can pay for the car’s purchase price over 3–5 years of heavy use.