The Tesla Model S Raven marked a pivotal moment in electric vehicle history. Introduced in 2019, it replaced the older rear induction motor with a permanent magnet synchronous reluctance motor (the same unit from the Model 3), creating a dual-motor all-wheel-drive sedan that redefined efficiency and range in the luxury EV segment. If you are shopping the used EV market in 2026 or evaluating how the current Model S evolved, understanding the Raven powertrain is essential — it remains the mechanical foundation of every Model S sold today, including the latest Long Range and Plaid variants.
This review covers the Raven's original specifications, how it compares to the 2026 Model S lineup, real-world range and charging behavior, and whether a used Raven or a new 2026 Model S makes more financial sense.
Model S Raven Powertrain and Performance Specs
The Raven designation refers specifically to the front permanent magnet motor swap Tesla executed in April 2019. Before the Raven, the Model S used an AC induction motor on both axles. After the Raven, the front motor became far more efficient at partial load, which unlocked meaningful range gains without increasing battery size.
| Specification | Model S Long Range Raven (2019–2020) | 2026 Model S Long Range |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Dual-motor AWD | Dual-motor AWD |
| Front Motor | Permanent Magnet (Raven) | Permanent Magnet |
| Rear Motor | AC Induction | Permanent Magnet |
| Horsepower | ~469 hp (combined) | ~670 hp |
| 0–60 mph | 3.7 seconds | 3.1 seconds |
| Battery (usable) | ~100 kWh (NMC) | ~100 kWh (NMC) |
| EPA Range | 370 miles (Long Range) / 345 mi (Performance) | 402 miles |
| EPA Efficiency | 111 MPGe (30 kWh/100 mi) | 124 MPGe (27 kWh/100 mi) |
The 2026 Model S Long Range benefits from the updated "Palladium" refresh interior (introduced late 2021), a rear permanent magnet motor replacing the old induction unit, and software-optimized thermal management. But the Raven's front motor architecture persists — it was the engineering bridge that made today's efficiency figures possible.
EPA Range vs. Real-World Driving
2026 Model S Long Range: EPA-estimated 402 miles.
Real-world expectation (Raven): Plan for 290–320 miles on a highway road trip at 70–75 mph. In cold weather (below 32°F), expect 240–280 miles due to battery resistance and cabin heating load. City driving with regenerative braking can approach or slightly exceed the EPA figure.
The EPA test cycle includes substantial low-speed and stop-and-go driving, which favors regenerative braking. On the interstate, the Model S Raven's aerodynamic drag (Cd 0.24) helps, but sustained high speeds consume energy faster than the sticker suggests. In our experience with 100 kWh NMC packs of this generation, highway efficiency typically lands between 32–35 kWh/100 mi, compared to the EPA-rated 30 kWh/100 mi.
Cold weather is the equalizer for all EVs, but the Raven-era Model S lacked the heat pump that Tesla introduced with the Model Y and later retrofitted into the refreshed Model S. Without a heat pump, resistive cabin heating can draw 3–5 kW continuously in freezing temperatures, cutting range by 20–30%. If you live in a cold climate and are buying a used Raven, preconditioning the battery while plugged in is critical to preserving range and enabling fast charging.
Charging Speed: DC Fast Charge and Home Level 2
Charging speed is where the 2026 Model S significantly outpaces the Raven-era cars. Battery chemistry, thermal management, and charge-curve software have all advanced.
| Charging Level | Model S Raven (2019–2020) | 2026 Model S Long Range |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (120V / 12A) | ~1.4 kW (~3 mi/hr) | ~1.4 kW (~3 mi/hr) |
| Level 2 (240V / 48A) | 11.5 kW (~34 mi/hr) | 11.5 kW (~34 mi/hr) |
| DC Fast Charge (peak) | 200 kW (V3 Supercharger) | 250 kW (V3/V4 Supercharger) |
| 10–80% DC Fast Charge | ~38–42 minutes | ~28–32 minutes |
| Connector | Tesla (NACS) | Tesla (NACS) |
The Raven-era Model S peaked at 200 kW on V3 Superchargers, but that peak is sustained only briefly between roughly 10–30% state of charge (SoC). Above 50% SoC, the charge curve tapers significantly — you might see 80–100 kW through the middle of the curve and 40–50 kW approaching 80%. This taper is why the 10–80% time stretches past 38 minutes despite a 200 kW headline figure.
The 2026 Model S benefits from improved cell-level charge acceptance and more aggressive thermal preconditioning. When you navigate to a Supercharger in the Tesla app or in-car navigation, the battery preheats to the optimal temperature for fast charging — a feature that was less refined on early Raven cars via software updates. The result is a ~10-minute improvement in 10–80% charging time.
For home Level 2 charging, both generations use the same onboard charger hardware (11.5 kW max). On a 48-amp, 240V circuit — the recommended setup for any 100 kWh EV — you will add roughly 34 miles of range per hour. A full overnight charge (8 hours) replenishes about 270 miles, which covers most daily needs. Installation of a NACS Wall Connector typically costs $500–$800 for the unit plus $800–$2,000 for electrician labor, depending on panel proximity and whether a 60A circuit is available. Always consult a licensed electrician for final specs.
Battery Chemistry, Degradation, and Warranty
The Model S Raven uses an NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) lithium-ion battery pack with approximately 100 kWh of usable capacity. NMC chemistry offers high energy density — critical for fitting 370+ miles of range into a sedan form factor — but it is more sensitive to sustained high states of charge than LFP (lithium iron phosphate) chemistry.
| Attribute | NMC (Model S Raven) | LFP (Model 3 RWD) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Density | High (~250 Wh/kg cell) | Moderate (~170 Wh/kg cell) |
| Daily Charge Recommendation | 80% (100% for trips only) | 100% OK daily |
| Cycle Life | ~1,000–1,500 cycles | ~3,000+ cycles |
| Cold Performance | Better at low temps | Reduced in cold |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
Tesla's battery warranty for the Model S covers 8 years or 150,000 miles (whichever comes first), with a minimum 70% capacity retention threshold. For a 2019 Raven, that warranty window is closing or has closed by 2026. This is a critical consideration for used buyers: out-of-warranty battery replacement for a 100 kWh Model S pack typically costs $12,000–$20,000 depending on whether Tesla sources a new or remanufactured unit.
Real-world degradation data from high-mileage Model S owners suggests NMC packs of this generation lose roughly 10–15% capacity over the first 100,000 miles, after which the degradation curve flattens. A 2019 Raven with 70,000 miles and regular 80% daily charging limits might retain 88–92% of original capacity — translating to roughly 325–340 miles of real-world range when new-equivalent.
Interior, Cargo, and Technology
This is where the generational gap becomes stark. The 2019–2020 Raven retains the pre-refresh Model S interior: a portrait-oriented 17-inch touchscreen, analog instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, and the older center console design. It is functional and well-built, but it lacks the minimalist aesthetic and rear-seat entertainment screen of the 2026 model.
| Dimension | Model S Raven (2019–2020) | 2026 Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo (rear seats up) | 26.3 cu ft | 28.0 cu ft |
| Cargo (rear seats folded) | 58.1 cu ft | ~60 cu ft |
| Frunk | 5.3 cu ft | ~5.3 cu ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.4 in | 35.4 in |
| Front Legroom | 42.7 in | 42.7 in |
| Infotainment | 17" touchscreen (MCU2) | 17" touchscreen (MCU3, AMD Ryzen) |
The Raven's MCU2 (Media Control Unit 2) infotainment system was a significant upgrade over the original MCU1, supporting faster map rendering, Netflix/YouTube streaming while parked, and the Tesla Arcade gaming suite. However, it uses an Intel Atom processor that feels sluggish by 2026 standards compared to the AMD Ryzen chip in the current Model S.
On the driver-assistance front, the Raven includes Tesla's Autopilot hardware suite (HW3). Basic Autopilot — traffic-aware cruise control and lane centering — is standard and remains a competent SAE Level 2 system. Full Self-Driving (Supervised) capability was available as a $7,000–$10,000 add-on, but it is critical to understand: FSD is not autonomous driving. The driver must remain fully engaged, hands on or near the wheel, eyes on the road, at all times.
Pricing, Tax Credits, and Ownership Cost
A new 2019 Model S Long Range Raven carried a base MSRP of approximately $79,990. The Performance variant started around $99,990. By 2026, these vehicles are available only on the used market.
| Model | Original MSRP | Est. 2026 Used Price | Federal Tax Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Model S Long Range (Raven) | $79,990 | $35,000–$45,000 | Up to $4,000 (used EV credit, §25E) |
| 2020 Model S Performance (Raven) | $99,990 | $42,000–$55,000 | Up to $4,000 (used EV credit, §25E) |
| 2026 Model S Long Range (new) | $79,990 | $79,990 | Not eligible — MSRP exceeds §30D cap |
| 2026 Model S Plaid (new) | $94,990 | $94,990 | Not eligible — MSRP exceeds §30D cap |
The IRS §30D federal tax credit of up to $7,500 applies only to new EVs with an MSRP at or below $55,000 for sedans. The 2026 Model S, starting at $79,990, far exceeds this cap and does not qualify. This is a common misconception among luxury EV buyers — the credit was designed to target mainstream-priced vehicles.
However, the used EV tax credit under IRS §25E offers up to $4,000 (30% of the sale price, capped at $4,000) for qualified used EVs priced at $25,000 or less, sold through a licensed dealer, to buyers meeting income limits ($75,000 single / $150,000 joint MAGI). A used Model S Raven priced above $25,000 would not qualify for this credit either. Buyers in the $35,000–$45,000 range for a used Raven should budget without expecting federal incentives, though state-level rebates may apply — check your local energy agency for current programs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Class-leading 370-mile EPA range when new (2019 Long Range)
- Supercharger network access — the most reliable DC fast-charging ecosystem in the US
- Spacious sedan with 26+ cu ft cargo and a usable frunk
- Strong performance: 3.7-second 0–60 in Long Range trim
- Over-the-air updates continued to add features years after purchase
- Used pricing in 2026 makes it accessible vs. new luxury EVs
Cons
- No heat pump on 2019–2020 models — significant cold-weather range loss
- NMC battery requires 80% daily charge limit to minimize degradation
- DC fast charging slower than 2026 competitors (200 kW peak vs. 250–350 kW)
- Battery warranty expiring on early Ravens — replacement cost risk
- Pre-refresh interior feels dated vs. the Palladium cabin
- No federal tax credit eligibility at typical used-market prices
Is the Model S Raven Worth It in 2026?
- You want 300+ miles of real-world range at a sub-$45,000 price point
- Supercharger access is a priority for road trips
- You can verify battery State of Health (SoH) above 88% via a pre-purchase inspection
- You live in a mild climate where cold-weather range loss is manageable
- You want a full 8-year/150,000-mile battery warranty
- You need the fastest DC charging available (250 kW, ~30 min 10–80%)
- You value the updated Palladium interior, rear screen, and AMD infotainment
- You can absorb the $80,000 price without tax-credit assistance
- You want newer battery chemistry or a heat pump as standard
- Build quality and interior materials are a top priority
- You prefer a traditional luxury-brand dealership experience
The Model S Raven remains one of the most significant EVs ever produced. It proved that a large luxury sedan could deliver 370 miles of EPA range while maintaining sports-car acceleration, and it did so at a time when most competitors were struggling to crack 250 miles. In 2026, a well-maintained Raven with verified battery health represents strong value in the used EV market — just budget for the realities of NMC battery care and an expiring warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the real-world range of the Model S Raven?
The EPA-rated 370 miles (Long Range) translates to approximately 290–320 miles in real-world highway driving at 70–75 mph, and 240–280 miles in freezing temperatures. City driving with frequent regenerative braking can approach the EPA figure.
How fast does the Model S Raven charge?
On a V3 Supercharger, the Raven peaks at 200 kW but tapers significantly above 50% SoC, resulting in a 10–80% charge time of roughly 38–42 minutes. At home on a 48-amp Level 2 charger, it adds about 34 miles of range per hour (11.5 kW).
Does the Model S Raven qualify for the federal EV tax credit?
Not at typical 2026 used-market prices. The §25E used EV credit caps at vehicles priced $25,000 or less, and most Ravens sell for $35,000–$55,000. The new-car §30D credit does not apply to used purchases, and the new 2026 Model S exceeds the $55,000 MSRP cap for sedans.
Is it worth buying a used Raven vs. a new 2026 Model S?
If you can verify battery health and are comfortable without a full factory warranty, a used Raven at $35,000–$45,000 offers exceptional range and Supercharger access for the money. The 2026 model adds 30+ miles of range, faster charging, a heat pump, and the Palladium interior — but at nearly double the cost with no federal tax credit.
What are the biggest risks of buying a used Model S Raven?
The primary risk is battery replacement cost ($12,000–$20,000) if the pack degrades below 70% capacity after the 8-year/150,000-mile warranty expires. Request a battery health report, check for any open recalls via NHTSA, and confirm the drive unit service history before purchase.
What is the difference between the Raven and the Plaid?
The Plaid (introduced 2021) uses a tri-motor setup with three permanent magnet motors producing 1,020 hp, achieving a 1.99-second 0–60 mph time. The Raven uses a dual-motor setup (permanent magnet front, induction rear) with ~469 hp and a 3.7-second 0–60. The Plaid also features the updated Palladium interior and 250 kW peak charging.
