Tesla Model S

Tesla Motors is now taking orders for the Model S, an all electric family sedan that carries seven people and travels 483 kilometers per charge.

The Model S, which carries its charger onboard, can be recharged from any 120V, 240V or 480V outlet, with the latter taking only 45 minutes. By recharging their car while they stop for a meal, drivers can go from LA to New York in approximately the same time as a gasoline car. Moreover, the floor-mounted battery pack is designed to be changed out in less time than it takes to fill a gas tank, allowing for the possibility of battery-pack swap stations.

The floor-mounted powertrain also results in unparalleled cargo room and versatility, as the volume under the front hood becomes a second trunk. Combining that with a four-bar linkage hatchback rear trunk and flat folding rear seats, the Model S can accommodate a 50-inch television, mountain bike *and* surfboard simultaneously. This packaging efficiency gives the Model S more trunk space than any other sedan on the market and more than most SUVs.

"Model S doesn't compromise on performance, efficiency or utility -- it's truly the only car you need," said Tesla CEO, Chairman and Product Architect Elon Musk. "Tesla is relentlessly driving down the cost of electric vehicle technology, and this is just the first of many mainstream cars we're developing."

Tesla expects to start Model S production in late 2011. The company believes it is close to receiving $350 million in federal loans to build the Model S assembly plant in California from the Dept of Energy's Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Program.

[B]Building on Proven Technology[/B]

Tesla is the only production automaker already selling highway-capable EVs in North America or Europe. With 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, the Roadster outperforms almost all sports cars in its class yet is six times as energy efficient as gas guzzlers and delivers 393 kilometers per charge. Tesla has delivered nearly 300 Roadsters, and nearly 1,000 more customers are on the wait list.

Teslas do not require routine oil changes, and they have far fewer moving (and breakable) parts than internal combustion engine vehicles. They qualify for federal and state tax credits, rebates, sales tax exemptions, free parking, commuter-lane passes and other perks. Model S costs roughly US$5 to drive 370 kilometers - a bargain even if gasoline were US$1 per gallon.

The anticipated base price of the Model S is US$49,900 after a federal tax credit of US$7,500. The company has not released options pricing. Three battery pack choices will offer a range of 258, 370 or 483 kilometers per charge.

"Model S costs half as much as a Roadster, and it's a better value than much cheaper cars," Musk said. "The ownership cost of Model S, if you were to lease and then account for the much lower cost of electricity vs. gasoline at a likely future cost of US$4 per gallon, is similar to a gasoline car with a sticker price of about US$35,000. I'm positive this car will be the preferred choice of savvy consumers."

The standard Model S does 0-100 km/h in under six seconds and will have an electronically limited top speed of 209 km/h, with sport versions expected to achieve 0-100 km/h acceleration well below five seconds. A single-speed gearbox delivers effortless acceleration and responsive handling. A 17-inch touchscreen with in-car 3G connectivity allows passengers to listen to Pandora Radio or consult Google Maps, or check their state of charge remotely from their iPhone or laptop.

Tesla is taking reservations online and at showrooms in California. Tesla will open a store in Chicago this spring and plans to open stores in London, New York, Miami, Seattle, Washington DC and Munich later this year.

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[I]Tesla Model S with Tesla Roadster[/I]

Credits: JRC