Saturday, March 28, 2009

2011 Tesla Model S


This is really really BIG NEWS! Tesla Motors announced the Model S will be available for sale in 2011, they have started taking orders. Most people that read my blog are familiar with the Tesla Roadster. Tesla is a U.S. company that is at the forefront of automotive technology. During the current economic difficulties they have a backlog of orders for their high technology vehicles. Actually, they are producing the cars of the future now! Click here to go to the Tesla Model S website!

The Model S is a four door sedan but it can carry seven people and travels 300 miles per charge. Also, Tesla indicates that the Model S can carry more cargo than many SUVs. Apparently, the powertrain is in the floor, which gives the Model S a substantial amount of cargo room, the space under the hood is used as a second trunk.
Actually, it might be the worlds first mass produced highway capable electric vehicle! That is as long as it beats General Motors Chevy Volt or the Toyota Prius plug in to the market first. The Model S is strictly battery powered, it does not have an engine. Production will be at a new plant in Hawthorne, California, which is close to the LA International Airport.

Here comes the best part! The Model S carries a charger on board, and the vehicle can be charged from any 120V, 240V or 480V outlet. Using the 480V outlet charges the batteries in forty five minutes. Tesla indicates that the vehicle can be driven across country similar to a regular gasoline car.



The 0-60 time is under six seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. Pricing for the Model S starts at $57,400, a $7,500 federal tax credit helps to reduce the cost. Three different battery options will offer a range of 160, 230 or 300 miles.

Tesla is planning to come out with a model that costs $30,000. "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 is planning to open showrooms in London, New York, Miami, Seattle, Washington D.C. and Munich sometime this year.

My take on the Model S is this a game changer! It shows that a small company can produce a state of the art product with limited financing in an extremely difficult economic climate. This company will become a household name within the next couple of years. I will take mine in black!

6 comments:

  1. Wow Pete, It is interesting post on Electric Car. Though we all know it is coming, but now I start to feel the future is now.

    Thank you for your info. Please continue to give us updates.

    Thanks again,
    Shaw Funami
    Fill the Missing Link

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello Shaw,

    The Model S is a material breakthru with electric cars! The price point for the Model S is luxury class. But, they will go mainstream after the Model S.

    This is an exceptional company! Keep an eye out for Tesla! They are going to make some great things happen!

    Thanks for commenting!

    Best Regards

    Pete Baca
    The Car Enthusiast Online

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Pete .. again interesting to your February post .. that this is being assembeld by Lotus in England and I'll look forward to see the launch in the UK .. electrics are obviously one of the ways forward for cars ..

    I'dl love to know how they get 7 people in ...! Also the mph seems quite a good speed & a decent length of battery mileage .. so as you say things are looking up ..

    Thanks 'Telsa' to the fore ..
    Hilary Melton-Butcher
    Positive Letters

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hello Hilary,

    The Roadster is being assembled by Lotus since it is a Lotus platform. That way they meet all the safety requirements.

    I am of the opinion that electrics will be a big intermediate step until they solve the hydrogen problems.

    With electric vehicles you don't have to worry about gasoline prices just electricity prices!

    I thought that 7 people was very interesting, that is SUV/Van territory. This was announced on Friday,so I am going up to the dealer/factory during the week to check it out!

    They have obviously solved the battery problem. Most electrics announced have a range of 40 miles, this is the game changer!

    Thanks for commenting!

    Pete Baca
    The Car Entusiast Online

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Pete
    The Tesla sound wonderful and price are very good. I can't wait to test drive one, normally I am not one to want to try a electric car. I will however be open to a Tesla :-)
    Thank you,
    Giovanan Garcia
    Imperfect Action is better than No Action

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hello Giovanna,

    This is a great car at an exceptional price! I predict they will sell like hotcakes!

    Electric cars are usually fast! This one is no exception!

    Looks like an Aston Martin to me! I am going to the dealer to check it out! I plan on putting the Model S on my shopping list!

    Thanks for commenting!

    Pete Baca
    The Car Enthusiast Online

    ReplyDelete