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!