Tesla Model S is here
Mar 27, 2009 Auto Tech, Green Technologies
Tesla Model S
After teasing us for months, Tesla took the wraps off its Model S, its all electric family sedan. It is currently accepting bookings. So, if you are interested, you could head over to their website and place your order now, though production will start from 2011!
The standard Model S does 0-60 mph (0-100 kmph) in under 6 seconds and will be electronically limited to 130 mph. Sports versions will have under 5 second 0-60 mph time! Just like the Tesla Roadster, the Model S will have a single speed gearbox.
The Model S will offer various battery configurations with a range of upto 300 miles (480kms). It will carry its charger onboard and can be recharged from any 120V, 240V or 480V outlet, with the latter taking only 45 minutes.
Model S and Roadster
So one could go out for a drive in the morning and let it charge at a public charging outlets being set up by Better Place or Coulomb Technologies, while you enjoy your lunch and then drive off into the horizon! When these start offering battery swap stations, you could also swap your discharged floor mounted battery in less than the time it takes to fill up at a gas station and make a scorching getaway.
The interiors are no less alluring, with a 17-inch touchscreen with in-car 3G connectivity allows passengers to listen to internet Pandora Radio or consult Google Maps, or check their state of charge remotely from their iPhone or laptop!
All this comes with prices starting at $57400 and thats before a government tax credit of $7500 further sweetens the deal in US.
Model S
Tesla has not been punctual with its release dates or been able to hold its prices in the past and the 2011 target is also contingent upon government loan guarantees that the company is expecting. Still the pricing seems unbeatable when compared to the $88000 price tag of the FIsker Karma and the expected $40000 for the Chevrolet Volt, both extended range EVs coming earlier than the Model S. Tesla’s own Roadster sells for just over $100000, of which nearly 300 have been delivered and there is a 1,000 long waiting list, with production of approximately 30 vehicles per month.
The Model S is really clever package. Since an electric motor is more compact than conventional engines, the Model S fits seven people and their luggage: five adults and two children in rear-facing seats under the hatch inside, with luggage in the boot up front.
Model S
The 300-mile range in the Model S vs the Roadster’s 244-mile range is courtesy 8,000 battery cells vs. 6,000 in the Roadster, with the batteries having improved mass and volumetric performance. The improved cd of 0.27 vs. 0.35 of the Roadster also helps.
Other interesting bits: on a 220V outlet, the car can be recharged in 4 hours; customers will be able to buy the 160-mile battery pack and rent the long range pack for a trip.
Tesla has been started by Elon Musk, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur who made his billion dollar payday through the sale of Paypal. It also sells the Roadster, a car as fast as a Porsche GT3.
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