Tesla Model S

Photo by:   EcoGeek.org

Photos unveiled last week gave consumers a preview of what’s to come from our nation’s premiere electric car company, Tesla Motors.  Tesla gained success a few years ago by producing the Tesla Roadster, a sleek electric sports car.  Released on a small scale (1,200 units per year) and for a hefty price ($107,000), the car’s looks and performance caught many people’s attention.  The Roadster can go from 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds (as fast as a Porsche 911) and has a range of 244 miles per charge. 

The success of the Roadster led Tesla Motors to introduce a family sedan.  To do so, Tesla has been expanding its operations to build the sedan on a larger scale (20,000 units per year) and for a more affordable price.  Along with the photos last week, bits of information were also leaked.  The sedan will be called the Model S and cost $49,900 after a federal tax credit of $7,500.  The electric car can seat up to 7 people and will have more cargo space than a station wagon.  The car has a driving range of 300 miles and can be recharged by any electric outlet.  The increased size and weight of the car will not hold back the car’s performance.  Tesla claims the Model S will go from 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds.  Tesla expects to start Model S production in late 2011.