PluginTeslaModelS

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The Tesla Model S sedan made its world
debut today at Elon Musk's Space X
facility in Hawthorne, CA. In addition to
announcing various details on the car,
Musk reiterated his confidence in the
eventual success of the program. "I have
zero doubt that this car will be
manufactured," Musk told the assembled
press. Here's a basic rundown of the
details that Musk divulged during his
questions and answer sessions with
reporters:
- Range: approximately 300 miles
- Fast charge capability: 45 minutes
- Battery pack can be swapped out in
less time that it takes to fill a typical gas
tank
- 0-to-60mph in less than 6.0-seconds.
Top speed: 135mph
- Approximate weight: 4,000 pounds
- Aluminum body panels
- Single speed transmission
- 7-passenger capacity via two
rear-facing seats in the cargo area
- Cost: $49,900 after federal tax credit

An all electric family sedan that carries seven people and travels 300 miles per charge. We also launched a web site and began taking orders for this
historic vehicle, which will likely be world's first mass-produced, highway-capable EV. 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. Building on Proven Technology...Tesla is the only production automaker already selling
highway-capable EVs in North America or Europe. With 0-60 mph 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 244 miles per charge. Tesla has delivered nearly 300 Roadsters, and nearly 1,000 more customers
are on the waitlist. 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 $5 to drive 230 miles – a bargain even if gasoline were $1 per gallon. The anticipated base price of the Model S is $49,900 after a federal
tax credit of $7,500. The company has not released options pricing. Three battery pack choices will offer a range of 160, 230 or 300 miles per charge.
But the anticipated sticker price doesn't tell the full story. Model S costs half as much as a Roadster, and it's a better value than much cheaper cars. 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 $4 per gallon,
is similar to a gasoline car with a sticker price of about $35,000. That's why we're positive this car will be the preferred choice of savvy consumers.
The standard Model S does 0-60 mph in under six seconds and will have an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph, with sport versions expected to
achieve 0-60 mph 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.. [Via TeslaMotors.com]