Posted on 03/26/2009 5:20:05 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
LOS ANGELES (AFP) – US automaker Tesla Motors unveiled its state-of-the-art five-seat sedan here Thursday, billed as the world's first mass-produced, highway-capable electric car.
Tesla chief executive Elon Musk said the company, which last year released a breakthrough two-seater roadster, aims to have its sleek "Model S" sedan rolling off assembly lines by 2011.
The futuristic zero-emission vehicle will be powered by lithium-ion battery packs capable of between 160 and 300 miles (257 and 482 kilometers) per charge.
The car has an anticipated base price of 57,400 dollars but will cost less than 50,000 after a federal tax credit of 7,500 dollars, Musk said.
While the price tag is steep compared to other mass-market sedans, Tesla has stressed that tax incentives, relatively inexpensive maintenance and refueling will make the car competitive with cheaper rival sedans.
Musk told reporters that he hoped the car would lead a new generation of vehicles which would help the auto industry wean itself off of foreign oil.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Tesla has to do this right the first time, because is not going to have a second chance, even with Obama and greens behind it 110%
The Gov’t gives and the Gov’t takes away. Relying on tax credits to sell cars is not a strong marketing strategy.
This car is expensive so first models have to be absolutely problem-free
Some kind of battery-swap station will be needed to make this practical for serious cross country travel, while the range is far more than the typical commuter would need between home charges. I could see a “lite” version tailored to one’s maximum commute.
Wonder how it does in snow and mountains?? What a waste of money.
Pray for America, Our Troops and the Truth
Lots of us out here that want to buy a $50,000 car. Yeah right. They say it’s a 5 seater. Just what size are these people 2 ft?
What are ya gonna do when you drive until the battery runs low and you can’t find a place to recharge?
You gonna walk forever carrying cord to find an outlet? :)
This is a warm weather only car. You can’t heat the cabin with a battery and get to where you need to go.
With Cap and Trade Plus the inefficacy's of the power plant and electric motors VS the primary energy in say a Diesel engine I would say twice the per gallon fuel cost at a gas station.
Top Gear got two to test drive, neither made the 250 mile mark, one died after 55 miles. It took 16 hours to recharge the batteries. They said it would turn a one day’s journey to Scotland into a two week one.
Don't know, but would you rather pay the fuel bill to the A-rabs?
Not sure, article says it will recharge in 4 hours and it will be powered by lithium-ion battery packs capable of between 160 and 300 miles a charge.
for a lot of folks , it sounds like at least a couple charges or more a week will be the order of the day.
Cost? If its more than 100 dollars a month averaging 10 charges a month... I don’t know that it will be any more advantageous to buy it near-term... but who knows.. a lot can change in two years, we see what has happened the last two.
Electric systems do generate waste heat. That might be sufficient to extend the weather range of the vehicle.
Maybe it’ll come with a 500 foot extension cord... and a mule to pull it to the next town. ;-)
You can’t heat the cabin with a battery and get to where you need to go.
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Obama is prepared for you to make that sacrifice and turn the heat off. :-]
There. I feel better. "Zero Emission". So the LiIon batteries will ONLY be charged by wind or solar or nuclear? That's nice.
Lithium metal is prepared by electrolysis of fused lithium chloride. So all those Kilowatts will be coming from wind as well?
Very nice - actually it is gorgeous.
Oh well than...Daughter! fetch me my checkbook .
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