Tesla Model S due in 2011
-
Hi Guys,
I've been keeping an eye on what's going to be on offer in Electric Cars shortly.
I've just learned about Telsa's Model S. If this comes off I think it will steal the march on the competition and it would appear to have in all.**"- 300 mile range
- 45 minute QuickCharge
- 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds
- Seats 7 people
- More Cargo space than station wagons
- 2X as efficient as hybrids
- 17 inch infotainment touchscreen
With seating for five adults and two children, plus an additional trunk under the hood, Model S has passenger carrying capacity and versatility rivaling SUVs and minivans. Rear seats fold flat, and the hatch gives way to a roomy opening, so you can stow a mountain bike, 50-inch flat-screen TV, full drum set or futon frame – more than ample for the entire family and their gear.
The Model S powertrain features a liquid-cooled, floor-mounted battery pack and a single-speed gearbox, delivering effortless acceleration, responsive handling and quiet simplicity -- no fancy clutchwork or gear-shifting required. Model S costs about $4 to fully charge – a bargain even when gasoline is $1 per gallon. You can listen to Pandora Radio or consult Google Maps on the 17 inch touchscreen with in-car 3G connectivity."**
I am very impressed with the overall package, Ferrari good looks, people carrier capacity, station wagon load ability and Porsche acceleration, all for $59,900 (in USA initially). I hope it makes it to this side on the pond in 2012. I will then be heading for the big six o and in need of a sensible car now that I am getting more feeble
http://www.teslamotors.com/models/index.php
Mike
-
Tesla has so much potential! I sincerely hope they pull it all off and get things up and running quickly and start claiming their share of the market place. Its ridiculous to try and save behemoth car companies that are not offering the products that people want, and not throw just as big of a bone to a company like Tesla that is determined to turn the car world on its head.
Good luck Tesla!
Chris
-
Hmmm, 45 minutes to recharge? Isn't this a more sensible approach:
http://automobiles.honda.com/fcx-clarity/?ef_id=1097:3:s_187a8df27e4f4fe2e23efed5ffd3265a_1053084942:TGhNS0o-KSIAAH4obawAAAAH:20090328031808 -
It maybe if the 'designated stations' become common. Again, these stations would be under the control of the Big Oil Companies. At least with the Model S's 45 min charge, it can be done at home, the office, a drive-in restaurant, parking garages etc. How many of us journey more than 300 miles without taking a meal break?
-
Encouraged to see a hydrogen fuel vehicle at all, but the lack of fueling stations is a problem for now. Looks like the fuel cell is right in the middle of the car. That and the gas tank take up a lot of space. These are both pricey cars. You can only lease the FCX, total 21,600 in three years. I hear you have to put down 40K to get on the waiting list for the Tesla.
Smaller electric cars like the aptera http://www.aptera.com/look.php offer a less expensive, though also less capacious, option.
Doesn't the FCX ad and maybe the car seem to be aimed at women professionals?
Feeble? Give me a break!
-
.... yes a $40K down payment or deposit sounds steep. My more feeble minded
I think I will wait for the launch of the Persu Hybrid http://www.flytheroad.com -
I wonder how much one of these would add to your electricity bill
-
@remus said:
I wonder how much one of these would add to your electricity bill
LOL 4$ a day I would guess and thats 28$ a week I would have to digress though I would say maybe $35 a week and thats allot better then spending $100 at the station for 2 weeks worth of gas. Sorry I have the ultimate guzzler. -
@remus said:
I wonder how much one of these would add to your electricity bill
Yeah, nothing's free. From what's out there so far, it seems to be a savings. I'm hoping that lighter electric vehicles and improved (lighter batteries) can improve on the energy cost. The point of these vehicles is that the electrical power comes from power plants that may use renewable sources or any CO2 and pollution is more controllable. Also I hope to see the day when the local noise and air pollution is reduced by having fewer internal combustion engines about. (You'll be able to hear the subwoofers better.)
But wait, Mike, that Persu's only for Robots.
-
@mike lucey said:
It maybe if the 'designated stations' become common. Again, these stations would be under the control of the Big Oil Companies. At least with the Model S's 45 min charge, it can be done at home, the office, a drive-in restaurant, parking garages etc. How many of us journey more than 300 miles without taking a meal break?
Alas, if you read the fine print: the "standard" S has range of 160 miles and takes 5-6 hours to recharge at a normal outlet. When Top Gear tested the Tesla roadster they found a range of 47 miles when driven hard, 16 hours to recharge at a normal outlet, and it broke down twice - first overheated, then just died.
-
Some time ago it was reported that Think was in difficulties, but looking at it today they seem to have found a way to continue. They already seem to have a functioning product.
http://www.think.no/Anssi
-
@pmiller said:
@mike lucey said:
It maybe if the 'designated stations' become common. Again, these stations would be under the control of the Big Oil Companies. At least with the Model S's 45 min charge, it can be done at home, the office, a drive-in restaurant, parking garages etc. How many of us journey more than 300 miles without taking a meal break?
Alas, if you read the fine print: the "standard" S has range of 160 miles and takes 5-6 hours to recharge at a normal outlet. When Top Gear tested the Tesla roadster they found a range of 47 miles when driven hard, 16 hours to recharge at a normal outlet, and it broke down twice - first overheated, then just died.
Paul,
I would not take too much notice the the finding of those idiots at Top Gear, Clarkson and Hammond seriously need some growing up pills (I wont add to this comment in Hammonds's case! People in glass houses ...), James May seems to be the only one with some common sense. I try not to miss them though
Here is a link, http://www.gizmag.com/tesla-model-s/11386/, Closer look: the Tesla Model S, which explains the various battery options that will be available. I agree it still has a way to go but feel they are heading in the right direction.
I think I will wait to see the 4 x 4 version before reaching any conclusions, that and an on-site electricity wind generator should be the ticket
Mike
PS: The Windspire might be worth looking at!
-
I would love to have an electric car. I wouldn't be able to afford the Tesla even in ten years, but there is an affordable thing from India.
http://www.revaindia.com/
It is a solution for city commuting, but if I would have such a car, I would employ some of exotic 'joule theft - like' inventions to increase its efficiency/range.Obviously it is not beautiful but I prefer giving a miniature kick in the oil companies a** rather then increasing their income. There are some sources of electricity that does not require fuel (sun\wind).
-
Hi folks.
About ways to produce electricity without fuel, dont forget water (hydroelectric power plants). This fluid is more predictable and more stable than wind. It is also much denser and thus, the same mass flow can produce a lot more energy. It is also more reliable than sun, unless you live in an area where there are very few clouds.
Also, for electric car, dont forget heating. Of course in warm climates you dont car much but here in Canada, winter can be quite cold. Temperatures of -30°C (-25°C) are common during the heart of winter. Using an electric heater would run down a battery real fast. Maybe a gaz (natural gaz maybe) heater would be required.
Just ideas.
-
-
There is also one seater electric plane that can take off using electric power and fully recharge during a flight. The author shares his knowledge about efficiency of today's electric motors and batteries.
[flash=425,344:282sq50f]http://www.youtube.com/v/WcWSI03NKo0[/flash:282sq50f]
-
@johnsenior1973 said:
@mike lucey said:
...Ferrari good looks...
You need to book an appointment with an optician.
.... it just reminded me of the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti for some reason. You are right about me needing an appointment with an optician though! My long distance sight is improving while short distance viewing needs more help. The optician noticed this and advised me this was starting to happen. He was right
-
Maybe it could be powered by nano batteries which are up to 10 times more efficient that currently available electricity storage technologies ... in 2015?
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090320173859.htm -
@mike lucey said:
@johnsenior1973 said:
@mike lucey said:
...Ferrari good looks...
You need to book an appointment with an optician.
.... it just reminded me of the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti for some reason...
Seeing the pictures you've every reason to say that the car shares a very similar shape with the 612 S'. I'd argue that neither care deserves to share the description of having "Ferrari good looks". IMO the 612 is one of the ugliest offerings by Ferrari since the dog's dinner of the the one-off P4/5
-
I think the Tesla looks better than the Ferrari.
Advertisement