Nope. Tesla still doesn't have a plant to build the Model S electric sedan, as John O'Dell of Green Car Advisor reports that the company hasn't worked out a deal with the city of Downey, California. Last month Downey's mayor, Mario Guerra, announced that Tesla would build its second model at an 80-acre site there that formerly housed a Boeing/NASA factory.
Keep in mind Tesla has said it will start selling the Model S sometime in 2011, so the clock is ticking rapidly. The company was approved for $465 million in federal loans this year, and most of that sum is designated for developing a plant to build the Model S. The loan agreement stipulates that Tesla must refurbish an existing U.S. factory.
Green Car Advisor: No Deal Yet For Tesla 'Model S' EV Manufacturing Plant, Company Says
firstclass says:
10:14 AM, 12/30/09
Tesla better get started before electric cars are a common sight on U.S. roads. Personally I think the Tesla Model-S would sell much better than anything Fisker is producing. Frisker cars look like I need an offshore bank account just to own one, their just otherworldly. The Model-S on the other hand with an estimated price of with a price of $57,400/$49,900 in the U.S could steal Mercedes, BMW, and Audi owners.
As for the loan agreement obligating Tesla refurbish and existing U.S. factory, I think Tesla would have done that anyways. For a California based company it’s not as though they have a lot of auto manufacturing facilities to refurbish in their state so no wonder their moving future production to an old Boeing factory.
estreka says:
11:46 AM, 12/30/09
I'm sure there's a nice location in the middle of Beverly Hills for Tesla to build a factory.
redliner says:
03:35 PM, 12/30/09
@estreka
Beverly Hills?! Are you out of your mind? Thats WAY too pedestrian. Last I herd they where going to build a factory in Milan and then ship the cars here by plane. Oh, and they will cost only $35k and go 400 miles on a charge, which only takes 10 min. Yup, I think that sums it up. ;-}
Oh, I almost forgot, it will also have a touch screen interface for all the controls on the dash.
cwmoo740 says:
04:45 PM, 12/30/09
You forgot one more part, redliner. It'll also go 0-60 in 2.5 seconds and top out at 120 mph. And have a redline of 200,000 rpm and have 1500 lb-ft of torque.
zaken1 says:
05:51 PM, 12/30/09
You have a good point there; the longer the production of the actual car is delayed; the more weight the hype and rumors gain in the mind of the public. If it is delayed long enough; it won't even matter what the reality is; people will already have their minds made up.
zaken1 says:
05:52 PM, 12/30/09
You have a good point there; the longer the production of the actual car is delayed; the more weight the hype and rumors gain in the mind of the public. If it is delayed long enough; it won't even matter what the reality is; people will already have their minds made up.
firstwagon says:
04:39 PM, 01/ 3/10
vapourware