We've been following development of the Tesla Model S sedan ever since it was officially unveiled in March of last year. The car shown that day was a slick-looking concept, one that would surely draw plenty of attention, and money, to the project.
On the flip side, the car didn't reveal much about the actual development of the Model S. Sure it could drive around and all, but it was clearly for show as most of the car's engineering was still to be done. Where it would be built was also up in the air, but Tesla officials promised they had a site in mind and would announce it soon.
Well, here we are almost a year later and how is the Model S progressing?
It's still hard to tell. The company has been showing off the concept vehicle at various auto shows since then, but there's been no sign of a more fully developed prototype. Tesla's recent IPO filing tells us why:
"We face significant barriers as we attempt to produce our first mass produced vehicle, our Model S. We currently have a drivable early prototype of the Model S, but do not have a full production intent prototype, a final design, a manufacturing facility or a manufacturing process."
It's possible that Tesla was intentionally playing down its progress to investors so as not to promise too much. But it's also possible that Tesla is way behind on a car that's supposed to enter production in 2012, not to mention provide the company's sole source of revenue given that the Roadster is slated to end production in 2011.
The IPO filing also shows that Tesla's expenditures for research and development in 2009 were relatively modest. Of course, Tesla did recently secure a government loan for $465M, so spending is guaranteed to skyrocket. Still, Tesla has to not only develop the car, it has to build a plant to manufacture the Model S, a car that Tesla says will be made mostly of aluminum, a very tricky process. There's a reason only a handful of manufacturers build aluminum cars today.
Look for the IPO soon, it's guaranteed to attract a lot of attention just like the Model S. Whether this will translate into a real car remains to be seen. We'll be watching, and probably waiting for some time.
estreka says:
10:38 AM, 02/ 7/10
Tesla plans to discontinue the roadster in 2011? I have yet to hear anything from Tesla that resembles a functional business.
clarkma5 says:
11:16 AM, 02/ 7/10
I work a couple miles away from the Tesla factory and I see several roadsters a day, every day. But I really do doubt Tesla has the capabilities to build this car and succeed in the competitive luxury sedan segment, even with the "OMG it's electric!" edge.
firstwagon says:
01:27 PM, 02/ 7/10
I'm sure they can build an electric car that looks like that. I am also quite sure it will be fast and likely will be nice to drive.
However I do not believe they can do it for $49,900. The batteries to propell a 4000 lb car that fast and go 300 miles will likely cost almost $50K. The current Tesla is more then twice that much and it is much smaller (and borrowing an existing chassis which saves a tonne of costs).
Maybe some day but right now the engineering of batteries has not caught up with the claims of the promotors and marketing people. My suggestion is to stall as long as possible and cross their fingers a major breakthough comes quickly.
Otherwise some one might start wondering where all the money goes.
zoomzoomn says:
05:53 AM, 02/ 8/10
Well, it took forever to really get the roadster online in regular production, so this should be no surprise. It's amazing, really, that a private car company such as this can even pull off getting these produced at all. Especially in this economy. Turns out money does not grow on trees. It's made in China!
throwback says:
06:05 AM, 02/ 8/10
"...but do not have a full production intent prototype, a final design, a manufacturing facility or a manufacturing process."
In other words, "All we have is a drivable concept, but you can trust us, we're green"
canadaphant says:
11:08 AM, 02/ 8/10
I wonder if they shouldn't make the S like they are the Roadster-with another manufacturer's platform. An XJ or A8 platform would be expensive, but surely it would be workable?
wcoy14 says:
06:44 PM, 02/ 9/10
Since I'm a guy that has actually put money out to reserve one (I'm 14th on the list) this is not so cool to hear.
wcoy14 says:
06:45 PM, 02/ 9/10
Since I'm a guy that has actually put money out to reserve one (I'm 14th on the list) this is not so cool to hear.