When the Tesla Model S electric sedan goes on sale in 2012, it will carry a starting price of $77,400. If that sounds like more than initially advertised, well, it is. Part of it is that the $77,400 number does not include the $7,500 tax rebate. Next, the first Model S' to roll off the production line will be the uptown Model S Signature which will have a 300-mile range battery pack and, according to Tesla's FAQ, "Model S Signature will come very well-equipped, potentially with colors and options not available for Model S."
Ohhh, potential colors!
Following the Model S Signature will be the Model S which will feature a 160-mile battery pack and cost $57,400 before the $7,500 handout from Uncle Sam. Adding a 260-mile battery will add $10,000 to the price. All models seat five, have a panoramic glass roof and a 17-inch touchscreen infotainment screen.
Tesla expects to begin deliveries sometime in 2012 for North America with left-hand drive models headed to Europe in late 2012. Production is set at 5,000 units in 2012 and then 20,000 in 2013.
windsor5 says:
10:01 AM, 03/ 8/11
It will be very interesting to see.where.this goes now that they have a producion facility. Seems.like it will.start shedding that vaporware critique soon.
firstwagon says:
10:20 AM, 03/ 8/11
Still hard to believe a small carmaker will be able to build a unique car (no platform sharing) with that much electric range for that price.
Their current car is over $100K and borrows a lot of engineering form Lotus.
I'd say it's still vapourware until it hits the showroom floor.
coolb944 says:
10:30 AM, 03/ 8/11
It would be great to actually see pictures of the "production" version, if it does or ever will exist.
ed124c says:
12:06 PM, 03/ 8/11
At least it is a hatchback. The range claims seem bloated, but who knows. The idea of having different, more expensive, battery packs for longer range sounds kinda weird. I mean, 10K to add a hundred miles? And another 10K to add 40 miles on the Model S? Tesla should have concentrated on a 300 mile range for ALL models, and not muddy the waters with three different packs at skyhigh prices.
Only very rich people, who don't need to worry about repair costs and depreciation, will buy this car. But, on a lesser scale, I guess you can say the same thing about the Volt and Leaf. None of these vehicles will save any money for the buyers. But the cash to the makers may one day spawn new models that we all can afford to buy and save money at the same time as we wean the world off fossil fuels.
windsor5 says:
01:04 PM, 03/ 8/11
It will be very interesting to see.where.this goes now that they have a producion facility. Seems.like it will.start shedding that vaporware critique soon.
dexterphelps says:
08:20 AM, 03/10/11
Interesting news! I want one but don't have that kind of dough. I wonder if this will get posted on Twenty-First Tycoon. www.21Tycoon.com