At an event at founder Elon Musk’s SpaceX facility, Tesla Motors unveiled its second model, the Tesla Model S, a 7 seat (5 adults and 2 children) all-electric sedan with a 300 mile range and a $57,400 price (for 160 mile battery) that will be reduced by a $7,500 government tax credit. The specifications are:
• 160, 230 or 300 miles per charge depending on battery.
• 45 minute QuickCharge at commerical facilities
• 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds
• More Cargo space than station wagons
• 2X as efficient as hybrids
• 17 inch infotainment touchscreen
• Seating for 5 adults + 2 child seats
• Unique hatch for oversized items
• 60/40 flat-folding rear seat
• 2nd trunk under hood
• Charges from 120V, 240V or 480V
• 5 minute battery swap
A 2011 availability is planned and Tesla is starting to take deposits. However Tesla has not secured government or private financing for the manufacturing facility for the vehicle and in December the company’s SVP for Marketing and Sales resigned over the practice of taking deposits for a vehicle that may not ship. Strict controls on how deposit money is used, at least until Tesla secures loans to build the Model S manufacturing facility are definitely needed.
AutoblogGreen has more details and links.