Tesla to build California factory for Model S sedan production

Chris Shunk — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Plants/Manufacturing

The 2011 Chevy Volt has been getting the lion's share of news on the EV front, but it could be jostling for attention in late 2010 with an all-EV sedan from Tesla. Tesla has secured $100 million in private equity and another $150 million in loan guarantees from the federal government to build a new factory in San Jose, CA. The company on Wednesday announced that the facility would build the $60,000 Model S sedan, which was originally dubbed Whitestar. The new Tesla plant will be able to produce 11,000 Model S sedans per year by the end of 2011, giving customers a much more mainstream EV entry than the $100,000 Tesla Roadster.

We haven't heard too much about the Model S sedan, but earlier in the year Tesla co-founder Elan Musk said there could be a fully functioning prototype and a finalized design by the end of 2008. We're with you in hoping it looks as good as the Tesla Roadster while providing similar range in a more family-friendly package.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Tesla to build California factory for Model S sedan production originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Tesla Roadster gets some screen time

Chris Shunk — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Videos, Supercars

click above image to view video

It seems that every fall we get a slight reprieve from the ridiculous gas prices of the summer season, but this year prices seem to be headed further north. With the bleak outlook at the pump, it's comforting to see a Tesla Roadster on public roads. Veronica Belmont from Mahalo Daily (also a semi-regular on Leo Laporte's This Week in Tech podcast) got some very exclusive time with Zak Edson of Tesla Motors to discuss the famous roadster, and a chauffeured ride came as part of the package.

The Tesla Roadster is decidedly quiet, even though its 13,000 rpm motor can propel the car to 60 mph in less than four seconds. Edson also showed how letting a foot off the accelerator gives the battery a regenerative charge that also helps keep wear and tear on the brakes to a min. Since the Tesla roadster is 100% electric, the two-seater will always need access to a battery charger to remain relevant, and Edson shared Tesla's plan to include a 220-volt charge system with every vehicle purchase. We like the way the LED display in the charge compartment changes colors to show the driver where the lithium ion battery pack is in the charge cycle, as well as the charge port that lights up a different color depending on how charged the batteries are.

Check out the vid after the jump and enjoy seeing the Tesla Roadster actually being used. What a concept!

[Soure: Mahalo Daily]

Continue reading VIDEO: Tesla Roadster gets some screen time

VIDEO: Tesla Roadster gets some screen time originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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