Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: Daimler sells 4% of Tesla to Middle East investment fund just two months after acquiring it ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/report-daimler-sells-4-of-tesla-to-middle-east-investment-fund/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/report-daimler-sells-4-of-tesla-to-middle-east-investment-fund/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/report-daimler-sells-4-of-tesla-to-middle-east-investment-fund/#commentsFiled under:


Tesla Roadster - Click above image for high-res gallery

Just two months after buying 9% of Tesla Motors, Daimler has reportedly sold nearly half of that stake. According to Reuters, 4% percent of the electric car startup is now owned by Aabar Investments, an Abu Dhabi-based investment fund. In a way, the stake is still in the family, since Aabar already bought 9.1 percent of Daimler's stock earlier this year. At the time of its original investment, Daimler and the fund indicated an intention to pursue joint projects in low emissions transportation.

Aabar has indicated it would be interested in pursuing some kind of joint venture with Tesla. The fund is controlled by the Abu Dhabi government and managed by the International Petroleum Investment Company with the intent of diversifying beyond oil.

Gallery: Jason Calacanis' Tesla Roadster


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Daimler sells 4% of Tesla to Middle East investment fund just two months after acquiring it originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aabar investements pjscAabarInvestementsPjscdaimlermodel sModelSteslatesla investmenttesla model stesla motorstesla roadsterTeslaInvestmentTeslaModelSteslamotorsTeslaRoadsterMon, 13 Jul 2009 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Elon Musk: "Golden handcuffs" require I stay through Model S launch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/elon-musk-golden-handcuffs-require-i-stay-through-model-s-lau/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/elon-musk-golden-handcuffs-require-i-stay-through-model-s-lau/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/elon-musk-golden-handcuffs-require-i-stay-through-model-s-lau/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



For a guy who allegedly wants a lot of the credit for creating Tesla Motors, Elon Musk certainly doesn't seem to like the job of being its CEO. As part of Daimler's investment deal with Tesla, Musk needed to commit to staying on as Tesla's CEO at least until the Model S launches in 2011. Musk told Reuters:
I didn't really have a choice. This was a requirement of Daimler that I remain CEO of Tesla through the Model S launch and then continue to be part of Tesla in a chairman role beyond that. It's flattering, but at the same time it's golden handcuffs.
Well, that sure makes it sound like fun, doesn't it? It's clear that Musk has always been interested in projects other than Tesla (e.g.: electric planes and SpaceX), but does he have to make running one of the hippest electric car companies around sound like a drag?

Another nugget from the article: One of the reasons the price on the Roadster was raised was to help qualify Tesla Motors for the DOE loan it later received. Musk said, "We did the minimum we needed to do to make the business work."


Gallery: Tesla Model S


[Source: Reuters]

Elon Musk: "Golden handcuffs" require I stay through Model S launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AutoblogGreenelon muskelon musk ceoElonMuskElonMuskCeomodel sModelSmusk ceomusk model sMuskCeoMuskModelSteslatesla daimlertesla model stesla motorstesla motors ceoTeslaDaimlerTeslaModelSTeslaMotorsTeslaMotorsCeoThu, 02 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford, Nissan, Tesla all big winners in DoE advanced technology loans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/ford-nissan-tesla-all-big-winners-in-doe-advanced-technology-l/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/ford-nissan-tesla-all-big-winners-in-doe-advanced-technology-l/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/ford-nissan-tesla-all-big-winners-in-doe-advanced-technology-l/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Ford Focus EV Mule - Click above for high-res gallery

The U.S. Department of Energy has finally announced the first recipient of low interest loans under its Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Incentive Program. The first recipient is Ford, and analysts believe the DoE will award sums to Nissan and Tesla Motors, as well. Ford applied for up to $11 billion in loans, but instead it was awarded $5.9 billion in financing. The Dearborn-based automaker will use the money to fund its electric vehicle program that will launch a battery-powered version of the Transit Connect in 2010, and it will also likely use the capital to help pay for the $550 million renovation of its Wayne, MI sport-utility plant to build the next-generation Focus in both internal combustion and electric flavors.

For its part, Nissan wants to add production of its upcoming electric car and lithium ion batteries at its assembly complex in Smyrna, Tennessee, and it will receive $1.6 billion.

Despite receiving the smallest sum of the three automakers, Tesla is arguably the biggest winner this round, as the $465 million it may receive will allow the fledgeling EV maker to proceed with completing development and production of its Model S sedan. Recent investment in the company by Daimler was probably a big help in getting the loan approved, as companies had to demonstrate viability. And since the ATVM program favors re-tooling of older existing plants, Tesla will probably look at acquiring a closed factory from another company. Recent rumors had the company possibly getting a former McDonnell-Douglas factory in Long Beach, although there are plenty of other properties available.

The current Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings at General Motors and Chrysler made those companies ineligible in the current round. It's not known if any announcements will be made about loans for battery makers like A123 or EnerDel.


Gallery: ABG Quick Drive: Ford Focus EV mule


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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

Ford, Nissan, Tesla all big winners in DoE advanced technology loans originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atvmatvmlpAutoblogGreenbreakingbreaking newsbreakingnewsdoe loandoe loansDoeLoanDoeLoansfordModel SModelSnissanteslatesla model stesla motorsTeslaModelSteslamotorsTue, 23 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Franz von Holzhausen talks about the 2011 Tesla Model S]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/video-franz-von-holzhausen-talks-about-the-2011-tesla-model-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/video-franz-von-holzhausen-talks-about-the-2011-tesla-model-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/video-franz-von-holzhausen-talks-about-the-2011-tesla-model-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2011 Tesla Model S - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The crew from On Cars had a chance to spend some quality time with the Tesla Model S and some of the key people bringing this sweet sedan to fruition. In the first of three videos (the other two haven't been released yet), not only are we treated to some gorgeous shots of the Model S, inside and out, but also have the chance to listen to designer Franz von Holzhausen talk at length about the object of our fastback desire. If you've been paying attention to every detail released about the all-electric so far, there might not be a lot of new material for you here, though interestingly, the Model S does get the year 2011 attached to it. That seems a little soon seeing as a factory hasn't been built or acquired yet, but we digress.

Even if you do happen to know every bit of Model S minutiae, it is nice to hear the passion and excitement Franz has for the project as he talks with ardor about proportion and aerodynamics. You can see why Tesla chief, Elon Musk hired him on in the first place. But enough jabbering, hit the jump and check it out for yourself.


Gallery: Tesla Model S


Gallery: Tesla Model S: LIVE REVEAL


[Source: On Cars]

Continue reading VIDEO: Franz von Holzhausen talks about the 2011 Tesla Model S

VIDEO: Franz von Holzhausen talks about the 2011 Tesla Model S originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive designAutomotiveDesignFranz von HolzhausenFranzVonHolzhausenModel SModelSTesla Model STeslaModelSTue, 09 Jun 2009 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Can the Tesla Model S be profitable at $57,400? Not according to these calculations...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/can-the-tesla-model-s-be-profitable-at-57-400-not-according-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/can-the-tesla-model-s-be-profitable-at-57-400-not-according-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/can-the-tesla-model-s-be-profitable-at-57-400-not-according-to/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Tesla Model S - Click above for high-res image gallery

Tesla Motors' charismatic frontman, Elon Musk, will be showing up on the Late Show with David Letterman tonight to dazzle America's TV audience with his gorgeous all-electric sedan. Tesla says that when the Model S goes on sale at an undefined point in the future, the cost for the base model will be just under $50,000 - $49,900 to be exact - after a $7,500 government tax break. Business Insider has a word for that: Horsefeathers.

BI teamed up with Mark Boyadjis, an auto analyst at iSuppli, and they did some math based on actual numbers used in the auto industry and a lot of educated guesses. The result? They didn't exactly find a lot of room for profit if the car sells for $57,400. Their math is based on at least one error - they say the replacement battery for the Roadster is $36,000, but that's a carry-over mistake from Edmunds - it's actually $30,000. Still, that's the equivalent to the base price of an entire "near luxury" sedan - one that conventional automakers have trouble making margins on. That big, sexy touchscreen? Estimated to cost $4,000. Add everything from chassis and body panel costs to in distribution, marketing, further engineering, and lest we forget - building a factory, and Musk's price target starts to look more and more implausible.

BI has a good point here - Tesla needs to be careful with their pricing predictions. The ambitious startup made big financial mistakes when pricing the original Roadster - which didn't make everyone happy - and there's not a lot of room left to goof up a second time.


Gallery: Tesla Model S


[Source: Business Insider]

Can the Tesla Model S be profitable at $57,400? Not according to these calculations... originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreenElon MuskElonMuskgreenModel SModelSTelsatesla evtesla model stesla motorstesla roadstertesla sedanTeslaEvTeslaModelSTeslaMotorsTeslaRoadsterTeslaSedanWed, 29 Apr 2009 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Tesla CEO 99 percent sure of DOE loan, calls NYT writer "a huge douchebag"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/13/video-elon-99-per-cent-sure-of-doe-loan-calls-nyt-writer-a-hu/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/13/video-elon-99-per-cent-sure-of-doe-loan-calls-nyt-writer-a-hu/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/13/video-elon-99-per-cent-sure-of-doe-loan-calls-nyt-writer-a-hu/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Since it was announced that the highly quotable Bob Lutz would be departing from his General Motors management spotlight, automotive bloggers and reporters everywhere have been mourning the loss of an executive with such an exquisite way with words. Now it appears that the pining may have been premature, thanks to the emergence of another top management type with the brass, it seems, to freely speak his mind in public.

In a new interview with Yahoo! Tech Ticker's Sarah Lacy, Tesla CEO Elon Musk was asked what he thought of an earlier New York Times piece that voiced opposition to a government loan for the electric car maker. With a huge smile indicating his delight in the opportunity to speak about the issue, Musk announced that "Randy Stross is a huge douchebag". After a brief pause he added, "...and an idiot." Take that, Mr. Fancy Pants reporter guy!

In the course of the interview, Musk goes on to explain exactly how he felt the writer in question cherry-picked from the facts to make a case for Department of Energy loan denial, going on to vigorously defend the Tesla business model. In the conversation that followed the opening barrage, it was very interesting to note the certitude expressed by Elon that Tesla Motors would receive the low interest loan requested from the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) program. Noting that his company is a "perfect fit" for ATVM funds, he states, "The odds of us getting that money ($350 million) are 99 percent..." alluding to assurances given in private meetings, Musk suggested the funds are coming and coming soon. Hit the jump for the entertaining and informative video.


Gallery: Tesla Model S


[Source: Tech Ticker via Tesla Motors Club]

Continue reading VIDEO: Tesla CEO 99 percent sure of DOE loan, calls NYT writer "a huge douchebag"

VIDEO: Tesla CEO 99 percent sure of DOE loan, calls NYT writer "a huge douchebag" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CEOelectric carElectricCarElon MuskElonMuskModel SModelSNew York TimesNewYorkTimesNYTplug-in electricPlug-inElectricRandy StrossRandyStrossTeslaTesla CEOTesla Model STesla MotorsTesla RoadsterTeslaCeoTeslaModelSTeslaMotorsTeslaRoadsterMon, 13 Apr 2009 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla CEO vows to personally refund deposits if there's an "Armageddon scenario"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/tesla-ceo-vows-to-personally-refund-deposits-if-theres-an-arma/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/tesla-ceo-vows-to-personally-refund-deposits-if-theres-an-arma/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/tesla-ceo-vows-to-personally-refund-deposits-if-theres-an-arma/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Here's Tesla's Elon Musk, speaking in March (and just published in Car and Driver):
Even in the worst case of an Armageddon scenario, I'll personally refund people [their money] if need be.
While the U.S. federal government needs to step in and guarantee the warranties for General Motors and Chrysler vehicles should those companies enter bankruptcy, the loaded Musk (C&D calls him an "Internet zillionaire") is apparently unofficially willing to give people interested in his company's electric cars one more reason to buy. No details are available yet about what, exactly, Musk means by all of this (a Tesla spokesperson we reached declined to clarify), but this is slightly interesting, no?

Another detail from C&D's interview interview worth noting is that Musk believes that part of the money issues that became public earlier this year were caused by misrepresentations from a management team that has since left the company. The board thought the Roadster (which was selling for just over $90,000) cost $65,000 to make instead of the $140,000 it was estimated it was really costing the company to make the car a few years ago. Part of the solution was to reduce costs and to refine the car in order to offer the new Roadster Sport version at a higher price point.

[Source: Car and Driver via All Cars Electric]

Tesla CEO vows to personally refund deposits if there's an "Armageddon scenario" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bailoutelon muskElonMuskModel SModelSrefundTeslatesla motorsTesla RoadsterTeslaMotorsTeslaRoadsterMon, 06 Apr 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla Model S gets over 500 reservations in first week]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/tesla-model-s-gets-over-500-reservations-in-first-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/tesla-model-s-gets-over-500-reservations-in-first-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/tesla-model-s-gets-over-500-reservations-in-first-week/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Tesla Model S - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been barely a week since the curtain was lifted on the Tesla Model S, and not only has its design received positive reviews, those sensuous lines have seduced 520 people to fork over some deposit cash for the new all-electric sedan. Tesla won't say, however, how many people chose the standard version that requires a refundable deposit of $5,000 or one of the 2,000 Signature Edition models that requires a $40,000 deposit.

Initial sales of the Model S have exceeded Tesla's expectations and are quite a feat considering the economic times, plus the fact that these cars are still a few years away from being delivered. The real test of the S's ability to beguile may come tonight as the all-electric sedan makes its East Coast debut. With the company attempting to secure a $350 million loan from the Department of Energy's Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Program for a plant in which to build the Model S, the car will begin a string of appearances on the right side of the country with a showing at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.

Tesla also has good Roadster news. Production of the two-seater sports car continues to speed up and reached 104 units for the month of March. That gives the automaker a total of 170 Roadsters built for the first quarter of 2009 and about 320 altogether, in case you're keeping track. Hit the jump for the press release and bonus videos of the Tesla Model S in action, as well as having its auto-extending door handles explained by CEO Elon Musk.


Gallery: Tesla Model S


Gallery: Tesla Model S: LIVE REVEAL


[Source: Tesla Motors]

Continue reading Tesla Model S gets over 500 reservations in first week

Tesla Model S gets over 500 reservations in first week originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreenDepartment of Energys Advanced Technology Vehicle ManufacturingDepartmentOfEnergysAdvancedTechnologyVehicleManufacturingModel SModelSsales figuresSalesFiguresTeslaTesla Model STesla RoadsterTeslaModelSTeslaRoadsterThu, 02 Apr 2009 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla Model S: $50,000 EV sedan seats seven, 300-mile range, 0-60 in 5.5s]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/tesla-model-s-50-000-ev-sedan-seats-seven-300-mile-range-0-6/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/tesla-model-s-50-000-ev-sedan-seats-seven-300-mile-range-0-6/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/tesla-model-s-50-000-ev-sedan-seats-seven-300-mile-range-0-6/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Tesla Model S - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been a long and difficult road, but Tesla Motors has made it to unveiling No. 2. After a lot of hype and delivery of 250 Tesla Roadsters, the company's Model S was unveiled today in Hawthorne, California. Tesla was incredibly careful about not leaking a lot of information before today - designing the Model S at a high-security rocket facility helped with that, but we still got a peek a few hours ago - and now that it's here, we love what we see. As for new information on the Tesla For The Rest Of Us (sort of), follow the jump for all the details and check out the gallery of high res photos below.

UPDATE: We've added official pictures from Tesla, including this one of the Roadster and the Model S next to each other, to the second gallery below.


Gallery: Tesla Model S: LIVE REVEAL


Gallery: Tesla Model S


Live photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Tesla Model S: $50,000 EV sedan seats seven, 300-mile range, 0-60 in 5.5s

Tesla Model S: $50,000 EV sedan seats seven, 300-mile range, 0-60 in 5.5s originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreenbreakingmodel sModelStesla model stesla motorsTeslaModelSTeslaMotorsThu, 26 Mar 2009 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Leak! Tesla Model S pics surface on web ahead of today's debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/leak-tesla-model-s-pics-surface-on-web-ahead-of-todays-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/leak-tesla-model-s-pics-surface-on-web-ahead-of-todays-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/leak-tesla-model-s-pics-surface-on-web-ahead-of-todays-debut/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Tesla Model S - Click above for high-res image gallery

Tesla has a big media event planned today at 12PM PST to unveil the new Model S sedan. That plan has been blow out of the water a bit thanks to social media mogul Kevin Rose, the founder of Digg.com, who has uploaded what appear to be a few official images of the all-electric sedan on his Flickr page. We get two views of the car's backside, which looks to crib design cues from modern day Jaguars and Aston Martins. The new XF comes most readily to mind, and while the Model S may be charged with being too heavily influenced by the leaping cat brand, that doesn't take away from the fact that it still looks stunning.

We also have a view of what appears to be an incomplete interior of the Model S, and the most striking element is a center stack comprised entirely of a screen. While we have no details on the car yet, it appears the Model S may feature configurable controls for most of the car's systems (HVAC, audio, etc.) on this large, touch-sensitive display.

Tesla has already revealed that the anticipated base price of the Model S will be $57,400, but will drop to below $50,000 with a federal tax credit of $7,500. We'll be at the unveiling later today and bring back live pictures of the Model S.


Gallery: Tesla Model S


[Source: Flickr]

Leak! Tesla Model S pics surface on web ahead of today's debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingmodel sModelSteslatesla modeltesla model sTeslaModelTeslaModelSThu, 26 Mar 2009 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla Model S will cost under $50,000 after tax breaks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/19/tesla-model-s-will-cost-57-400-just-49-900-after-tax-breaks/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/19/tesla-model-s-will-cost-57-400-just-49-900-after-tax-breaks/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/19/tesla-model-s-will-cost-57-400-just-49-900-after-tax-breaks/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to enlarge Tesla Model S teaser

When Tesla formally announced the Model S Sedan last June, the MSRP bandied was about $60,000 for the all-electric sedan. In its newsletter today, Tesla has confirmed that the "anticipated base price" for the Model S will be $57,400. With a federal tax credit of $7,500 available, however, the Model S should cost just $49,900. Details on what's included in the base version of the Model S should be available at the vehicle's official unveiling next week. Tesla says that even with a sub-$50,000 price tag (just barely), the Model S is really competing with cars that cost much less:

Because of tax incentives and relatively inexpensive maintenance and refueling, the lifetime ownership cost will be closer to cars with far lower sticker prices. [...] The Model S will become the car of choice for environmentally conscious and discriminating drivers throughout North America and Europe.

For comparison's sake, the Fisker Karma, a luxury plug-in hybrid sedan, will start at $87,900. The Chevy Volt will probably be somewhere around $40,000, though GM has not made any official announcement about its price.

[Source: Tesla]

Continue reading Tesla Model S will cost under $50,000 after tax breaks

Tesla Model S will cost under $50,000 after tax breaks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreenbreakingmodel smodel s priceModelSModelSPricetesla model stesla model s priceTeslaModelSTeslaModelSPriceThu, 19 Mar 2009 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla Model S sedan could have swappable battery pack]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/tesla-model-s-sedan-could-have-swappable-battery-pack/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/tesla-model-s-sedan-could-have-swappable-battery-pack/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/tesla-model-s-sedan-could-have-swappable-battery-pack/#commentsFiled under: ,



There are three main obstacles to making electric cars a viable alternative to those powered by internal combustion engines: the weight, cost and range of the batteries. Internal combustion engines have range limits based on the size of their fuel tank, but it only takes a few minutes to dump 10-15 gallons of liquid fuel in the tank and be on your way. It takes hours to recharge a battery. Fast charging systems are being developed, but they will require new infrastructure for the high currents and voltages required. The cost issue also works against range. You can reduce cost with a smaller battery, but you know what happens then. A battery with more range is both heavier and more expensive. How about a smaller swappable battery? That's one of the possible alternatives that Tesla is considering for the Model S sedan. This brings a whole different set of problems with it. Even smaller batteries will weigh several hundred pounds, making them difficult to handle. There are also safety issues with handling high voltage batteries. You also need a distribution infrastructure for the batteries and automakers have to standardize on common pack formats to make the whole idea viable. It's not like popping into a drug store for a set of AAs for you camera. Tesla's bright idea just goes to show that electric cars have a long way to go before they can replace internal combustion engines completely.

[Source: Inside Line]

Tesla Model S sedan could have swappable battery pack originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>model sModelSswappable batterySwappableBatteryteslatesla model stesla motorsTeslaModelSTeslaMotorsFri, 21 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla secures $40 million in financing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/03/tesla-secures-40-million-in-financing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/03/tesla-secures-40-million-in-financing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/03/tesla-secures-40-million-in-financing/#comments
Click above for a high res gallery of the Tesla Roadster v1.5

Despite recent negative news surrounding Tesla Motors, the all-electric automaker has just secured $40 million in financing to move forward with ramping up production of its battery-powered sports car, the Tesla Roadster. It was just last month when Tesla was unable to secure a $100 million investment round and was forced to cut nearly 25% of its work force. The failure to fund also slowed work on its second model, an all-electric sedan known as the "Model S." The San Carlos, California-based automaker has more than 1,200 orders for the $109,000 roadster, but has delivered just over 50 to date. With early transmission problems solved and plenty of cash on hand, the high-profile automaker seems to have finally found itself in a position to zip forward.

Gallery: 2009 Tesla Roadster v1.5


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

Tesla secures $40 million in financing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FinancingfundinginvestorModel SModelSTeslaTesla Model Stesla motorstesla roadstertesla-roadsterTeslaModelSteslamotorsTeslaRoadsterTransmissionMon, 03 Nov 2008 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla not planning SUV based on Model S platform]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/tesla-not-planning-to-build-an-suv-from-model-s-platform/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/tesla-not-planning-to-build-an-suv-from-model-s-platform/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/tesla-not-planning-to-build-an-suv-from-model-s-platform/#commentsFiled under:



Two big British car magazines are reporting on some of Tesla's future product plans today following the latest promotional tour by SVP Marketing Darryl Siry. There isn't a whole lot new in the articles that hasn't already been reported here and on AutoblogGreen over the past year, but there were a couple of interesting items and errors. First of all AutoCar is reporting that Tesla is planning to use the platform of the Model S sedan (formerly known as WhiteStar) for future vehicles, which makes perfect sense. Unfortunately, they are also reporting that Tesla is planning an electric SUV off that platform, so we contacted Siry to check on this. Siry told ABG that there are in fact no plans to build an SUV. An SUV body style was just used as an example to demonstrate the flexibility of the platform.

Helping to achieve that flexibility is a reconfigured battery pack that lays under the floor rather than upright behind the seats as in the Roadster. This will allow for a modular configuration so that that the Model S can be offered with different range options. The base model is expected to get a 160-mile range for it's $60,000 base price, while 220- or 300-mile options will cost extra. The magazines did get a chance to see design sketches of the Model S, but Siry wouldn't release them. For now he will only show them in the same room, but we do know the Model S will reportedly have a coupe-like profile on its four-door hatch body style. If Tesla can avoid the launch problems it had with the Roadster, the Model S will be on the road in 2010.

[Sources: AutoCar, CAR, Tesla Motors, AutoblogGreen]

Tesla not planning SUV based on Model S platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>model sModelSteslatesla evtesla model stesla motorstesla roadstertesla sedantesla whitestartesla-roadsterTeslaEvTeslaModelSteslamotorsTeslaRoadsterTeslaSedanTeslaWhitestarTue, 19 Aug 2008 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla confirms Model S sedan, 225-mile range and $60k]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/telsa-confirms-model-s-sedan-225-mile-range-and-60k/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/telsa-confirms-model-s-sedan-225-mile-range-and-60k/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/telsa-confirms-model-s-sedan-225-mile-range-and-60k/#commentsFiled under: , ,



California Governator and (soon-to-be) Tesla Roadster owner, Arnold Schwarzenegger, addressed the seething throngs of media types at Tesla's San Carlos, California facility. The topics of conversation centered on new incentives for Tesla to continue its production of vehicles in the Golden State, specifically the start-up's second vehicle, codenamed the Model S, which according to Tesla, get 225 miles on a single charge and cost $60,000. Tesla did not officially announce when the new model would go on sale, nor would it say where in California the "multi-use sport sedan" would be produced.

The incentive for Tesla to remain in California, rather than move production of the sedan to New Mexico (discussed last year), is part of the CAEATFA program that was approved last Wednesday. The initiative exempts automakers from paying sales and use tax when they purchase manufacturing equipment to build electric vehicles. That's expected to save automakers - and Tesla specifically - millions of dollars when the company invests in building a new plant in California. A Schwarzenegger press conference wouldn't be complete without a lame quote from his erstwhile movie career, and the Governor didn't let us down, saying that he was disappointed by the initial announcement that Tesla was considering a manufacturing center in New Mexico, but that "They'll be back." And they are.

Tesla confirms Model S sedan, 225-mile range and $60k originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arnold schwarzeneggerArnoldSchwarzeneggerbreakingmodel sModelStelsatesla model sTeslaModelSMon, 30 Jun 2008 15:28:00 EST