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[Tesla Roadster sets world EV record of 313 miles on single charge]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/tesla-roadster-sets-world-ev-record-of-313-miles-on-single-charg/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/tesla-roadster-sets-world-ev-record-of-313-miles-on-single-charg/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/tesla-roadster-sets-world-ev-record-of-313-miles-on-single-charg/#commentsFiled under: ,

Simon Hackett and co-driver Emilis Prelgauskas with the record setting Roadster - click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that how you drive influences a vehicle's efficiency. Case in point: This week's Global Green Challenge in Australia where Simon Hackett shipped his 2008 Tesla Roadster down under and proceeded to set a new world record for a production battery-powered vehicle. Hackett and co-driver Emilis Prelgauskas managed to squeeze 313 miles out of the lithium ion battery pack of the Roadster.

As the drivers crossed the finish line, approximately three miles was left on the charge at the end of the run south from Alice Springs. That easily topped the 241-mile run by another Roadster earlier this year in the Rallye Monte Carlo d'Energies Alternatives and the 244 miles the car achieves on the EPA test cycle.

Of course, achieving those kinds of range numbers means completely forgoing the performance capabilities of the Roadster, just as it would in any other sports car. The 0-60 in 3.9 seconds and 244 mile range is an either/or choice, you sadly can't have both. Tesla's press release is after the jump.


Gallery: Global Green Challenge Tesla Roadster goes 313 miles


[Source: Tesla]

Continue reading Tesla Roadster sets world EV record of 313 miles on single charge

Tesla Roadster sets world EV record of 313 miles on single charge originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingglobal green challengeGlobalGreenChallengeTeslatesla motorstesla roadstertesla roadster range recordtesla-motorstesla-roadsterTeslaEvTeslaMotorsTeslaRoadsterTeslaRoadsterRangeRecordThu, 29 Oct 2009 08:03:00 EST<![CDATA[World's Largest Rebate? Save $42,000 on Tesla Roadster in Colorado]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/tesla-roadster-colorado-tax-credit-42/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/tesla-roadster-colorado-tax-credit-42/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/tesla-roadster-colorado-tax-credit-42/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Tesla Roadster - Click above image for high-res gallery

We didn't believe it until we verified it with our own eyes - and amazingly it's true: Colorado is offering a $42,083 rebate on the 2009 Tesla Roadster until December 31st. Carry the one, move the decimal point... yep, that's a 38-percent discount on what must be the most desirable electric car currently for sale in the United States.

So, exactly how did this come about? Is the thin air up there distorting people's better judgment? Not exactly. The incentive actually applies to a slew of qualifying hybrid and electric vehicles and will be paid in the form of an income tax credit that's calculated by determining the difference in price of the alt-fuel car or truck as compared to a competitive gas-powered model. In the case of the Tesla Roadster, Colorado figures the EV costs a whopping $50K more than its competitive set... which we imagine might be the Lotus Elise.

Want to take advantage of the rebate but not interested in a fully-electric sportscar? Buyers can also get a $20K rebate on the 2009 Lexus LS 600h L or about three grand on either the new Honda Insight or Toyota Prius. But we urge you to buy the Tesla instead, because you could then get a loaded Ford Mustang GT with all the money you save just for irony's sake. See the complete list in PDF form here.


Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster


[Source: Green Car Reports]

World's Largest Rebate? Save $42,000 on Tesla Roadster in Colorado originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coloradocolorado ev rebatecolorado hybrid rebatecolorado rebateColoradoEvRebateColoradoHybridRebateColoradoRebatehybrid rebatehybrid rebatesHybridRebateHybridRebatesTeslatesla motorstesla rebatetesla roadstertesla roadster coloradotesla roadster rebateTeslaMotorsTeslaRebateTeslaRoadsterTeslaRoadsterColoradoTeslaRoadsterRebateThu, 22 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla introduces Mobile Service Rangers, the Geek Squad for EVs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/tesla-mobile-service-rangers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/tesla-mobile-service-rangers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/tesla-mobile-service-rangers/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Doctors may not make many house calls anymore, but Tesla Motors believes an at-home service is just the ticket for its pricey electric cars. The company recently announced a new Tesla Mobile Service Rangers program that makes getting the recommended annual service or any other repairs taken care of an effortless event. The Rangers (no word on if they wear brightly colored outfits and/or morph) have the ability to diagnose problems remotely before driving their service vehicles to where the Roadsters are. Tesla says that Roadster owners and cues from "pioneering retailers" like Zappos and Geek Squad helped develop the Rangers idea. At some point in the future, the Ranger service will be available wherever Roadsters are sold.

The service isn't cheap - it costs $1 per round-trip mile with a minimum charge of $100 - but if you can afford the car in the first place, then it shouldn't be too big of a hardship. We don't have the heart to calculate the cost for "Roadster owners in Honolulu, Anchorage, Banff and other locations", which Tesla's press release states can now have peace of mind. It might just be cheaper to buy two Roadsters in case one of them breaks.

[Source: Tesla Motors]

Tesla introduces Mobile Service Rangers, the Geek Squad for EVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobile service rangersMobileServiceRangersremote rangersRemoteRangersroadsterteslatesla mobile service rangerstesla motorstesla rangerstesla roadsterTeslaMobileServiceRangersTeslaMotorsTeslaRangersTeslaRoadsterTue, 13 Oct 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Tesla finally drops real images of Roadster Sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/pics-aplenty-tesla-finally-drops-real-images-of-roadster-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/pics-aplenty-tesla-finally-drops-real-images-of-roadster-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/pics-aplenty-tesla-finally-drops-real-images-of-roadster-sport/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Tesla Roadster Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been seven months since Tesla first announced its intentions to build the Roadster Sport, a higher performing version of its electric sportscar. Seemingly many moons later, the Silicon Valley-based automaker has finally offered up some real high-res images of the EV along with more details explaining what makes the Sport extra special.

First and foremost, the Sport's hand-wound electric motor adds a bit more oomph to the already quick Roadster, taking off two-tenths of a second in the rush to 60 mph (it now checks in at just 3.7 seconds). Also included are bare carbon fiber hood louvers and rear spoiler, a push-button transmission selector to replace the aluminum shift knob and a central touch screen that displays estimated range along with the total number of oil barrels saved over a fossil-fueled automobile. That's worth the $20K price increase itself, don't 'cha think?


Gallery: Tesla Roadster Sport

tesla-roadster-sport-large_08tesla-roadster-sport-large_05tesla-roadster-sport-large_06tesla-roadster-sport-large_09tesla-roadster-sport-large_01

[Source: Tesla]

Pics Aplenty: Tesla finally drops real images of Roadster Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carelectric carselectric sports carelectric sportscarElectricCarElectricCarsElectricSportsCarteslatesla motorstesla roadstertesla roadster sporttesla roadster sport gallerytesla sporttesla sports carTeslaMotorsTeslaRoadsterTeslaRoadsterSportTeslaRoadsterSportGalleryTeslaSportTeslaSportsCarThu, 20 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST<![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[Rumormill: 2010 Tesla Roadster gets upgrades including wifi connectivity]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/rumormill-2010-tesla-roadster-gets-upgrades-including-wifi-conn/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/rumormill-2010-tesla-roadster-gets-upgrades-including-wifi-conn/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/rumormill-2010-tesla-roadster-gets-upgrades-including-wifi-conn/#commentsFiled under: ,


Tesla Roadster Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

While owners of the current Tesla Roadster get the benefit of driving their bad ass electric vehicle today, people who are on the list for a 2010 model will get a few benefits that make 2009 owners jealous. Tesla Motors Club member DrComputer wrote about "a conversation with Ted at corporate" that revealed some improvements to the new cars. A tipster sent in a similar list of upgrades. The upgrades include:

  • New power electronics module
  • Better cooling for the power electronics
  • Improved AC with variable speed fans
  • Built in WiFi cards that connect the Roadster to the Internet (unless you turn the feature off) and gives Tesla the ability to interact with the car remotely. Also, this could open the door to mobile phone apps that talk to the car.
  • Glove box locks when you lock the car (to leave it out with the top down)

Both sources mention the ability to switch vehicle performance modes - from Range to Standard or Performance (but not back to Range) - with the key instead of needing to change modes via the screen. There has been no official confirmation about these upgrades, but none of them would surprise us if they were true. Thanks to Dan for the tip!


Gallery: Tesla Roadster Sport


[Source: Tesla Motors Club | Photo by JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty]

Rumormill: 2010 Tesla Roadster gets upgrades including wifi connectivity originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Tesla Roadster2010TeslaRoadsterteslatesla motors clubtesla roadstertesla roadster sporttesla roadster upgradetesla upgradetesla upgradesTeslaMotorsClubTeslaRoadsterTeslaRoadsterSportTeslaRoadsterUpgradeTeslaUpgradeTeslaUpgradesFri, 10 Jul 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Tesla planning to launch 2011 Roadster in more right-hand export markets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/report-tesla-planning-to-launch-2011-roadster-in-more-right-han/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/report-tesla-planning-to-launch-2011-roadster-in-more-right-han/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/report-tesla-planning-to-launch-2011-roadster-in-more-right-han/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Tesla Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the long-anticipated right-hand-drive Roadster is coming in the first quarter of 2010 and will be available in both standard and Sport guise. The first market that's slated for electrification is, as you would expect, the United Kingdom, and Tesla's first European showroom has already opened up in Knightsbridge.

In addition to Great Britain, Musk has also indicated that Japan, Australia and India are seen as important right-hand-drive markets for the automaker to pursue in short order. The switch from LHD to RHD is surely made easier by the fact that the Lotus Elise, which shares a large portion of its chassis with the Roadster, was initially designed as a wrong right-hand vehicle.

Interestingly, there's already a lone Tesla Roadster in Australia, but that left-hand-drive car was imported by a man named Simon Hackett for his own personal use at a cost of about $200,000 Australian dollars - nearly twice what a Roadster costs in the States. Click past the break to watch a short video segment featuring that car.


Gallery: Jason Calacanis' Tesla Roadster


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Go Auto]

Continue reading REPORT: Tesla planning to launch 2011 Roadster in more right-hand export markets

REPORT: Tesla planning to launch 2011 Roadster in more right-hand export markets originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>greenright hand drive teslaright-hand-drive teslaRight-hand-driveTeslaRightHandDriveTeslateslatesla australiatesla indiatesla japantesla motorstesla roadsterTeslaAustraliaTeslaIndiaTeslaJapanTeslaMotorsTeslaRoadsterTue, 07 Jul 2009 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-Tesla communications director Vespremi puts the automaker in historical context]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/ex-tesla-communications-director-chimes-in-on-the-automakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/ex-tesla-communications-director-chimes-in-on-the-automakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/ex-tesla-communications-director-chimes-in-on-the-automakers/#commentsFiled under:



While things have been quiet on the Tesla legal front in the battle for recognition between Martin Eberhard and Elon Musk, some of the bystanders in the saga are continuing to come forward with their takes of the story. Earlier this week, we heard from Tesla's former senior vice president of marketing, Darryl Siry, in a piece that ran on Wired. Now, former communications director David Vespremi is responding with a counterpoint to Siry's article.

The heart of the legal argument revolves around who did what in the very earliest days of Tesla's existence in 2003-2004 and then what happened in 2006-2007 as Tesla approached Job 1 for the Roadster. The two men have their own versions of those events and how that relates to what has been said by and about Musk over the past 18 months.

Keep in mind that neither Vespremi or Siry were there in the earliest days of Tesla. Instead, Siry's piece looks at the Roadster's evolution from the AC Propulsion tZero. Vespremi's response goes way beyond that and places Tesla in some historical context in the progression from the EVs of a century ago as they "cross the chasm" to mainstream acceptability. You can find Vespremi's entire response (it's a worthwhile read) after the jump.


Gallery: 2009 Tesla Roadster v1.5


[Source: David Vespremi]

Continue reading Ex-Tesla communications director Vespremi puts the automaker in historical context

Ex-Tesla communications director Vespremi puts the automaker in historical context originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darryl sirydarryl-siryDarrylSirydavid vespremiDavidVespremielon muskelon-muskElonMuskmartin eberhardmartin eberhard firedmartin eberhard teslaMartinEberhardMartinEberhardFiredMartinEberhardTeslatesla motorstesla roadsterTeslaMotorsTeslaRoadsterMon, 29 Jun 2009 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Elon fires back at Eberhard in Tesla lawsuit's latest twist]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/elon-fires-back-at-eberhard-in-tesla-lawsuits-latest-twist/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/elon-fires-back-at-eberhard-in-tesla-lawsuits-latest-twist/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/elon-fires-back-at-eberhard-in-tesla-lawsuits-latest-twist/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Shortly after Tesla Motors co-founder Martin Eberhard filed a lawsuit against Tesla Motors and its Chairman, Product Architect and CEO Elon Musk, the Silicon Valley automaker had this to say:
This lawsuit is a fictionalized, inaccurate account of Tesla's early years -- it's twisted and wrong, and we welcome the opportunity to set the record straight. Incidentally, Tesla will also be filing counterclaims and in the process present an accurate account of the company's history.
The first bit of record-resetting has shown up on the official Tesla blog. Not surprisingly, Elon Musk has lots to say in regards to the early years of the Roadster's development, and he seeks to offer his side of the story, along with a number of emails to back up his claims.

What does Musk say? Well, his initial response is a long, informative and interesting read. Here are some choice lines:
  • The facts are that when I requested through AC Propulsion to meet Eberhard, he had no technology of his own, he did not have a prototype car and he owned no intellectual property relating to electric cars.
  • At the time [early 2004], "Tesla Motors, Inc." consisted of Eberhard, Tarpenning and Wright, plus an unfunded business plan and they were looking for an initial round of funding to create a more advanced prototype than the AC Propulsion Tzero. While there was a basic corporation in place, Tesla hadn't even registered or obtained the trademark to its name and had no formal offices or assets.

Make the jump for more.

Gallery: Martin Eberhard's Founders Series Tesla Roadster


[Source: Elon Musk / Tesla Motors]

Continue reading Elon fires back at Eberhard in Tesla lawsuit's latest twist

Elon fires back at Eberhard in Tesla lawsuit's latest twist originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreenelon muskElonMuskmartin eberhardMartinEberhardteslatesla founderstesla lawsuittesla motorstesla roadsterTeslaFoundersTeslaLawsuitTeslaMotorsTeslaRoadsterMon, 22 Jun 2009 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Convoy of Tesla Roadsters in California commemorates 500th delivery [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/convoy-of-tesla-roadsters-in-california-commemorates-500th-deliv/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/convoy-of-tesla-roadsters-in-california-commemorates-500th-deliv/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/convoy-of-tesla-roadsters-in-california-commemorates-500th-deliv/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

UPDATE: Added Speed and Motion HD Video after the jump
Tesla Roadster convoy - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Just what do you call a gathering of 30 or so Tesla Roadsters all in one place? A gaggle? A flock? After taking a look at the photos of such an event from our friends at Speed and Motion, we'll go with "convoy." This crowd was brought together to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Tesla's first retail store and the delivery of the 500th Tesla Roadster, meaning that the cars you see in the pictures below represent less than one tenth of total Roadster production so far. Elliot from Speed and Motion describes the experience this way:
What a treat it was to experience 60 miles along the streets and freeways of LA including a run through the scenic Malibu canyons. What surprised me was how quick (0-to-60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds) and agile in the corners this electric vehicle really is on the road. We made a pit stop at the Rock Store before heading over to for a wonderful for a barbecue at Greener Pasture Ranch, a Tesla customer's private home.

Riding in these cars is so peaceful and tranquil. It sure was a change from the loud and wild exotic cars that we are used to experiencing here at speedandmotion! One thing I can say for sure is the owners are such a spirited and lively group, not to mention car aficionados at heart.
See the rest of the photos here and be sure to click past the break for a couple of videos that were taken during the event along with the official press release.


Gallery: Convoy of 50 Tesla Roadsters


[Source: Speed and Motion]

Continue reading Convoy of Tesla Roadsters in California commemorates 500th delivery [w/VIDEO]

Convoy of Tesla Roadsters in California commemorates 500th delivery [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreenelectric carelectric car gatheringElectricCarElectricCarGatheringteslatesla motorstesla roadstertesla roadster gatheringTeslaMotorsTeslaRoadsterTeslaRoadsterGatheringTue, 09 Jun 2009 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla delivers 500th Roadster to New Jersey man]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/03/tesla-delivers-500th-roadster-to-new-jersey-man/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/03/tesla-delivers-500th-roadster-to-new-jersey-man/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/03/tesla-delivers-500th-roadster-to-new-jersey-man/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Tesla Roadster - Click above for a high-res image gallery

From the first to the 100th and now to the 500th, the story of Tesla Motors and their first offering, the Roadster, has been pretty heavily documented. The trend is unlikely to stop any time soon and, in that vein, Tesla is making sure to note its latest milestone, the delivery of the 500th Roadster.

The lucky recipient is New Jersey's Martin Tuchman, who Tesla describes as chairman of The Tuchman Foundation and a board member of The Parkinson's Alliance and Parkinson's Disease Foundation of Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York. Tuchman is apparently a car fan, with a 1967 Mercedes 250 and a 1993 Jaguar convertible in his stable. Those cars will get even less of a workout now that the Roadster is around, as it is scheduled to become Tuchman's main commuter car. Interestingly, Tuchman will reportedly use solar power to charge his new toy whenever possible, which ought to make for a clean getaway. Official press release after the jump.


Gallery: Tesla Roadster


[Source: Tesla]

Continue reading Tesla delivers 500th Roadster to New Jersey man

Tesla delivers 500th Roadster to New Jersey man originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>roadsterteslatesla deliveriestesla roadstertesla roadster deliveryTeslaDeliveriesTeslaRoadsterTeslaRoadsterDeliveryWed, 03 Jun 2009 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla Motors and Lotus announce matching recall notices]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/29/tesla-motors-and-lotus-announce-matching-recall-notices/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/29/tesla-motors-and-lotus-announce-matching-recall-notices/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/29/tesla-motors-and-lotus-announce-matching-recall-notices/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Tesla Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

Tesla Motors has announced its first-ever recall, affecting all 345 Roadsters the Silicon Valley automaker produced in 2008. According to the official recall notice from the NHTSA, the rear hub flange bolts on some vehicles may not be torqued to proper specifications, which could lead to "degredation in vehicle handling and a rubbing noise from the rear of the vehicle." That, as you would imagine, would be bad, and if left unresolved could result in a crash.

The problem can be traced back to the Lotus factory in Hethel, England where the Roadster's main chassis is constructed before being shipped to the States to have its electric drivetrain installed. This being the case, Lotus has issued its own matching recall on the 27 Elises and Exiges that have shipped so far in 2009. As always, you are advised to contact the manufacturer as soon as possible if you've yet to be notified of the recall.


Gallery: Jason Calacanis' Tesla Roadster


[Source: NHTSA - Tesla | Lotus]

Tesla Motors and Lotus announce matching recall notices originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 May 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lotuslotus eliselotus elise recalllotus exigelotus exige recalllotus recallLotusEliseLotusEliseRecallLotusExigeLotusExigeRecallLotusRecallteslatesla motorstesla recalltesla roadstertesla roadster recallTeslaMotorsTeslaRecallTeslaRoadsterTeslaRoadsterRecallFri, 29 May 2009 08:58:00 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[Elon Musk reportedly sets trap for loose lipped Tesla employees]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/05/elon-musk-reportedly-sets-trap-for-loose-lipped-tesla-employees/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/05/elon-musk-reportedly-sets-trap-for-loose-lipped-tesla-employees/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/05/elon-musk-reportedly-sets-trap-for-loose-lipped-tesla-employees/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The breathless style of writing at which Valleywag has made a name for itself isn't the sort of thing we often link to, but we'll make an exception today. According to the Gawker team, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is not making any friends in his own company; in fact, Valleywag claims that Musk recently tried to pinpoint people on his team who may be leaking confidential information to the media. The tactic - sending each employee a slightly altered version of an email about stopping the leaks and then checking to see which version made it to the media. It reportedly backfired in a pretty big way. Valleywag reports that Musk did not let his own executives know of this plan to smoke out the leaker. One of them unknowingly forwarded his version of the email within the company, which made it clear to the rest of Tesla's workforce that they were being set up.

We contacted Tesla about this story, but got a simple "No Comment." That's fine for us, but it might be a long, long month before the Model S unveiling on the 26th. Follow the source link to read a version of the email, presumably one of many, that Musk sent to his employees. Thanks to Yanquetino for the tip!

[Source: Valleywag]

Elon Musk reportedly sets trap for loose lipped Tesla employees originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog greenautobloggreenelon muskElonMuskteslatesla motorstesla roadsterTeslaMotorsTeslaRoadstervalleywagThu, 05 Mar 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla Roadster on sale in Canada as of... today, deliveries start in Q4 '09]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/tesla-roadsters-on-sale-in-canada-as-of-today-deliveries-st/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/tesla-roadsters-on-sale-in-canada-as-of-today-deliveries-st/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/tesla-roadsters-on-sale-in-canada-as-of-today-deliveries-st/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for more images of the Tesla Roadster testing in the snow

Canada has not always been the friendliest territory for electric cars, but that's changing. After the Tesla empire officially expanded to Chicago yesterday, the company has announced it will join the northern rush and is now ready to take orders in Canada. Canadian buyers will have to wait until the fourth quarter of 2009 to actually get their cars, but they should feel free to sign up for the $109,000 electric car whenever they feel like it. Oh, and that's the U.S. price; the cost for Canadians will be set later this year) The first deliveries will be made out of upcoming Tesla "regional centers" in Seattle and New York, but Canada-based stores are in the works.

In the announcement of the Canadian sales, Tesla highlights one big difference between American and Canadian Roadsters: the electricity used to power the vehicles is much more likely to be clean up north:

Canada and Norway are the only two countries worldwide where the majority of electricity comes from renewable resources, including run-of-river small hydro, wind, biomass, geothermal and solar energy. An EV recharged from the current Canadian grid, on average, would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 85 percent compared to an equivalent gasoline-powered vehicle. In hydro-dominant British Columbia, Quebec and Manitoba, the reduction would be an impressive 98 percent.

Click here for some fun video of the Tesla Roadster undergoing ice testing, and see more images of Roadsters in the snow here.

Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster


[Source: Tesla]

Continue reading Tesla Roadster on sale in Canada as of... today, deliveries start in Q4 '09

Tesla Roadster on sale in Canada as of... today, deliveries start in Q4 '09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog greenAutoblogGreencanadacanada electric carCanadaElectricCarteslatesla canadatesla evtesla motorstesla roadsterTeslaCanadaTeslaEvTeslaMotorsTeslaRoadsterTue, 03 Mar 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dang, Bubba! Secret Service nixes Tesla drive for Bill Clinton]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/28/secret-service-nixes-tesla-drive-for-bubba/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/28/secret-service-nixes-tesla-drive-for-bubba/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/28/secret-service-nixes-tesla-drive-for-bubba/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Former president Bill Clinton came this close to joining fellow politicos like Arnold Schwartzenegger and Gordon Brown as veterans of the Tesla Roadster Test Drive Club.

At a recent event put on by Shangri La Industries (a green building contractor) at Burbank's Bob Hope Airport, Clinton was on "Guest of Honor" and speech duty, exhorting all that could be good for business and the planet. But just as he was handed the keys and set free to experience the electric thrill that is the Tesla Roadster, the Secret Service stepped in and said playtime was over, it was time to go.

Knowing how much the ex-Prez loves adventure, and if, as it was claimed, Clinton has been into the green thing for 30 years, well, we imagine he'll be back for a spin.

[Source: Tesla Motors]

Dang, Bubba! Secret Service nixes Tesla drive for Bill Clinton originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill clintonBillClintoncoupeetcgreensports carSportsCarteslatesla motorstesla roadsterTeslaMotorsTeslaRoadsterSat, 28 Feb 2009 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla to unveil Model S on March 26, hopes for DOE money by summer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/tesla-to-unveil-model-s-on-march-26-hopes-for-doe-money-by-summ/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/tesla-to-unveil-model-s-on-march-26-hopes-for-doe-money-by-summ/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/tesla-to-unveil-model-s-on-march-26-hopes-for-doe-money-by-summ/#commentsFiled under:



In a newsletter distributed today by Tesla Motors, CEO Elon Musk provides an update on the business including an announcement that a driveable prototype of the Model S would be unveiled on March 26. The Model S reveal will take place at the Southern California headquarters of Musk's other company, Space-X, which is where Tesla's design studio is located. According to ex-Tesla SVP Darryl Siry who refused to show us images of the car no matter how much we begged before his departure, "the Model S a very beautiful car." As long as it doesn't have a hump back like the new Porsche Panamera we're looking forward to seeing it.

However, before it becomes anything more than a prototype, Tesla will need a lot more cash to pay for engineering and a factory to build it. As Musk told us when we talked to him in Detroit last month, he fully expects the company to be profitable by mid-year thanks to price increases and cost reductions for building the Roadster. Even if that proves to be true, which will be difficult when considering the current economy, it's unlikely to be anywhere near the required cash flow to cover the cost of the Model S. Learn more about how Tesla hopes to fund the Model S after the jump where you can also see the full text of the newsletter.

[Source: Tesla Motors]

Continue reading Tesla to unveil Model S on March 26, hopes for DOE money by summer

Tesla to unveil Model S on March 26, hopes for DOE money by summer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atvmatvmlpbreakingbreaking newsBreakingNewsdoe loandoe loansDoeLoanDoeLoanselon muskElonMuskrachel konradRachelKonradteslatesla model stesla motorstesla roadstertesla-roadsterTeslaModelSteslamotorsTeslaRoadsterWed, 11 Feb 2009 15:27:00 EST