Published December 22, 2011
By Jeff Cobb
This week Tesla Motors announced options and pricing for its battery electric Model S line, with some versions due after mid 2012 and full rollout expected by the end of 2012.
A broad array of battery capacity and other upgrades mean the entry level vehicle (before subsidies) will fetch $57,400 and a packed-out version will go for as much as $105,400.
The base model is said to be able to go 160 miles per charge with its 40-kwh battery with advertised 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds and top speed of 110 mph.
A mid-level version with 60-kwh battery pack will start at $67,400, offer range of 230 miles, 0-60 in 5.9 seconds, and top speed of 120 mph.
Tesla will make available two configurations with an 85-kwh battery, the less-costly version offering up to 300 miles range, 5.6-second 0-60 time, and 125 mph top speed.
Top-of-the-line with 85-kwh battery also promises range of 300 miles per charge, and is dialed up to turn 0-60 mph times in 4.4 seconds, and 130 mph top speed.
Naturally range estimates assume a certain sedate driving style. Tapping into max speed or acceleration potential will see range diminish just as one would expect of an internal combustion car.
The vehicles are to be built in Fremont Calif., and Tesla’s investors include Toyota Motor Corp., Daimler AG, Panasonic Corp and others hoping to see it become the first profitable battery electric vehicle maker.
Company CEO Elon Musk, who is its largest shareholder, said the company may be profitable by 2013. To date, Tesla has not issued an annual report.
The company said it has orders for more than 7,000 units, and next year’s production is already sold out.
To see all options and pricing (Tesla lists prices with $7,500 federal tax credit already deducted), click here for Tesla’s Web site.
