Tesla Model S EV Sedan

The new electric Tesla Model S production is scheduled to begin in mid-2012, starting with the Signature Series, and continuing with the 300-mile batteries, followed by 230-mile and 160-mile battery options later that year. Tesla will offer three battery options, the 160-, 230-, and the 300-mile range. The Model S will come standard with the 160-mile range battery with the 230-mile and 300-mile range batteries as optional upgrades. The Model S Signature will also come with the 300-mile range battery and will have limited edition offerings with colors and options not available for Model S.

The Model S will have a top speed of approximately 125 mph, a 0-60 mph time of approximately 5.6 seconds, and a single-speed gearbox. It will feature a standard 17” infotainment touchscreen on every Model S with in-car 3G connectivity for streaming radio and gps navigation, a liquid-cooled, floor-mounted battery pack, and panoramic glass roof and rear-facing child seats as planned optional upgrades.

Charing the Model S can be as simple as plugging into any regular 110 volt wall outlet. A 220 volt outlet, like the ones that are used for kitchen stoves and clothes dryers, will be able to charge the Model S more quickly, from empty to full overnight. At a fast charging station, the Model S is capable of recharging in 45 minutes. The Model S also uses regenerative braking to recharge the battery as well.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk says that the company could cover cross-country drives with 13 charging stations and 8 to 10 stations to cover the U.S. coasts. With each station costing about $25,000, “for a couple million dollars you have covered the country”.

The Tesla Model S will retail for $57,400 (or $49,900 base price after the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit). The 230-mile range battery option will retail about $10,000 more than the base and the 300-mile range battery option at about $20,000 more than the base. Expect to see deliveries of the Model S sometime around the summer 2012. Tesla wants to produce a total of 5,000 of the cars in 2012 and already has 4,600 reservations for the Model S which should cover first year of production.