Tesla Motors, headquartered in San Carlos, California, has been a major player in the electric car business for several years with the Tesla Roadster, an electric sports car capable of reaching 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds. The performance-rich Roadster is base priced at a not-so-modest $100,000. This high price tag has discouraged many buyers from purchasing Tesla vehicles, but this trend may soon be shot down courtesy of the Tesla Model S.The Model S, an electric four door sedan, is base priced at just under $50,000. It can travel 150 miles on a single charge (300 miles on the premium model), which is not bad for a car that can be charged in 45 minutes using a high voltage jack or overnight with a standard electrical plug. A full charge ends up costing only 4 dollars, which is impressive for the 150 mile driving range.
The Model S can reach 0-60 mph in just under 6 seconds, but the premium model is predicted to hit 60 mph in less than 5 seconds, with a top speed predicted to be around 120 mph. The engine, being electric, has a single-speed transmission, so the car accelerates without ever shifting a gear.
Aside from the impressive engine performance, I found one of the more intriguing aspects of the Model S to be the 17-inch "infotainment" touchscreen. This touchscreen is equipped with 3G internet access for the use of Google Maps or Pandora Radio. This screen is a very stylish way to do away with less-attractive buttons and dials on the center console.
With all of these features priced at less than $50,000, Tesla has made a step in the right direction. The Model S is not just a benchmark for more affordable electric cars, but also a technological showcase intimidating the likes of Mercedes and BMW, as well. It will not be released until 2011, but Tesla is already taking reservations for the much-anticipated Model S.
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