Tesla has now confirmed that deliveries are set to begin in 2012, with annual production anticipated to be around 20,000 units.
That’s not a huge volume, but the Model S will be competing head-on with established premium saloons in concept and cost.
After applying the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit, Tesla is aiming for a base price in the US of $49,900 (about £31,370 or €37,550 at today’s rates). That’s directly comparable to the $53,375 Jaguar XF, $50,975 BMW 535i and $50,275 Mercedes-Benz E350, for example.
However, $49,900 only gets you a basic battery pack which offers a range of 160 miles (257 km). For those anticipating range anxiety, other packs that promise either 230 miles (370 km) or 300 miles (482 km) between charges will also be available. Both will be cost options, though, and Tesla has yet to say how much extra they’ll be. Given the price of batteries, it could be significant.
Regardless of which pack is chosen, the Model S accelerates from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.6 seconds, an unsurprising achievement given the ‘instant torque’ characteristics of an electric motor. Top speed is a fairly modest 120 mph (193 km/h), although that will probably be plenty for most drivers who want to keep their licences.
Recharging, which takes 45 minutes using a QuickCharge facility, will be possible via conventional 120 volt, 240 volt and some 480 volt sockets.
Apart from the advantages (or disadvantages, depending on your viewpoint) of purely electric propulsion, one thing that the Tesla should beat its rivals on is packaging.
Because the battery pack is placed below the floor and the electric motor sits between the rear wheels, there’s enough space inside for five adults plus two children in rear-facing jump seats. And with no petrol or diesel engine, the Model S has luggage compartments under both the bonnet and rear hatchback.
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