I am very, very excited about the brand new Tesla Model S. For one, I think its a good look ahead to the future of the automobile industry. The age of petroleum powered cars has to come to an end eventually, and it seems like that might be sooner rather than later. The Tesla Model S is one sexy looking battery-powered car – one I hope plenty of people will one day drive. The Tesla Model S was revealed yesterday in Hawthorne, California as the first mass-produced electric highway-capable car. The Model S is a bit pricey, as is to be expected with this type of new technology, coming in at $49,900 after a $7,500 tax break. The car comes with three different range pack options: 160 mile, 230 mile, and 300 mile. On a standard 220 volt outlet, it takes only four hours to re-charge the vehicle to full power. Under the hood the Tesla Model S puts out enough power to reach 60mph in only 5.6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 120 mph. Power is transferred to big 21-inch wheels (original equipment front tires 245/35ZR21, rear tres 285/30ZR21).
The exterior is sexy, but what about the interior? First off, the spacious Model S comfortable fits seven people. It features dashboard control panels that are fully Internet and 3G capable, as well as environmentally-friendly features such as chrome-free vegetable tanned Italian leather and 100% recycled PET carpeting.
2010 Tesla Model S may seem a bit expensive, even after the tax break, but consider the fact that it costs about $4 to fully charge. Now imagine going 300 miles with only $4. You can see fuel savings certainly add up, and the Tesla Model S isn’t exact barebones either. There are plenty of high-tech and luxury features that justify the price tag, which should drop considerably as the government helps the auto industry transition to green technology.
