Tesla Archives

Consumer Reports has announced that the Tesla Model S has received a rating of 99 out of 100, which means that it's has been rated higher than any other model recently tested. Back in 2007, the Lexus LS 460L also received a score of 99 out of 100, but since then no other model has been able to achieve the same rating.

The sales numbers have been finalized for the first quarter of this year and with that it's now being reported that the Tesla Model S outsold the Chevy Volt in Q1 in North America. Tesla expects to report that it sold 4,750 Model S sedans in the US and Canada, which beats the 4,421 units of the Chevy Volt that were sold during the same period. The Tesla Model S also beat the Nissan Leaf, since Nissan only sold 3,695 units.

The next-generation Tesla Roadster is still a few years away, but Tesla boss George Blankenship has already provided some details about what we can expect. Blakenship told Autocar that he expects the next Tela Roadster to have over a 200 mile driving range since EV technology continues to evolve. The next Tesla Roadster will also reach 0-60 mph in under four seconds.

Tesla has announced that, in partnership with Wells Fargo and US Bank, it has created a revolutionary automotive financing product that provides the best elements of ownership and leasing to Model S customers.

Tesla has announced that sales of the Tesla Model S sedan have exceeded Tesla's sales targets that were announced in February. Sales of the Model S exceeded 4,750 units vs. the 4,500 unit prior outlook. As a result, Tesla is amending its Q1 guidance to full profitability.

Tesla's next model, the Model X crossover was due to arrive by the end of this year, but now it looks like its introduction has been delayed by at least a year. Tesla attributes the Model X's delay to the success of the Model S sedan. Tesla has decided to push back the release date of the Model X to focus on the Model S.

Tesla has announced that it is raising the prices for the Model S sedan, which now starts at $59,900, which is up from $57,400 ($49,900 after federal tax credits). The price increase applies to new reservations starting January 1, 2013. Although Tesla is raising the pricing for the Model S, Tesla is quick to point out that the initial starting price was announced in March 2009, which is over three and a half years ago.

Earlier this month Automobile Magazine named the Tesla Model S its Automobile of the Year and now Motor Trend has given Tesla's sedan its highest honor by naming it its, 2013 Car of the Year. To take top honors, Model S garnered a unanimous vote from the panel of Motor Trend judges and guest judges. This is the first time in Motor Trend's memory that every judge was in unanimous agreement.

The Tesla Model S was just named "Automobile of the Year" by AUTOMOBILE Magazine's team of editors and writers, who stated that the Model S "blew them all away."

Tesla has received a $10 million grant from the state of California to build its new Model X crossover. In return for the $10 million grant, Tesla will also contribute $50 million of its own money for the new crossover. The new funding will be used to expand Tesla's plant in Fremont, California and to purchase new equipment to build the Model X.

Tesla has unveiled its new Supercharger network, which will allow the Model S to travel long distances with ultra fast charging throughout California, parts of Nevada and Arizona.

Tesla's CEO Elon Musk recently joined a web chat on Jalopnik, where he discussed the future of Tesla and what the electric car company could release next. Currently Tesla offers models like the Tesla Roadster and the new Model S sedan, but according to Elon Musk, a Tesla supercar could one day join the Tesla lineup.

The first deliveries of Tesla's Model S electric sedan kicked off last month, but we've now learned that Tesla isn't stopping there. The next model will be the Model X crossover that is based on the Model S and then a new range of smaller models. Tesla's chief designer recently confirmed with Autocar that the automaker is currently working on a new range of cars that will compete with the BMW 3 Series.

"The third model will continue to drive down the price point as fast as possible," von Holzhausen told Autocar. The target price for the new entry-level car will be around $30,000. The new 3 Series fighter will also have more distinctive styling than the conventional looking Model S. "We will become more experimental as we develop as a brand," he said. "Our cars need to have some personality." The new models could launch as early as 2015.

The first deliveries of the Tesla Model S are set to take place at the end of this week. The EPA has officially given the Tesla Model S a fuel economy rating of 89 MPGe and a range of 265 miles for the top version of the Model S with a 85 kilowatt-hour battery.

Even though the EPA's rating of 89 MPGe may be lower than other electric vehicles like the new Honda Fit EV and Nissan Leaf, the Model S has the longest driving range of any full electric vehicle on the market. The Model S also is larger than the Honda Fit and Nissan Leaf with seating for up to seven passengers.

Tesla has announced that the first Model S deliveries will kick off on June 22nd, which is ahead of the original July timeframe. "In 2006 our plan was to build an electric sports car followed by an affordable electric sedan, and reduce our dependence on oil," said Elon Musk, Tesla Motors CEO and Chief Product Architect. "Delivering Model S is a key part of that plan and represents Tesla's transition to a mass-production automaker and the most compelling car company of the 21st century."

Several customers will receive their cars that day at an invitation-only event at the Tesla Factory in Fremont, California. Model S test-drive events will begin rolling out to select North American cities in July. Tesla will be ramping up production throughout 2012 and plans to deliver 5,000 vehicles by year end. Reservations for the premium electric sedan currently exceed 10,000.

Last night Tesla unveiled its third model, the 2014 Model X crossover, which is based on the same platform as the upcoming Model S sedan. Tesla says that the Model X was designed to blend the best of an SUV with the benefits of a minivan.

The Tesla Model X has three rows of seats, room for up to seven passengers and comes with two rear doors that Tesla is calling "Falcon Wings." Tesla says that the Falcon Wings are perfect for tight parking spots because they open up, instead of out like a traditional door.

The Model X shares its platform with the Model S and will come in three drivetrain configurations: rear-wheel-drive, dual motor all-wheel-drive and the performance dual motor all-wheel-drive model. The Model X will be offered with a 60 or 85 kWh battery. Tesla claims that the standard Model X will reach 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the performance model being even quicker.

Tesla has already started taking reservations for the Model X, which will arrive in early 2014. It's final pricing is expected to be close to the Model S, which starts at $49,900 after the $7,500 federal tax credit.

Tesla will unveil its third model, the Model X crossover on February 9th, but here's the first teaser photo of it. The teaser photo shows off the electric crossover's roofline and part of its grille.

The teaser photo was part of Tesla's invitation to the official unveiling of the Model X that is going to take place at Tesla's Design Studio in LA. The Model X is expected to arrive less than two years after the Model S sedan, with pricing that will probably be higher than the Model S that starts at $57,400.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has confirmed on his Twitter account that the Tesla Model X crossover will be unveiled on February 9th at Tesla's design studio in California.

The Tesla Model X will share its platform with the upcoming Model S sedan, but its not known if the version we will see next month will be the production version or a concept. The Model X crossover was rumored to be unveiled by the end of December, but isn't slated to go on sale until late 2013.

According to Tesla, the Model X will "incorporate the functionality of a minivan with the consumer appeal of a sports-utility vehicle."

Tesla has announced the pricing for its much anticipated Model S sedan, which starts at $49,900 after the available $7,500 federal tax credit. For almost $50k you get the base Tesla Model S with its 40kWh battery 17" Touchscreen, 19" Wheels and a Universal Mobile Connector with three adapters that will allow you to charge at home and on the road. The Model S equipped with the 40 kWh battery only has an estimated range of 160 miles. Stepping up to the 60 kWh and 85 kWh versions will give you more range.

The Model S with the 60 kWh battery starts at $59,900 after the tax credits and has a range of 230 miles. It also reaches 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds compared to 6.5 seconds for the base model. The 85 kWh version has a range of 300 miles and a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds. It starts at $69,900. As predicted Tesla is also going to offer a Model S Performance model that is powered by the 85 kWh battery, but reaches 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and also gets a high performance drive inverter and exterior carbon fiber accents. The Model S Performance model is also available with a $5,000 package that includes a nappa leather interior with Alcantara accents, active air suspension with traction control and performance wheels and tires.

Tesla is set to release its second model the Model S sedan early next year and this fall Tesla is also going to unveil its third model, the Model X crossover. So what is the future of the Tesla Roadster?

It's being reported by Autocar that Tesla will release an all-new Roadster in 2014, which will get a new platform that doesn't borrow Lotus parts. According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the new Roadster will be based on a third-generation platform, which will be a shortened version of the platform used for the Model S.

"This platform will spawn a range of cars in the next four to five years," Musk stated. "It'll be a more mass-market platform for cars like a 3-series as well as the new Roadster. These cars will supplement the Model S range."

Tesla is hard at work on the Model S sedan and now comes word that Tesla is also going to make a high-performance version, which will be available at the same time as the regular sedan.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk broke the news at a recent press event at the former Toyota NUMMI facility in Fremont, California. The standard Tesla Model S reaches 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, but the high-performance version will see that time drop below 4.5 seconds.

"That's quicker than a [Porsche] 911 [Carrera]," joked Musk. "Not bad for an electric luxury sedan."

The $80,000 high-performance Model S will feature the same 85 kilowatt-hour, 300 mile range battery pack as the standard Model S.

Musk also confirmed plans to offer aerodynamic wheels on the Tesla Model S that will increase its range to 320 miles. "There were some skeptics who said we couldn't do a 300 mile range, but we're going to do better than that. We're going to offer 320 mile range, as tested on the EPA 2 cycle test."

The upcoming 2012 Tesla Model S and Tesla Roadster recently hit the road together. This video shows Tesla's two models driving together for the first time.

Check out the video after the jump.

Toyota and Tesla have announced plans to produce the RAV4 electric-vehicle at Toyota's plant Woodstock, Ontario starting in 2012.

"The Tesla-Toyota joint development team has agreed that building the vehicle at the Woodstock plant on the same line as the gasoline-powered RAV4, will streamline and simplify the production process and guarantee the highest level of quality control," said Ray Tanguay, TMMC Chairman, who hosted Canadian officials at the plant today and thanked them for their support. "This is a great example of Toyota's determination to collaborate with companies with leading edge technology."

Toyota is paying Tesla $100 million to supply the electric powertrain, which includes the battery, motor, gear box and power electronics for the RAV4 EV. Telsa's powertrains will be produced in Palo Alto, California and then be shipped to Toyota's plant in Canada.

Toyota hasn't announced the exact on sale date for the RAV4 EV, but it will launch sometime in 2012.

Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk has announced that the automaker is in talks with Toyota over a $1 billion deal.

Tesla recently signed a $100 million deal that will bring the Toyota RAV4 EV to market, but Musk stated in regards to that deal, "we're in discussions with them for a deal that is an order of magnitude larger than that." A Tesla representative also confirmed with the AutoObserver that deal that Elon was referring to was much larger than the previous deal at $1 billion.

No other details were given about the possible deal.

Tesla has released another video of the upcoming 2012 Tesla Model S sedan having fun on a track.

The prototypes are pretty much devoid of any camouflage and you get to hear the sounds of the electric motors as they wiz by the camera.

Check out the video after the jump.

Tesla Motors has signed a $100 million dollar deal with Toyota to build the electric powertrain for the Toyota EAV4 EV.

Tesla is going to supply the RAV4's electric motor, transmission, battery and charging system. Production is expected to kick off next year. Toyota recently squashed rumors that the RAV4 EV would only be available for fleet customers.

"The 2012 RAV4 EV will definitely be sold to the general public. We anticipate robust public interest in the RAV4 EV and are keen to inform consumers that their future vehicle options include a battery electric Toyota."

Tesla Motors has released more photos of the "Alpha" version of the upcoming Model S sedan. The "Alpha" version of the Model S sedan is closer to what we will see when the electric sedan is officially released next year.

From these photos it's easily to tell that the new concept has a different front fascia, which is more aggressively styled than the first concept. More aggressive = good. Tesla is also supposed to unveil its first crossover at the end of this year, the Model X.

Tesla is currently working on its third model after the roadster and upcoming Model S sedan. Tesla is currently planning to unveil a prototype of the Model X crossover by the end of the year according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The filing stated that Tesla is "designing the Model X to incorporate the functionality of a minivan with the consumer appeal of a sports-utility vehicle." It noted that the electric powertrain developed for the Tesla Roadster "has provided the foundational technology for the Model S, the Model X and for electric powertrain components that (Tesla) has begun selling to Daimler and its affiliates that (Tesla) intends to sell to Toyota."

Late last year, Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed plans to introduce a battery-powered crossover in 2014, two years after the launch of the Model S sedan.

The filing also stated that production of the Tesla Roadster will end in December 2011.

Tesla is still hard at work on its second model, the Model S sedan, but the company is reportedly also thinking about adding a third model to its lineup. Currently Tesla offers the roadster electric vehicle, but Tesla may soon seek additional funding to help it produce a third electric model, the Model X, which would ben electric powered SUV type of vehicle.

The Model X would use the same powertrain as the Model S sedan.

"We do have enough capital to reach cash-flow positive without raising another dollar," Musk said on an earnings call. "There's a decent chance we will raise a secondary for the Model X activity and some additional potential headroom growth on the Model S production."

Tesla currently has 4,600 reservations for the Model S, which requires a down payment of $5,000. Pricing for the base 160-mile range Model S is expected to start at $49,900 after the $7,500 federal tax credit. The model that can travel up to 230 miles on a single charge costs $10,000 more and the top model with a 300 mile range starts at $74,400 before any tax credits.

Tesla is suing the BBC's "Top Gear" for libel and malicious falsehood. When Top Gear reviewed the Tesla Roadster, according to Tesla the episode contained lies and misinformation about the Roadster's performance and reliability. Tesla decided to take legal action against the show after repeated attempts to contact the BBC, were ignored.

The episode actually aired in 2008, but according to Tesla there were major issues during the episode that depicted the Roadster as unreliable and not able to live up to its claimed performance.

Specifically, Top Gear misrepresented that:

1. The Roadster ran out of charge and had to be pushed into the Top Gear hangar by 4 men.
2. The Roadster's true range is only 55 miles per charge (not 211).
3. One Roadster's motor overheated and was completely immobilized as a result.
4. The other Roadster's brakes were broken, rendering the car undriveable.
5. That neither of the two Roadsters provided to Top Gear was available for test driving due to these problems.

Tesla claims that the breakdowns were staged and wants the show to admit to the error and to stop airing the episode, which is available on the internet and for sale on Top Gear DVD's.

Tesla has released more details about its upcoming Model S sedan. Deliveries are expected to start in mid-2012 and the first 1,000 units off the line will be the North American Model S Signature Series. The limited-edition series will be equipped with the 300 mile range battery and will feature unique badging.

After the initial 1,000 units are produced the deliveries will continue to be powered by the 300 mile range battery, followed by the 230 and 160 mile options later in 2012. Tesla expects to produce 5,000 units in 2012.

Pricing for the Model S is expected to start at $49,900 for the 160-mile battery model after the $7,500 federal tax credit. The 230-mile option is expected to cost $10,000 more and the 300-mile option is expected to cost $20,000 more than the base model, which puts it at $74,400 before any federal tax credits.

Tesla has released a video of the Model S during its first phase of road testing. The video shows the Alpha model driving through back country roads.

Tesla Vehicle Dynamicist Graham Sutherland commented: "The first Alpha is amazingly agile for a car of its size. It has great handling balance and poised ride with communicative steering. Just goes to show what combining a low center of gravity with a very stiff body structure can achieve."

The Tesla Model S electric sedan is set to go into production next year, with deliveries starting in 2012. Tesla has announced that more than 3,000 buyers have plopped down $5,000 to reserve the sedan.

It may take sometime for Tesla to build 3,000 units of the S sedan, since it has only delivered 1,400 roadsters since it was introduced in 2008.

Toyota and Tesla have teamed up to create the new Toyota RAV4 EV that has debuted at the LA Auto Show.

The Toyota RAV4 EV is basically a RAV4 with the heart of a Tesla. Tesla developed the powertrain, which includes the battery, electric motor, transmission and software. The RAV4 EV also features unique front and rear fascias, 18" alloy wheels and comes in a special pearl white paint. Inside it features a smart key system with push button start, combination synthetic leather and fabric seating surfaces and a DVD navigation system. The good thing is that the cargo area of the RAV4 EV remains the same size as the gas powered RAV4.

Toyota and Tesla are still working on the final specifications of the RAV4 EV, but it will have a target range of 100 miles in actual road driving patterns, in a wide range of climates and conditions. Also even though the RAV4 EV is about 220 pounds heavier than the RAV4 V6, it will reach 0-60 mph nearly as quickly.

The RAV4 EV will hit the market sometime in 2012.

Earlier this year Toyota and Tesla announced plans to work together on future electric vehicles and this summer Toyota revealed that a RAV4 EV was in the works using Tesla's technology. Next week the Toyota RAV4 EV will officially be unveiled at the LA Auto Show.

The RAV4 EV uses the body of the RAV 4, while Tesla has supplied the electric powertrain. Toyota has released two teaser images while we wait for the official unveiling next week. The RAV4 EV is slated to go on sale in 2012.

Tesla has issued a voluntary safety recall that involves 439 Roadsters. The recall involves the 12v auxiliary cable that helps power various systems on the roadster like the headlamps, taillights, turn signals, etc. in the event tha tthe primary cable fails.

Tesla decided to issue the voluntary safety recall after one vehicle had an issue with the cable rubbing against the edge of a carbon fiber panel in the vehicle, which caused a short. The issue is isolated only to the 12v auxiliary cable and only 2.0 and 2.5 Roadsters have the cable.

Tesla Motors will begin offering shares to the public for the first time ever today. Although the company has lost $260.7 million since its birth, investors remain optimistic about electric car company.

Tesla Motors will start trading today on Nasdaq under the symbol TSLA with shares priced at $17 bucks, which is more than the initial $14 to $16 range. This has allowed Tesla to raise more than $226 million.

Tesla has sold more than 1,000 roadsters, but much of the excitement surrounds the upcoming introduction of the Model S sedan that is slated to go on sale in 2012. Until the Model S is released it is expected that Tesla will continue to lose money.

Toyota and Tesla have announced a partnership to develop electric vehicles in northern California.

Toyota is going to purchase $50 million of Tesla's common stock and Tesla has purchased the former NUMMI factory in Fremont, California that used to produce the Toyota Corolla and Tacoma.

"I sensed the great potential of Tesla's technology and was impressed by its dedication to monozukuri (Toyota's approach to manufacturing)," said TMC President Akio Toyoda. "Through this partnership, by working together with a venture business such as Tesla, Toyota would like to learn from the challenging spirit, quick decision-making, and flexibility that Tesla has. Decades ago, Toyota was also born as a venture business. By partnering with Tesla, my hope is that all Toyota employees will recall that 'venture business spirit,' and take on the challenges of the future."

Production of the Model S will take place at the NUMMI plant and will bring back 1,000 employees that will produce up to 20,000 vehicles a year initially. The plant has the capability of employing up to 10,000 employees.

"The Tesla Factory effectively leverages an ideal combination of hardcore Silicon Valley engineering talent, traditional automotive engineering talent and the proven Toyota production system," said Tesla CEO Elon Musk. "The new Tesla Factory will give us plenty of room to grow."

Tag Heuer, luxury Swiss watchmaker and Tesla have teams up to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the watchmaker. The 2010 Tag Heuer Tesla Roadster will premiere at the Geneva Motor Show this week.

The one of a kind collector's car is painted in Foucault Field Gray and features a TAG Heuer Meridiist mobile phone as well as a one-fifth second Heuer Limited Edition Stopwatch.

"TAG Heuer has a rich history and expertise with the world's most prestigious racing teams -- but this is the first ever partnership we've forged with an electric sports car company," said Jean-Christophe Babin, President and CEO of TAG Heuer. "We believe that high-performance drivers are increasingly searching for products that are efficient, socially responsible and stylish. TAG Heuer and Tesla are two of the few companies arleady achieving these ideals today."

While we wait patiently for the introduction of the Tesla Model S, Tesla has announced that the platform of the seven passenger sedan will be used for derivatives including a minivan, cross-over utility vehicle and a utility van for fleets.

The announcement was part of a release from Tesla about the automaker's plans for $465 million in low-interest loans from the Department of Energy that Tesla received.

Tesla plans on using the loans for the US-based production, engineering, and assembly of the Model S and for a powertrain manufacturing facility in Northern California that will build advanced EV powertrain components for other automakers. The Model S will be produced in Southern California.