New technologies for vehicles are emerging at a very high speed. We hear daily the buzzwords such as save earth, eco-friendly, save our planet, go green, etc. These days, people who really wish to become a part of the green living society have various choices. Electric cars are eco-friendly and a great alternative to high priced petrol and diesel, so it is beneficial for both, environment and one’s wallet. Compared to cars that run on conventional fuels; electric cars are much more reliable, quieter and require less maintenance. As per Accenture forecasts, there will be about 1.5 million electric vehicles on the U.S. roads by 2015. Today, plenty of electric cars are available in the market. 2012 Tesla Model S is an electrically-powered high-performance sedan.
Tesla Model S is a 4-door, five-passenger car designed by Franz Von Holzhausen. The car will perform well in both types of climates: hot and cold. As per the Tesla website, the primary engineering targets on range have been gone above 20 miles. Two-cycle EPA test procedure is being used by the company. This test procedure includes highway (45%) and city (55%) driving cycles. Model S got 320 miles under the 2-cycle range and 265 miles under the 5-cycle range, which sets a new record. The car will not produce any emissions as it is not using gasoline.
Model S has sloping roofline, which gives it the look of a four-door sedan, the rear looks are similar to the Jaguar XF and the front end styling is going to be the future face of the electric automaker. A clean, sporting look is provided by the short front and rear overhangs. They also provide maximum interior volume to the car. The huge 19/21-inch wheels on the corners give a truly planted look. Tesla Model S comes in 4 models such as Base, Performance, Signature and Signature Performance. Base model comes with three different battery systems – 40kWh, 60kWh and 85kWh lithium-ion batteries. On the remaining 3 models, 85kWh lithium-ion battery is standard. All the three batteries come with 8 years warranty.
Users can recharge these batteries at home with electricity and a mobile connector. Mobile connector lets the users to charge battery from J-1772, 110v or 240v electrical outlet. Estimated range capabilities of 40kWh, 60kWh and 85kWh batteries at 55 mph are 160, 230, and 300 miles, respectively. The car can dash from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds (Base), 5.9 seconds (Performance), 5.6 seconds (Signature) and 4.4 seconds (Signature Performance). The maximum speed of the car is 110 mph, 120 mph, 125 mph and 130 mph respectively. The car regenerates the power to charge battery while driving downhill or slowing down the vehicle. The Performance and Signature Performance model have a high-performance drive inverter for better acceleration.
Standard model includes 17″ touchscreen, automatic air conditioning, 19″ wheels, 8-way power seats and AM/FM/HD radio with hard drive. Performance model features sport-tuned traction control, exterior carbon fiber accents, active air suspension, heated seats with power lumbar, Nappa leather interior with Alcantara accents and carbon fiber décor as well as 21-inch alloy wheels with performance tires. Other two models are limited to only first 1000 deliveries. They have optional signature red paint and white leather, twelve speaker Dolby ProLogic 7.1 sound system, high definition back-up camera, Nappa leather interior, larger capacity hard drive, removable parcel shelf, Xenon headlamps, Active Air Suspension, turn-by-turn navigation, power rear liftgate, LED foglights and proximity keyless entry.
Other options for the car are metallic paint ($750), glass panoramic roof ($1,500), twin chargers ($1,500), aerodynamic wheels ($1,500), a 580-watt audio system ($950), a high power wall unit ($1,200) as well as a Tech package with HID headlamps, navigation, a backup camera and a few other goodies ($3,750). Safety features of the car are 8 airbags, seat sensors, crash sensor for high voltage disconnect, rear door child safety locks, anti-theft alarm system, acoustic safety belt warning, LATCH System anchors and much more. PVC is not used to make interior materials.
2012 Tesla Model S is expected to be a great competitor of Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Fisker Karma and BMW 5-Series. The price of Base model is $49,900 for 40kWh battery, $59,900 for 60kWh battery and $69,900 for 85kWh battery. Performance model is available for $84,900, Signature for $87,900 while Signature Performance for $97,900. Signature Red color will be available Signature models in 2013. This sedan is going to hit the showrooms in June (one month before than expected).
Video of Tesla Model S from youtube: