Tesla has presented a car that promises to be a major breakthrough in car technology: the first practical electric sedan of the world. Named Model S, the new vehicle will only start being delivered by the end of 2011, but it can already be ordered for the ones willing to pay US$ 49,900. In fact, it would cost US$ 57,400, but the North-American government has decided to help by not charging US$ 7,500 in federal taxes.

Model S is a 4.98 m sedan, with a wheelbase of 2.96 m, 1,735 kg of weight and able to carry five adults and two children in retractable seats that face the back of the car at the luggage compartment. If you are concerned about lack of space for your baggage, nevermind: since the engine is not below the hood, the front compartment of the car is also able to transport your things in a trip. Charges can be done in regular electricity outlets of 110V, 220V and 440V. In this last case, recharging takes only 45 minutes.

Since we have mentioned trips, be aware that Model S can reach a top speed of 193 km/h (electronically limited) and goes from 0 to 97 km/h in 5.6 s. Its base model has a range of 258 km, but you can order different battery packs that allow the car to go further, 370 km and 483 km. In case you don’t want to buy these battery packs, you can rent them only to travel. If you don’t want to rent them, Tesla will have battery changing stations in which you can change your discharged battery pack for a fully charged set of batteries in a maximum time of 8 minutes.

Source: Tesla viaAutoblogGreen

Tesla Model S

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Tesla is not satisfied about producing and selling one of the most exciting sportscars of the world, the Roadster. It also wants to offer families the chance to ride in a clean vehicle, with no carbon emissions at all, besides expanding its range. This is why the company has been talking about a sedan that will be named Model S. Elon Musk, Tesla CEO, has promised to present a working prototype on March 26, but the company has given us a small hint on what the car will look like with the picture that is in this post.

There is no word on how powerful the car will be, but it is very likely to reach a lower top speed than Roadster’s in order to have a bigger range. Roadster can run up to 350 km with a full charge. Since we have mentioned it, range will be one of the great challenges for the company, once there is no combustion engine to help the car extend it, as Chevrolet Volt and Fisker Karma have. The car will count solely on its batteries electricity. And it does not help to load the car with batteries, once heavy cars are also able to run less. Let’s see how Tesla will solve this equation.

Source: Tesla via Autoblog Green

Tesla Model S

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