Tesla Roadster

The Tesla Roadster is a array electric agent (BEV) sports car produced by the electric car close Tesla Motors in California. The Roadster was the aboriginal highway-capable all-electric agent in consecutive assembly accessible in the United States. Since 2008 Tesla has awash 1,650 Roadsters in 30 countries through March 2011. Tesla began bearing right-hand-drive Roadsters in aboriginal 2010 for the British Isles, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

The Roadster is the aboriginal assembly auto to use lithium-ion array beef and the aboriginal assembly BEV (all-electric) to biking added than 200 afar (320 km) per charge. The apple ambit almanac of 501 km (311 mi) for a assembly electric car on a distinct allegation was set by a Roadster on October 27, 2009, during the Global Green Claiming in outback Australia, in which it averaged a acceleration of 25 mph (40 km/h). In March 2010, a Tesla Roadster became the aboriginal electric agent to win the Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally and the aboriginal to win any Federation Internationale de l'Automobile-sanctioned championship back a Roadster apprenticed by above Formula One disciplinarian �rik Comas exhausted 96 competitors for range, ability and achievement in the three-day, about 1,000-kilometer (621 mile) challenge.

According to the U.S. EPA, the Roadster can biking 244 afar (393 km) on a distinct charge[9] of its lithium-ion array pack, and can advance from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 3.9 seconds. The Roadster's efficiency, as of September 2008[update], was appear as 120 mpgge (2.0 L/100 km). It uses 135 Wh/km (21.7 kW�h/100 mi, 13.5 kW�h/100 km or 490 kJ/km) battery-to-wheel, and has an ability of 88% on average.

The Roadster has a abject amount of US$109,000 in the United States, �86,950 in the United Kingdom, and �84,000 in continental Europe. As an electric vehicle, the Roadster additionally qualifies for several government incentives in abounding nations. Tesla intends to advertise the accepted adaptation of the Roadster until aboriginal 2012, back its accumulation of Lotus Elise gliders is accepted to run out, as its arrangement with Lotus Cars for 2,400 gliders expires at the end of 2011. The abutting bearing is not accepted to be alien until at atomic 2013.

Toyota and Tesla to Build RAV4 EV in Ontario Canada

Toyota and Tesla Motors confirmed today that their jointly-developed RAV4 electric vehicle will be built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada in Woodstock, Ontario beginning 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.”

As previously announced, Toyota will pay Tesla approximately $100 million to supply the electric powertrain, which includes the battery, motor, gear box and power electronics for the RAV4 EV. Tesla will build the electric powertrains at its production facility in Palo Alto, California and then ship them to TMMC for final assembly into the vehicle.

The RAV4 EV will be sold at U.S. Toyota dealers through Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS). Details including pricing, volume and regional distribution will be determined and announced at a later time.

In July of last year, Tesla and Toyota Engineering and Manufacturing, America (TEMA) collaborated to convert 32 conventional gas-engine RAV4 compact SUVs into fully functional RAV4 EV prototypes.

Tesla Model S Alpha track testing [video]

From enhancing performance and tuning the suspension to quieting the interior and optimizing efficiency, Tesla engineers are applying knowledge gained from Alpha testing as they begin building Beta vehicles. Get a sneak peek at the first footage of multiple Model S Alpha sedans having fun together on the track.

Toyota RAV4 EV Coming to Market in 2012

Recent reports have incorrectly stated that the 2012 RAV4 EV will only be marketed to fleet and car sharing programs. We’d like to set the record straight. 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.

Toyota is the only manufacturer bringing two battery electric vehicles to the market in 2012 - the RAV4 EV and the Scion iQ EV. While the RAV4 EV will be available to the public, the Scion iQ EV will be marketed to fleet and car sharing programs only.

Multiple reports have been corrected on various automotive blog sites

Toyota

Tesla Current: Maxim Ostapenko Envisions an All Electric S-Class Competitor

With Tesla�s long anticipated Model S sedan still more than six months away, designers from all over the world have begun to speculate what will be next for the Silicon Valley-based automaker.
One such design study is the Current by Maxim Ostapenko, a graduate of Pasadena, California�s Art Center College of Design.
Essentially a four-door all-electric saloon car to compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series and Jaguar XF, the Tesla Current shares its design heritage with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz F800 Style and the Citroen Survolt concepts.

2011 Tesla Roadster Convertible

Review 2011 Tesla Roadster Convertible

At first there was the Tesla Roadster. Well, not really the beginning, there were other electric cars before. However, only car batteries should, in fact, become as common as some believe, this sport can be expensive in history as someone who was far ahead of his time.

The Tesla Roadster has been on the road since 2008 but only now there is another all-electric car for sale - Nissan Leaf. While the sheet is a long-awaited answer for everyday driving oriented small green Tesla Roadster 2011 still holds the crown of the range, surpassing the road over 100 miles. It is also a certified sports car with a very quick, quiet acceleration, combined with crisp handling. The latter is because the Tesla is based on the Lotus Elise, a paradigm for the lightweight, stripped the car.

There are problems, however, that DNA. Like Elise, the Tesla Roadster is the most narrow cabin of any car sold in this country. It 'hard to get in and out (in particular, a removable cap in place), and once you are side by side with the person next to you. At least the Tesla has been added to the carpet, insulation, and other high quality materials to make the interior more comfortable (and quiet). Still, can not escape the harsh atmosphere of the cabin, although expensive package "executive" leather. Frankly, we expect a lot more sophisticated and luxury properties for $ 100,000.

The trip is also quite good (to a lesser extent, with the possibility of adjustable suspension), and no power steering, which is both a pleasure in the curve is forced to be a pain in the parking lots. So the practical point of view, 2011 Tesla Roadster runs out of juice, even among the exotic sports cars, especially in view of its relatively limited and the 3.5-hour charge time. Even gasoline-free transmission can not be so cheap to feed, depending on how you pay for electricity.

Yet, like most sports cars, the Tesla is probably the convenience quotient of great concern to them with sufficient means to choose a toy yet another weekend. You do early adopters when the time could be electronic, but if you are powerful, fast and fun cars that will never need to visit a gas station, then the 2011 Tesla Roadster is more than a trendsetter.

Body styles, trim levels and options

2011 Tesla Roadster is a two-seater convertible comes in two trim levels. Roadster 2.5 is standard with aluminum wheels (16 inch front, 17-inch rear), a soft removable, cruise control, climate control, leather interior, heated seats, power windows and locks, free mobile terminal electronic, touch-screen connectivity mail, Bluetooth and four speaker audio system with CD player and iPod / USB audio interface. 2.5 Sport offers more power, forged alloy wheels and adjustable suspension. Besides the power boost, should be read as a model of an optional basis.

Options include special connectors loading a hardtop body-colored carbon fiber, or winter tires, carbon fiber exterior styling is developed, leather upholstery, improvement and expansion of leather interior. The group adds a touch interface biggest Infotainment, a navigation system, rearview camera and an audio system with seven speakers with subwoofer, satellite radio and HD radio.

Engines and performance

In 2011, Tesla Roadster has a 375 volt AC induction air-cooled electric motor that produces 288 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Sport gets a bump to 295 lb-ft of torque. Both come with a unique gearbox. Base Roadster goes from zero to 60 km / h on a 3.9 Tesla-estimated second. Sport is 0.2 seconds faster.

Tesla says the Roadster's lithium-ion battery has a maximum range of 245 miles. Using the optional high-power 240-volt charger, it will take 3.5 hours to charge from empty.

Security

Tesla Roadster is equipped with antilock brakes and traction control. Side airbags are not available. A rearview camera is optional.

 

Interior Design and Special Features
As the Lotus Elise on which it is based, the tiny 2011 Tesla Roadster has a rather spartan interior. There are heated seats and leather upholstery standard, but otherwise do not expect the kind of luxury normally associated with a car that costs $ 100 000 - even with extended leather face "executive" package. Sports cars rarely provide an abundance of space, but even in the narrow section of the cabin of the Tesla Roadster is restrictive and difficult to enter and exit. Taller drivers, in particular, want to go through the training of circus contortionist before getting in - especially with the roof up.

In 2011, Tesla has fortunately included redesigned seats and extra sound insulation that improves cabin comfort. A new large touch screen interface that is available with the group Infotainment much improved functionality, while bringing with it a navigation and a rearview camera.

Driving Impressions

As far as Tesla within the roots of suffering for Lotus Elise, it benefits greatly when it comes to handling. The suspension may have been softened Tesla in disguise, but it is still one of the best handling cars on the market. Paragraph 10 of adjustable suspension mode has the potential to do even better. One would think that electric cars have electric power steering, the Tesla Roadster, but lousy steering, which makes for an excellent response and feel, but a lousy time in parking lots.

The real story is muted, however, the frightening thrust electric motor. Shot noise is audible as a faint cry from the electronics behind the right shoulder, but the acceleration of the Roadster is breathtaking, especially in standing starts, all that torque on tap.

Price $ 109 000

Tesla Roadsters are almost sold out

With production drawing to a close, Tesla Motors Inc. has sold almost all of the remaining electric Roadsters destined for the U.S. market, said Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk. Supplies will last longer in Europe and Japan, but not by much.

"I think there's a handful of cars left to sell in the U.S.," Musk said. "People in Europe and Japan probably have another six months to place orders for the Roadster. In the U.S., it's maybe a month or two."

And that's after Tesla reached an agreement with Britain's Lotus Cars, which makes the Roadster's chassis, to produce an extra 100 of the vehicles. The full production run, which began in 2008, will end at 2,500 cars.

"So if somebody has an interest in buying a Roadster, they had best put in an order very, very soon," Musk said.

Tesla, based in Palo Alto, reported last year that it would stop making the Roadster before the company's next car, the Model S, hits the market in 2012. Lotus plans to retool its manufacturing facility, and Tesla chose to devote all its effort to the Model S rather than find another supplier.

But buyers have snapped up the remaining Roadsters faster than expected. In Tesla's last quarterly earnings report, the company predicted that Roadster sales in North America would finish by the end of the year.

Many electric-car aficionados will be sorry to see the Roadster go, even if few of them could afford one. With prices starting at $109,000, the car was never meant for the mass market.

And yet, the Roadster played a unique role in changing the public's attitude toward electric transportation.

Low-slung and high-powered, the Roadster popularized the notion that plug-in cars could be objects of desire. With movie stars and politicians among its buyers - think Gavin Newsom and Brad Pitt - the car quickly became an emblem of eco-chic. It caught the public imagination in a way that previous electric cars, like General Motors' EV1 or Toyota's electric Rav4, never did.

"That was the vehicle that stopped people from thinking electric cars were golf carts," said Felix Kramer, founder of the California Cars Initiative, a plug-in vehicle advocacy group. "It totally transformed the conversation."

The Roadster helped usher in the new wave of electric cars, such as the Nissan Leaf.

The end of Roadster sales will leave Tesla without its most visible product. But the company will continue selling battery packs and chargers to German auto giant Daimler. Tesla also is developing a power train for Toyota's next-generation electric Rav4.

And Musk says Tesla remains on track to start building the Model S next year at the former New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. plant in Fremont.

"It's not a concern, because we all knew that there was a limit on the number of the Roadsters that would be produced," said Andrea James, research analyst with the Dougherty & Co. investment bank. "The fact that the company is selling out sooner rather later speaks to demand. The company does very well at creating buzz, and this feeds the buzz."

Tesla Generates $13.8 Million through Emissions Credit Sale

 News and Reivew
To help keep the company wheels turning, Tesla has sold its banked vehicle emissions credits to other automakers and raised $13.8 million.

Since setting up shop in 2003, Tesla has barely managed to turn a profit from selling its $130,000 Roadsters. About 1000 of the pure-electric Roadsters have been sold -- primarily to big-shot actors, musicians, and electric-car fans -- and Tesla is slowly inching towards its initial public offering that is expected to generate at least $100 million. Before its IPO, however, the Palo Alto, California-based company must keep the doors open and payroll up-to-date, and that is where the emissions credit sales come into play. Tesla disclosed it sold credits to Honda and at least one other unidentified automaker in an initial IPO filing.



The emissions credit program is managed by the California Air Resources Board and allows automakers to score points with the notoriously stringent state. Recent California emissions-control regulation from 2008 mandated the largest automakers -- Ford, General Motors, Honda, Nissan, and Toyota -- must combine to sell at least 60,000 plug-in hybrid or pure-electric vehicles in the state over a three-year period. The credits, which are measured in grams per mile of non-methane organic gas (g/mile NMOG), are earned with each certified clean- or zero-emissions vehicle sold and stored within a state database. Companies with more-polluting vehicles can use the credits to offset the extra emissions.

"Having these credits gives us some flexibility for the future," said Robert Bienenfeld, Honda's U.S. senior manager for environment and energy strategy. "Whether we'll need to purchase more, I can't say."

Without the credits, automakers are subject to state fines, fees, and potential sales restrictions in California, one of the largest auto markets in the United States.

To further strengthen its commitment to the Golden State, Tesla recently joined forces with Toyota to retool the former NUMMI plant in Fremont to build the entry-level Model S sedan.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription required)

Tesla Model S Concept, 2009

Tesla Model S Concept 2009

Tesla Motors is now taking orders for the Tesla Model S, an all electric family sedan that carries seven people and travels 300 miles per charge.

The Tesla Model S, which carries its charger onboard, can be recharged from any 120V, 240V or 480V outlet, with the latter taking only 45 minutes. By recharging their car while they stop for a meal, drivers can go from LA to New York in approximately the same time as a gasoline car. Moreover, the floor-mounted battery pack is designed to be changed out in less time than it takes to fill a gas tank, allowing for the possibility of battery-pack swap stations.

The floor-mounted powertrain also results in unparalleled cargo room and versatility, as the volume under the front hood becomes a second trunk. Combining that with a four-bar linkage hatchback rear trunk and flat folding rear seats, the Tesla Model S can accommodate a 50-inch television, mountain bike and surfboard simultaneously. The packaging efficiency gives the Tesla Model S more trunk space than any other sedan on the market and more than most SUVs.

Tesla expects to start Tesla Model S production in late 2011. The company believes it is close to receiving $350 million in federal loans to build the Tesla Model S assembly plant in California from the Dept of Energy's Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Program.

Building on Proven Technology
Tesla is the only production automaker already selling highway-capable EVs in North America or Europe. With 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, the Tesla Roadster outperforms almost all sports cars in its class yet is six times as energy efficient as gas guzzlers and delivers 244 miles per charge. Tesla has delivered nearly 300 Roadsters, and nearly 1,000 more customers are on the wait list.

Tesla do not require routine oil changes, and they have far fewer moving (and breakable) parts than internal combustion engine vehicles. They qualify for federal and state tax credits, rebates, sales tax exemptions, free parking, commuter-lane passes and other perks. Tesla Model S costs roughly $5 to drive 230 miles - a bargain even if gasoline were $1 per gallon.

The anticipated base price of the Tesla Model S is $49,900 after a federal tax credit of $7,500. The company has not released options pricing. Three battery pack choices will offer a range of 160, 230 or 300 miles per charge.

With a 300-mile range and 45-minute Quick Charge, the $49,900 Tesla Model S can carry five adults and two children in quiet comfort - and you can charge it from any outlet, without ever stopping for gas. World's first mass-produced electric vehicle offers performance, efficiency and unrivaled utility with twice the energy-efficiency of hybrids, making Tesla Model S the only car you'll ever need.

Convenience and utility bullet points:
* Up to 300-mile range
* 45-minute Quick Charge
* 5-minute battery swap
* Charges from 110V, 220V or 440V
* Seating for 5 adults + 2 child seats
* Unique hatch for oversized items
* 60/40 flat-folding rear seat
* 2nd trunk under hood
* EPA Roominess Index 121.6
* More room than station wagons
* 17-inch infotainment touchscreen
* 3G wireless connectivity

Tesla Model S powertrain includes a liquid-cooled 9-inch motor, floor-mounted battery pack and a single-speed gearbox, delivering effortless acceleration, responsive handling and quiet simplicity - no fancy clutchwork or gear-shifting required. Tesla Model S costs as little as $4 to fully charge - a bargain even if gasoline dropped to $1 per gallon. You can have affordable fun while being socially responsible.

Technical specs:
* 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds
* � mile in 14 seconds
* 120 mph top speed
* Braking 60-0 mph 135 feet
* 42 kWh battery storage system standard
* 70 kWh and greater battery storage systems optional
* 9- inch liquid cooled electric motor
* Single-speed transaxle gearbox
* Curb Weight 3825 lbs
* Overall Length 196"
* Wheelbase 116.5"
* All-wheel-drive available (option available in future production models)
* Right hand drive available

The Tesla Model S Concept is a drivable vehicle that exemplifies Tesla's "no compromises" philosophy - an elegantly refined luxury sedan delivering optimal performance without sacrificing efficiency. Designed by Franz von Holzhausen, the car's aggressive stance gives way to a modern silhouette, with minimal front and rear overhangs for maximum space efficiency. The car's mature face defines the future of the Tesla brand and incorporates the touches from the Tesla Roadster. Environmentally friendly materials are incorporated throughout, including water-based paint for the exterior, chrome-free vegetable tanned Italian leather on interior, and 100 percent recycled PET carpeting from Futuris.

Other details:
* Panoramic roof with sliding moon roof
* Retracting door handles for improved aerodynamics
* Full-time 3G connectivity with Internet, HD and satellite radio
* Push button "gear" selector
* Brembo brakes
* Automatic rear lift gate
* 21-inch wheels, Front Tires 245/35ZR21, Rear Tires 285/30ZR21
* 17-inch haptic touchscreen and customizable vehicle information display
* Fully digital instrument cluster
* LED and neon headlight and taillights, with xenon Hella low beams
* Smart-key power and push button gear selector
* Brembo brake system with new one-piece monobloc calipers and integral stiffening bridge to optimize performance
* Front brake system:
o Brembo Gran Turismo
o Brembo 6-piston Monobloc Calipers
o Brembo 405x34mm 2-Piece Floating Slotted Discs with Billet Aluminum Hats
* Rear brake system:
o Brembo Gran Turismo
o Brembo 4-piston Monobloc Calipers
o Brembo 380x28mm 2-Piece Slotted Discs with Billet Aluminum Hat

Tesla Roadster, 2008

Tesla Roadster 2008

Tesla Roadster Specifications

* Style: 2-seat, open-top, rear-drive roadster
* Drivetrain: Electric motor with 2-speed electrically-actuated-manual-shift transmission with integral differential
* Motor: 3-phase, 4-pole electric motor, 248hp peak (185kW), redline 13,000 rpm, regenerative "engine braking"
* Chassis: Bonded extruded aluminum with 4-wheel wishbone suspension
* Brakes: 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS
* 0-60 mph acceleration: under 4 seconds
* Top Speed: 125 mph
* Range : ~220 miles (based on EPA combined city/highway cycle)
* Battery Life: Useful battery, 100,000 miles
* Energy Storage System: Custom microprocessor-controlled lithium-ion battery pack
* Full Charge: ~3.5h

Suspension
* Front: independent; upper and lower wishbone; co-axial coil spring/telescopic damper unit; anti-roll bar
* Rear: independent; upper and lower wishbone; co-axial coil spring/telescopic damper

Wheels
* Type: Forged Light alloy
* front: 5.5J x 16
* rear: 7.5J x 17

Tires
* Type: Yokohama Neova AD07 LTS
* front: 175/55 R16
* rear: 225/45 R17

Tesla Roadster Dimensions (in. / mm)
* Overall length: 155.4 / 3946
* Overall width - incl. mirrors: 73.7 / 1873
* Overall height (at curb weight): 44.4 / 1127
* Wheelbase: 92.6 / 2352
* Track - front: 57.6 / 1464
* Track - rear: 59.0 / 1499
* Curb weight: ~2690 pounds
* Leg Room (in./mm): 42.0 / 1067
* Front Head Room (in./mm): 36.7 / 932
* Front Shoulder Room (in./mm): 26.0 / 660

Tesla Roadster Standard Interior features
* Heated sport seats with inflatable lumbar support
* Three-spoke leather-wrapped sport steering wheel
* Smooth leather seats and trim in black, dark gray, light gray, or beige
* Blaupunkt stereo sound system with single-disc CD player, iPod interface, and MP3 playback
* Cruise Control
* Homelink universal transmitter to operate compatible garage, gate, and home lighting/home security systems
* Power windows and locks
* Air conditioning
* Single retractable cup holder

Tesla Roadster Standard Exterior Features

* Double-insulated black soft top
* Proprietary halogen low- and high-beam headlamp assemblies
* LED tail lights
* Forged uni-directional seven-spoke wheels in silver finish: 16" front, 17" rear
* Locking wheel lugs
* Tire Inflator/sealant
* Cold weather ESS heater for cold weather charging to -20 degrees Celsius
* Home-based charging system with integral safety features for 3.5 hour full re-charge

Tesla Roadster Standard Safety and Security Features
* Four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS)
* Traction control
* Tire pressure monitoring system
* Front and rear crumple zones
* Driver and passenger front airbags
* Rigid occupant safety cell
* Side impact door beams
* Seatbelt pretensioners
* Integrated headrests
* Vehicle theft-deterrent and engine immobilizer system
* PIN for security in operating the vehicle
* Valet mode to restrict speed, acceleration, and distance

Tesla Roadster Factory-installed options and accessories
* Premium leather seats available in nine colors with embroidered Tesla Motors logo
* Microfiber, non-leather seats in black
* Bluetooth cellular phone integration
* Satellite radio with 170 channels of digital sound
* Seven-speaker premium sound system tuned for Tesla Roadster cockpit
* Touch-screen navigation system with voice guidance
* Matching body-colored carbon fiber hardtop with full headliner
* Metallic and premium paint
* Tesla Motors custom floor mats
* Mobile charging system