For those of you that do not know, Tesla Motors, Inc. is an American automobile company that is making waves with their awesome electric vehicles. The company made its first electric car back in 2008, 5 years after the company was founded. They released the Tesla Roadster, albeit in limited quantities, and it was the first electric sports car in the world. After seeing some moderate success with the Roadster, the company began working on their first mass-produced vehicle: the Model S. The Model S, while somewhat expensive, has caught on and now the company is looking to the future to assemble its next production vehicle: The Tesla Model X. We are going to take a brief look at not only Tesla, but into this highly anticipated new vehicle from the company.
Tesla Motors was founded in 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Trapanning who were the companies original financiers, until they opened up investment options to other. Thats when billionaire Elon Musk became involved where he then became the chairman and CEO of the company. Tesla Motors got its name after the electrical engineer Nikola Tesla. The companies goal was to popularize electric vehicles by introducing an electric sports car for early adopters, and then moving towards large-scale production vehicles for the general public. The companies long-term goal was to make efficient electric cars, that are affordable for the mass market. The company has received a variety of investment from both private investors, partnerships with other automakers, and the United States Federal Government. After they released the Roadster, the company began working on the Model S, which has now become quite a popular vehicle. Tesla operates in a unique way in that they sell directly to consumers, not through dealerships. This business strategy has caused quite a stir, Michigan recently banned sales of Tesla’s in their state as they clearly are afraid that their failing car manufacturers cannot compete, but that is another story. Following the success of the Model S, the company announced the Model X in 2012 and said it would be released in 2013, however it has faced multiple delays and now is push backed to sometime in Q4 of 2015 or “early 2016”.
The Tesla Model X is drastically different than the Model S, however the Model X is being developed on the same platform of the Model S. The Model X is a full-size sport utility vehicle crossover. Tesla says that the Model X is “designed from the ground up to blend the best of an SUV with the benefits of a minivan, as only an electric car can. It is an automobile above category, built around the driver. It artfully provides unfettered performance and brilliant functionality”. Given the nature of electric automobiles, these cars have great amounts of power and can accelerate very quickly. Since there is no combustion engine or gearbox, the car does not need to waste time switching between gears, and all of its power is instantly on demand. Tesla claims that the vehicle will be able to accelerate from 0-60 in just five seconds, which is faster than nearly all other SUV’s and crossovers. The Model X will be an all-wheel drive vehicle that will be powered by two different electric engines: one for the front axel, and one for the rear axel.
Like the Model S, the Model X will come at a variety of different price points with different features. What we know right now is that one can either have a 60kW-h version that will be able to transport you 210 miles, or a larger 85kW-h version that will have an improved range of 270 miles. Additionally a “performance” version of the Model X has been confirmed from Tesla, however what that exactly means is still a mystery. The most notable feature of the Model X is probably the doors. Tesla calls them “Falcon Wings” and they are pretty cool. Although it is kinda strange that this vehicle has supercar-esque doors when its intended target market is families. However, I am not complaining as they very seem cool.
I have had the pleasure of riding in a Model S, and let me tell you it is just so cool. Nearly every aspect of the car is controlled through the vehicles massive touchscreen computer. From that touch screen you can open up the trunk, turn the headlights on, browse the internet, use it as a GPS, monitor the cars range, and much more. The Model X will have this screen as well. The Model S just felt so futuristic to me, and I cannot wait until this new model finally comes out. Also since the car is electric, it is just so quiet and comfortable to ride in. The price of the Model X is still unknown, however rumors say the base model will cost around $50,000 dollars after the tax rebate the government gives you for purchasing an electric car. As of this year, more than 20,000 Model X’s have been reserved and after multiple delays Tesla says they should be available for shipping in late 2015 or early 2016. I for one am excited for that to happen.
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