Tesla Motors is an American electric car manufacturer that is making waves with its popular Model S. The Tesla Model S is the current, and only vehicle that the company has in production as of now. Tesla was incorporated in 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning. After this first round of funding began, Elon Musk came aboard and he now operates as the chairman and CEO of the company. Since the company first got started its main goal was to develop, produce, and then popularize modern electric automobiles. They began developing a two seater electric sports car in an attempt to gain the interest from wealthy car enthusiasts who could potentially become investors, and thus the Tesla Roadster was born. This strategy proved to be successful and they moved onto making their first mass produced car: The Tesla Model S. The Model S was first unveiled by Tesla Motors on June 30th of 2008, however the car only became available for public consumption in 2012. Since the Model S was unveiled that car was well liked among those who could afford it, and they quickly began expanding their markets. Due to the success of the Model S, Tesla is currently developing their next vehicle which will be dubbed the Model X, and is aimed to be a family SUV crossover. For those who cannot wait for their newest vehicle, the Model S is the only vehicle that they currently sell. We are going to look at five things that you probably did not know about this vehicle.
5. The Model S is sold directly to consumers
One of the more interesting things that Tesla Motors does is that the sell directly to the end consumer. Unlike other car manufacturers who have to go through independent dealerships, Tesla sells their cars through their own stores or on their websites. Tesla does this because they want to control the entire process of the vehicle, from the production to the final sale of the car. Additionally when they circumnavigate independent dealerships the can ensure that their vehicles are properly cared for, and that they all remain the same price. Instead of dealerships, Tesla has attractive show rooms typically in malls where potential customers can see the car, test drive one, and then potentially purchase one. While this is an attractive theory in concept, many states have laws that outlaw direct to consumer selling of automobiles. Due to this fact, many states are against Tesla opening up their stores, making them more difficult to acquire.
4. The “battery” is actually made up of thousands of smaller batteries
The main power source for the Tesla Model S, and all future Tesla’s is a massive battery pack that takes up pretty much the whole floor of the vehicle. Despite popular belief, this battery back is made up of around 4,000 or so smaller batteries. The batteries that Tesla Motors uses are 18650 lithium-ion batteries which are commonly found in laptops. The combined output of these batteries are what power the vehicles engine.
3. There are three versions of the Model S
Tesla actually makes a few different versions of their Model S to best suit your needs. Their base Model S starts at $71,070 dollars however you get $7,500 back in tax rebates from the federal government for using an electric car. The base model has a 208 mile range that is achieved with its 60 kWh battery pack. This battery pack also packs into the car about 380 horse power allowing it to go from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds and giving it a top speed of 120 mph. The next version has a larger 85 kWh battery pack allowing it to travel 265 miles. Even though this version has the same amount of horsepower as the 60 kWh version, it can go from 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 140. This version costs $87,570 dollars. Finally their is the P85D Model S which is their performance oriented vehicle. It has a 85 kWh battery pack but a more powerful motor that allows it to pack 691 horses under the hood. This boost can propel the car from 0-60 mph in an incredible 3.2 seconds which is faster than many Lamborghini’s and Ferrari’s. This model costs $105,670 dollars.
2. It can fully charge in just 35 minutes
The problem with electric vehicles is the time it takes to charge them. If you purchase the Wall Connector from Tesla you can charge the vehicle in just 35 minutes. Hook this up in your garage and you are good to go. However the charging time is significantly increased with other methods. If you have a 240 volt outlet, you can charge the car in about an hour and twelve minutes. However if you are just using a standard household charger, it will take you about ten hours and forty-four minutes to charge it up fully. Tesla is still expanding its current network of supercharge stations around the world, that allow you to charge the car really quick on the go.
1. All new models come with their Autopilot technology
Recently unveiled a few moths ago is Tesla’s new “Autopilot” technology that makes the car semi-autonomous. The car has a forward facing camera, radar, and 360-degree ultrasonic sensors that monitor what is going on outside the vehicle. This system can warn you about potential collisions, automatically park the vehicle, give you an advanced cruise control system, and much more. The cruise control system can even register passing speed signs and adjust accordingly. This technology comes standard on all new Tesla’s. Check out this video to see the P85D Model S in action:
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
