QandAs: Autos

Who is Tesla Motors?

Answer:
Tesla Motors is a new car manufacturer building

100% electrive super cars. Tesla was founded by Elon Musk, an entrepreneur that co-founded Paypal, the bohoemoth merchant company.

They currently have one viehcle in production and ready for release any day. The Tesla is based on a Lotus Elise body and provides some super car spec's at a generous price. For $100,000 your getting a sports car that does 0-60 in under 4 seconds with a top speed of 125 miles per hour. The top speed is a moot point these days. You need an oval track to get a car up to 200 so what most enthusiasts find important is exceleration and torque. The Tesla has great acceleration and due to the electric power is able to provide tremendous acceleration from 30-70. To really enjoy a Tesla, try passing a car on the highway. While maintaining 65mph hit the gas and you'll instantly accelerate. Most gas powered vehicles cruise at a lower RPM so it takes more time for the acceleration to take place.

You can preorder a Tesla at their website.

If a two seater sports car isn't your thing we hear they are working on a four door sedan that's 100% electric.

Below are some specs from the Tesla website.

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
Acceleration - 0 to 60 in under 4 seconds
Top Speed - 125 mph
Range - About 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 - About 3.5 hours