http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/27032009/36/world-s-first-mass-produced-electric-car-0.html

While unveiling the sexy shape of its new Model S saloon, innovative US company, Tesla, announced that it would put the worlds first mass-produced electric car into production in 2011.

The Jaguar-esque shape and optimistic timeline are not the only reasons Tesla will be grabbing headlines around the world today (March 27), as claims to the Model Ss abilities are quite staggering.

Utilising the companys advanced lithium-ion battery pack, the Model S sprints from 0-60mph in under six seconds on the way to a top speed of 130mph. A Sport version will apparently cut the 0-60mph time by a further second.

Despite such performance, the Model S has been designed to carry up to seven occupants and masses of their luggage. Thats thanks to a large space up front where the engine would normally reside, and a flat-floored interior with stowable seats.

The battery pack is located underneath the floor, which lowers the centre of gravity, as well as enhancing packaging. Tesla claims that it will be possible to swap the battery pack for a fully charged one in less time than it takes to fill a conventional cars fuel tank.

Even if battery-swapping facilities are not available, the Model S can be recharged from any 120-, 240- or 480V power supply, with an impressive 45-minute charge possible if the highest rating is available.

In ideal conditions, the Model S will have a range of 300-miles, though buyers will have to pay more for that capability, as the entry-level version does only 160-miles on a charge.

The 2011 launch is, however, dependant on Tesla receiving $350 million (about £242 million) in federal loans from the US government, which the company is confident it will receive.

Tesla will expand its dealer network outside the US with Munich and London earmarked for showrooms, possibly as early late 2009. Pricing is predicted to start at $49,900 in the US - about £34,500.

OK from 2011 but it looks promising and idnt too badly priced. Might attract some buyers?

The main advantage wll be in places like London, no congestion tax, no road tax.

160mile on the entry level model, which is very good for a sales man around a smallish region.

My micra only gets between 180-220 miles normally depending on how well I fill it (this is excluding probably 1/4 of the tank which I keep as an emergency reserve though heh). It wouldnt be too much of a step down tbh.

Quote from: mr_roll

If its sold over here, then companies will buy it for the tax breaks! Think of running a fleet of 10 cars, even if you spend £20K each, thats £200K if you have 10 of them then easilly a fortune on top for petrol, tax etc. This way employers wont need to spend fotunes on petrol/diesel.

160mile on the entry level model, which is very good for a sales man around a smallish region.

Yeah but if Boris has his way all cars will have to pay congestion charge, which is right in my opinion. Just because they are not polluting doesnt mean they arent adding to the congestion.

Jaimz

Yes but a lower rate of congestion road tax to help, maybe half price. if you have 10 cars being charged £8 per day £80 a day x 5 days thats £400 a week. reduce that to half and youve instantly £200 better off. They are still contributing to congestion but they arnt sitting there pouring out polluting.

Youd still need to plant some wind farms and build some trees to offset the electricity production.

Personally Im still going with Fuel Cell technology as the next big thing.

I can see it already though.
Either clean fuel or electricity being sorted and more and more cars on the road are these and not fossil fuels and the technology and price is up to scratch in regard to speed and performance etc. Governments who once were going "yay, your saving the planet" now going "crap, were loosing tax money. Lets tax this new fuel" or come up with some other strange road tax. Length of time on the road tax or something daft.

Couldnt find the thread about electric cars or rechargable batteries, where I mentioned that the processes involved in such green technologies may not currently be that green, but today I read this:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/greenertransport/5176216/Environmental-benefits-of-electric-cars-dismissed-as-fiction.html

However to slate the article, they go on about coal power being used for electric cars as if its the only fuel source and will be the only fuel source forever. If in the near future people get their act together and sort out the nuclear situation, that balance might shift a long way into electric cars favour.

Well tbh I do think things like solar roof tiles are worth investing resources in. I mean, if all new buildings were required to use them, just how much extra power would the grid require? (given the fact that for many people that use them, the tiles end up putting more energy into the grid than the household uses!)

Did you see Brabus have worked it over and given it a v8 soundtrack  

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/233763/brabus_tesla.html