Tesla Confirms Model S Plug-in Hybrid
August 26, 2008 by admin
Tesla has confirmed that it has started work on a second model, the follow up to the long-awaited all-electric Roadster. The car, a family-sized four-door sedan which previously had the working name “Whitstar” now has a name: Model S.
Tesla is best known for its work with electric cars, but the new Model S will be dramatically different from the vehicle that preceded it. The major difference is that it won’t be a pure electric vehicle using battery power alone. Instead, Tesla is going to make it a plug-in hybrid, which will feature a standard internal combustion engine (most likely gasoline-powered) as a method of recharging its lithium-ion batteries, much like the Chevrolet Volt.
Tesla also confirmed a couple of the Model S’ key specifications, such as that it would have a range of 224 miles, and that it will sell for $60,000. Though Tesla hasn’t confirmed when the car will be
Unlike the all-electric Roadster, the Model S will be a plug-in hybrid like the Volt. (Photo: Tesla)
produced, it is expected to arrive in late 2010, and will be assembled in the state of California.
California isn’t exactly known for producing automobiles, but Tesla opted to build the Model S in the Golden State due to a tax rebate, which would allow Tesla to obtain a tax exemption when purchasing equipment for building electric vehicles. This is expected to save Tesla millions, and is sure to come in handy for further research and development.
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