Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Auto engineers/designers looking for a gig? Tesla is hiring]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/auto-engineers-designers-looking-for-a-gig-tesla-is-hiring/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/auto-engineers-designers-looking-for-a-gig-tesla-is-hiring/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/auto-engineers-designers-looking-for-a-gig-tesla-is-hiring/#commentsFiled under:


Tesla Model S - Click above for high-res image gallery

Building a one-off or even very low volume car can be pulled off by a fairly small team if necessary. However, designing, developing and building a modern mass produced vehicle is a very different matter. With low interest loans from the Department of Energy coming eventually, and a possible IPO injecting still more working capital, Tesla is ramping up to take the Model S from a pair of cobbled together prototypes to what they hope will be full production. That means the EV builder will have to add more staff to complete all the design and engineering work on the sedan.

Since Tesla plans to produce this car in-house rather than contracting out chassis and body work, they will also need a crew of manufacturing engineers to get an assembly plant up and running. Customers buying cars in the price range north of $50,000 have high expectations today so the Model S will have to be very well executed. Fortunately for Tesla, there is no shortage of unemployed engineers, designers and technicians right now so they should have no trouble filling the 140 openings they have at this time. The jobs are mainly at the San Carlos headquarters and in the Los Angeles area where the design work is being done.

Gallery: Tesla Model S in motion

tesla-model-s-large-4tesla-model-s-large-2tesla-model-s-large-1tesla-model-s-large-3tesla-model-s-large-5

[Source: Tesla]

Auto engineers/designers looking for a gig? Tesla is hiring originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>job openingsJobOpeningsTeslatesla hiringtesla model stesla motorstesla-motorsTeslaEvTeslaHiringTeslaModelSTeslaMotorsWed, 25 Nov 2009 14:06:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Tesla IPO could be more a financing event than a way to cash out]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/report-tesla-ipo-could-be-more-a-financing-event-than-a-way-to/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/report-tesla-ipo-could-be-more-a-financing-event-than-a-way-to/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/report-tesla-ipo-could-be-more-a-financing-event-than-a-way-to/#commentsFiled under: ,


Tesla Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

We recently asked if the Tesla IPO is for you, and the results of that poll are about even. Just over half of you (51.4 percent as of this writing) think that investing in the electric car start-up is a good idea. Over at Businessweek, our friend Josie Garthwaite looks at how a Tesla IPO fits into the venture capital and green scenes. If it happens, it'll be the first automaker to go public since Ford did so a half-century ago, and it comes at an interesting time in the markets. The short version is that "public offerings now serve more as "financing events" for alternative energy and other cleantech startups, rather than as a way for investors and founders to cash in on equity." After more than $200 million in financing and $465 million in DOE low-interest loans, raising money from an IPO is a logical step.

To compare, A123's recent IPO had a great opening but then came back down. Garthwaite says that A123's venture capital investors averaged a four-fold return on their money, which isn't at all bad in today's economy, but doesn't come close to the returns of the dot com era (isn't this sort of a good thing, given "irrational exuberance" and all that?).

As for what the Tesla shares might be worth or how many there are, read this, and do some research before investing anything.

[Source: Businessweek]

REPORT: Tesla IPO could be more a financing event than a way to cash out originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>initial public offeringInitialPublicOfferingtesla initial public offeringtesla ipotesla motorsTeslaInitialPublicOfferingTeslaIpoTeslaMotorsWed, 25 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla sets up shop in Monaco]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/tesla-sets-up-shop-in-monaco/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/tesla-sets-up-shop-in-monaco/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/tesla-sets-up-shop-in-monaco/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Tesla Taxi was but one of the all-electric Roadsters on display at the inaugural party at Tesla Motor's latest store opening this week. And blog readers are not the only ones who like to look at the purty cars. In this shot, the orange roadster is being ogled by the Prince of Holland.

This isn't the company's first time visit to Monaco - they chilled with Bono a bit at the Top Marques Monaco last year. While not really in the same league as the $109,000 sports car, electric vehicles from the Nissan-Renault Alliance and Mitsubishi will make their way to the Principality in the near future. Makes sense, since the Prince is a fan of EVs and a statewide recharging network is coming.

UPDATE: More here.

Gallery: Tesla Store Monaco


[Source: Tesla]

Tesla sets up shop in Monaco originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>teslatesla monacotesla motorstesla roadsterTeslaMonacoTeslaMotorsTeslaRoadsterWed, 25 Nov 2009 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Downey, CA mayor claims Tesla Model S plant deal 99.9% done]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-downey-ca-mayor-claims-tesla-model-s-plant-deal-99-9-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-downey-ca-mayor-claims-tesla-model-s-plant-deal-99-9-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-downey-ca-mayor-claims-tesla-model-s-plant-deal-99-9-d/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Tesla Model S - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Tesla Motors does get around to building its second product, the Model S, it intends to build the body and chassis in-house unlike the Roadster that is largely assembled by Lotus. To do that, the company has been looking for a location for a factory, and it may have finally done that.

Mario Guerra, mayor of Downey, California - a place rumored to be a possibility for the plant - said on Monday that the deal is 99.9 percent done. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said on several occasions that the most likely plant location is somewhere in southern California and Downey is midway between Los Angeles and Long Beach. The proposed location is a former movie studio. The one possible issue with this plan is that Tesla would be using funds from the DOE-administered ATVM program. That program was intended to help pay for the redevelopment of existing car plants to build new clean vehicles. The fact that the Downey location is not an existing plant may or may not be a problem. The Downey city council is expected to vote on the plan on Tuesday.

Gallery: Tesla Model S in motion

tesla-model-s-large-4tesla-model-s-large-2tesla-model-s-large-1tesla-model-s-large-3tesla-model-s-large-5

[Source: The Downey Patriot]

REPORT: Downey, CA mayor claims Tesla Model S plant deal 99.9% done originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingtesla model stesla model s plantTesla Motortesla motorstesla motors factoryTeslaModelSTeslaModelSPlantTeslaMotorTeslaMotorsTeslaMotorsFactoryTue, 24 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[POLL: Is the Tesla IPO for you?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/poll-is-the-tesla-ipo-for-you/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/poll-is-the-tesla-ipo-for-you/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/poll-is-the-tesla-ipo-for-you/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Tesla Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

With another story about Tesla Motors going public circulating last week (although probably not for a while) - right alongside the news of trouble at electric car maker Aptera - we got to wondering what the community thinks of this move. Is it the right move at the right time (an IPO had been planned earlier, but then the stock market took a nosedive)? Is it a silly investment? Will it follow the IPO from A123 with a great opening day and then dropping back down? Of course, we have no idea - and we're not about to give any advice because we're just not that reckless - but we thought a little poll (polls, actually) would make for good discussion. Vote in the first one here, then follow us after the jump for the rest.

View Poll

Continue reading POLL: Is the Tesla IPO for you?

POLL: Is the Tesla IPO for you? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ipoteslatesla ipotesla motorstesla motors ipoTeslaIpoTeslaMotorsTeslaMotorsIpoSun, 22 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Tesla Motors planning IPO "soon"]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-tesla-motors-planning-ipo/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-tesla-motors-planning-ipo/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-tesla-motors-planning-ipo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tesla Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rumors about Tesla's plan to go public have been circulating since 2008, but a down stock market seemed to put a damper on the start-up's IPO. Now, the word on the street from Reuters is that Tesla is planning to go public "soon." When might that be, exactly? Who knows. A source told Reuters it could happen "any day," but Stephan Dolezalek, managing director of VantagePoint Venture Partners and a Tesla investor, said in September that it's unlikely to happen in 2009.

For its part, Tesla continues to offer little guidance on the report other than to dismiss it as "rumor or speculation." We shall see...



[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Tesla Motors planning IPO "soon" originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingipoteslatesla ipotesla motorstesla motors ipoTeslaIpoTeslaMotorsTeslaMotorsIpoFri, 20 Nov 2009 15:49:00 EST<![CDATA[RC Tesla Roadster arrives just in time for Christmas]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/rc-tesla-roadster-arrives-just-in-time-for-christmas/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/rc-tesla-roadster-arrives-just-in-time-for-christmas/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/rc-tesla-roadster-arrives-just-in-time-for-christmas/#commentsFiled under: , ,


How much would you pay for a battery-powered Tesla Roadster, one that you can steer from the comfort of your La-Z-Boy? For about three Andrew Jacksons, Trendtimes will ship you a 15-inch RC version of the electric hotness that drives "forwards, backwards, left, and right." The toy comes with battery pack, charger and wireless remotes. Excellent. Tesla spokesperson Rachel Konrad told AutoblogGreen that this is an officially licensed item, in that, "They asked for permission and we thought it was a great idea. It's going to be a hot holiday item for kids of all ages!"

If RC isn't your thing but you want a Tesla car for holiday gifts, try to track down the Tesla Hot Wheels or the ride-along kids version. At least this RC model has the same design as the original, unlike these.

[Source: Trendtimes via Chelsea Sexton]

RC Tesla Roadster arrives just in time for Christmas originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>rc roadsterrc teslaRcRoadsterRcTeslatesla RCtesla roadstertesla roadster rcTeslaRcTeslaRoadsterTeslaRoadsterRcFri, 20 Nov 2009 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: DIY Tesla Model S ad shows you don't need a real car to build hype]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/diy-tesla-model-s-ad-shows-you-dont-need-a-real-car-to-build-hy/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/diy-tesla-model-s-ad-shows-you-dont-need-a-real-car-to-build-hy/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/diy-tesla-model-s-ad-shows-you-dont-need-a-real-car-to-build-hy/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Digital Model S ad - click above to watch the video after the jump

How much do you like the Tesla Model S? Probably not as much as Kirk Perry (or someone who goes by that name on Vimeo), who just uploaded a homemade video advertisement for the all-electric sedan using a digital model and plenty of slick effects. He claims he, "Just wanted to test some new techniques out in 3ds max and After Effects and made this quick animation." If it were only that easy for us, we'd be cranking out cool vids week after week. Not much else to say except check it out after the jump. Thanks to TohE for the tip!

[Source: Vimeo]

Continue reading VIDEO: DIY Tesla Model S ad shows you don't need a real car to build hype

VIDEO: DIY Tesla Model S ad shows you don't need a real car to build hype originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>model sModelSteslatesla model sTeslaModelSWed, 18 Nov 2009 19:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla Roadster donates tire squeal sounds to two new video games]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/tesla-roadster-donates-tire-squeal-sounds-to-two-new-video-games/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/tesla-roadster-donates-tire-squeal-sounds-to-two-new-video-games/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/tesla-roadster-donates-tire-squeal-sounds-to-two-new-video-games/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tesla Roadster audio recording - Click above for image gallery

What does it take to make a video game these days? A lot of time and effort, that's what. For the upcoming Forza and Project Gotham Racing racing titles, the attention to detail going into these games includes getting the sound of the all-electric sports car - electric motor, tires, etc. - just right. To that end, audio engineers from Microsoft Game Studios spent some time with Tom Burt and his Roadster #203, recently, with mics sticking off the car at all angles. The engineers were excited because the all-electric drivetrain allowed them the opportunity to record tire skids and squeals without an ICE right there adding extra sounds. Burt had a good time:

The Roadster was a lot of fun to push hard and to deliberately get out of shape and recover. Handling was fun and predictable. As expected, given the stock suspension settings and tire sizes, the car moderately understeers or "pushes." I kept adjusting tire pressures, lowering the front pressures and letting the rears stay high as they heated, but could not eliminate the "push." So, I used the e-brake to initiate "oversteer"spins and give the team the more aggressive tire squeals they were looking for. Like most mid-weight cars, once you get the car to over-rotate, it spins quickly. What a ton of fun.

The car almost reached its limits, with the motor overheating twice. You can read more about it - and hear the audio - over at Tesla's blog. A Tesla Motors vehicle will also be available in Gran Turismo 5 and the Roadster's electric motor provided sound for the Batpod in The Dark Knight.


Gallery: Tesla Roadster audio recording for video games


[Source: Tesla Motors]

Tesla Roadster donates tire squeal sounds to two new video games originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>forzaproject gotham racingproject gotham racing 4ProjectGothamRacingProjectGothamRacing4tesla forzatesla motorstesla project gothamTeslaForzaTeslaMotorsTeslaProjectGothamtom burtTomBurtWed, 18 Nov 2009 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Drive the Model S (or maybe just the Tesla Roadster) in Gran Turismo 5]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/drive-the-model-s-or-maybe-just-the-tesla-roadster-in-gran-tur/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/drive-the-model-s-or-maybe-just-the-tesla-roadster-in-gran-tur/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/drive-the-model-s-or-maybe-just-the-tesla-roadster-in-gran-tur/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Yes, we know this isn't a Tesla. Watch the video after the jump.

Speaking to the video game freaks at IGN, video game designer Kazunori Yamauchi revealed that either the Tesla Roadster or the Model S will be available to drive in the upcoming Gran Turismo 5. We already knew that "the latest model" from Tesla would be in the game to drive and maybe smash all to hell, and the Model S would be a fun new option. Yamauchi mentions a vehicle called the Roadster S (while the video shows a picture of the Fisker Karma) and Yamauchi confirms it will appear in GT5. He also says he wants to get behind the wheel of the car IRL. No kidding. Watch the video after the jump.

Until GT5 releases in March, virtual Roadsters can be driven in Project Gotham Racing 4. Thanks to Patrick M. for the tip!

[Source: IGN]

Continue reading Drive the Model S (or maybe just the Tesla Roadster) in Gran Turismo 5

Drive the Model S (or maybe just the Tesla Roadster) in Gran Turismo 5 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gran turismoGran Turismo 5gran turismo sgran turismo teslaGranTurismoGranTurismo5GranTurismoSGranTurismoTeslagt5ignKazunori YamauchiKazunoriYamauchimodel s gt5ModelSGt5tesla model stesla video gameTeslaModelSTeslaVideoGameWed, 11 Nov 2009 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Elon Musk says Fisker is "very far" from overcoming EV hurdles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/report-elon-musk-says-fisker-is-very-far-from-overcoming-ev-h/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/report-elon-musk-says-fisker-is-very-far-from-overcoming-ev-h/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/report-elon-musk-says-fisker-is-very-far-from-overcoming-ev-h/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



In some ways, the all-electric Tesla Roadster and the plug-in hybrid Fisker Karma don't compete. The difference in powertrains, which will filter down to the two compaies' lower-cost models, the Tesla Model S and Fisker's Project Nina vehicle, means that slightly different consumers are going to be interested in these cars. In other ways, though, Fisker and Tesla go head-to-head for the luxury green car market, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk isn't afraid to fan the competition flames a bit.

According to Delaware Online, Musk recently told a Delaware audience (really, Delaware?) that, while he hopes Fisker succeeds, he has "some reservations about the feasibility of Fisker's approach." Why? Because "Fisker is very far from overcoming those [engineering obstacles to build an electric car]." Subtle.

This isnt' the first time there's been contention between the two. In courtrooms last year, Fisker and Tesla fought a battle over insider information that ended with "complete vindication" for Fisker. We'll see if this latest dis causes any further comment from Fisker - a company not known for taking it lying down.

[Source: Delaware Online via earth2tech]

REPORT: Elon Musk says Fisker is "very far" from overcoming EV hurdles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elon muskElonMuskfiskerFisker AutomotiveFiskerAutomotivehenrik fiskerHenrikFiskerteslatesla motorsTeslaMotorsSat, 07 Nov 2009 18:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla Taxi would be fun to ride in, but it's just for show]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/01/tesla-taxi-would-be-fun-to-ride-in-but-its-just-for-show/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/01/tesla-taxi-would-be-fun-to-ride-in-but-its-just-for-show/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/01/tesla-taxi-would-be-fun-to-ride-in-but-its-just-for-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Some people love their profession so much they decorate their cars to show the world how they earn their beans. Such is the case of the owner of a New York taxi company who lives near Monaco and operates mostly hybrid taxis in the Big Apple. Apparently, he has a few beans to show off. The car in question has been painted in the iconic yellow and black taxi cab colors and was exhibited at the French Côte d'Azur where it caused a bit of a sensation. It won't be used to ferry customers around, but that option might still be coming some day to Abu Dhabi and Qatar.

[Source: Le Blog Auto]

Tesla Taxi would be fun to ride in, but it's just for show originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cote dazurCoteDazurny taxiNyTaxitaxitaxi paintTaxiPaintteslatesla roadsterTeslaRoadsterSun, 01 Nov 2009 15:07:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Tesla gets creative $28 million tax incentive in California]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/report-tesla-gets-creative-28-million-tax-incetive-in-californ/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/report-tesla-gets-creative-28-million-tax-incetive-in-californ/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/report-tesla-gets-creative-28-million-tax-incetive-in-californ/#commentsFiled under: ,


While not every state offers as big a rebate on the Tesla Roadster as Colorado does, there is a federal tax credit of $7,500 available to people who buy the electric sports car. Drivers aren't the only ones that various governments want to help in getting electric vehicles on the road. Tesla Motors itself will benefit from a favorable bit of tax massaging by state of California Treasurer Bill Lockyer.

We've know for a while that Tesla wants to open a new plant in the U.S. to build the Model S and, while Albuquerque was in the running, California has always been more likely. The state certainly has made it a point to offer up tax incentives. The latest offer is to waive the sales tax on EV manufacturing equipment worth about $320 million. Instead of buying the tools directly, Tesla will have the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority, a state entity that was formed almost 30 years ago and doesn't need to pay sales tax on equipment used to make advanced vehicles, hold the deeds for a short while and then give them to Tesla. This creative move will apparently save Tesla almost $29 million dollars, and makes us wish we could do something the next time we need to buy more blogging equipment.

[Source: San Francisco Gate, Reuters]

REPORT: Tesla gets creative $28 million tax incentive in California originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill lockyerBillLockyersales taxSalesTaxtaxteslatesla motorstesla tax creditTeslaMotorsTeslaTaxCreditThu, 29 Oct 2009 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla Roadster runs 313 miles on a charge in Global Green Challenge]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/tesla-roadster-runs-313-miles-on-a-charge-in-global-green-challe/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/tesla-roadster-runs-313-miles-on-a-charge-in-global-green-challe/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/tesla-roadster-runs-313-miles-on-a-charge-in-global-green-challe/#commentsFiled under: ,

Simon Hackett and co-driver Emilis Prelgauskas with the record setting Roadster - click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that how you drive has as much - or more - influence on a vehicle's efficiency than any technology. Case in point is this week's Global Green Challenge in Australia. Simon Hackett shipped his 2008 Tesla Roadster down under for the event and proceeded to set a new world record for a production battery-powered vehicle. Hackett and co-driver Emilis Prelgauskas managed to squeeze 313 miles out of the lithium ion battery pack of the Roadster.

As the drivers crossed the finish, approximately three miles was left on the charge at the end of the run south from Alice Springs. That easily topped the 241-mile run by another Roadster earlier this year in the Rallye Monte Carlo d'Energies Alternatives and the 244 miles the car achieves on the EPA test cycle.

Of course achieving those kinds of range numbers means completely forgoing the performance capabilities of the Roadster, just as it would in any other sports car. The 0-60 in 3.9 seconds and 244 mile range is an either/or choice, you sadly can't have both. Tesla's press release is after the jump.

Gallery: Global Green Challenge Tesla Roadster goes 313 miles


[Source: Tesla]

Continue reading Tesla Roadster runs 313 miles on a charge in Global Green Challenge

Tesla Roadster runs 313 miles on a charge in Global Green Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ouch.

A three-way crash between a Tesla Roadtser, Toyota Prius and a VW Touareg didn't leave a pretty scene behind, but it appears that at least the Tesla driver walked away with only minor bruises. We don't know what happened to the occupants of the other vehicles. According to Autopia, it seems that the Roadster was allegedly stopped when the Prius hit it from behind - going about 50 mph - and pushed the Tesla under the SUV (note the piece of the EV in the VW's rear end). We'll just say it again: Ouch.

UPDATE: More from Autopia.

[Source: Autopia]

Not good: Tesla Roadster, Toyota Prius and VW Touareg meet with disastrous results originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>tesla roadsterTeslaRoadstertoyota priusToyotaPriusVW TouaregVwTouaregFri, 23 Oct 2009 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[World's Largest Rebate? Save $42,000 on Tesla Roadster in Colorado]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/worlds-largest-rebate-save-42-000-on-tesla-roadster-in-colora/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/worlds-largest-rebate-save-42-000-on-tesla-roadster-in-colora/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/worlds-largest-rebate-save-42-000-on-tesla-roadster-in-colora/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Tesla Roadster - Click above image for high-res gallery

We didn't believe it until we verified it with our own eyes, but amazingly it's true: Colorado is offering a $42,083 rebate on the 2009 Tesla Roadster until December 31st. Carry the one, move the decimal point... yep, that's a 38-percent discount on what must be the most desirable electric car currently for sale in the United States.

So, exactly how did this come about? Is the thin air that's distorting people's better judgment? Not exactly. The incentive actually applies to a slew of qualifying hybrid and electric vehicles and will be paid in the form of an income tax credit that's calculated by determining the difference in price of the alt-fuel car or truck as compared to a competitive gas-powered model. In the case of the Tesla Roadster, Colorado figures the EV costs a whopping $50K more than its competitive set... which we imagine might be the Lotus Elise.

Want to take advantage of the rebate but not interested in a fully-electric sportscar? Buyers can also get a $20K rebate on the 2009 Lexus LS 600h L or about three grand on either the new Honda Insight or Toyota Prius. See the complete list in PDF form here.


Gallery: Jason Calacanis' Tesla Roadster


[Source: Green Car Reports]

World's Largest Rebate? Save $42,000 on Tesla Roadster in Colorado originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coloradocolorado ev rebatecolorado hybrid rebatecolorado rebateColoradoEvRebateColoradoHybridRebateColoradoRebatehybrid rebatehybrid rebatesHybridRebateHybridRebatesTeslatesla motorstesla rebatetesla roadstertesla roadster coloradotesla roadster rebateTeslaMotorsTeslaRebateTeslaRoadsterTeslaRoadsterColoradoTeslaRoadsterRebateThu, 22 Oct 2009 16:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Are Tesla Roadster sales dead? Order online now for Christmas delivery!]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/are-tesla-roadster-sales-dead-order-online-now-for-christmas-de/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/are-tesla-roadster-sales-dead-order-online-now-for-christmas-de/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/are-tesla-roadster-sales-dead-order-online-now-for-christmas-de/#commentsFiled under: ,

2010 Tesla Roadster Sport - click above for high-res image gallery

We just received the October edition of the Tesla Motors newsletter and a careful read indicated a very troubling statement near the end:

If you custom-order your car online, in showrooms or by phone today, you could have your car in time for Christmas.

There have been indications for some time that Roadster sales had stalled and for over a year the company has said that they are sold out through about November 2009. While Tesla claims it has been getting new sales, they have yet to announce any new numbers. If you can custom order a Roadster now (late October) for delivery before Christmas, that certainly indicates that nearly all existing orders have been fulfilled. We contacted Tesla spokeswoman Rachel Konrad who told us:

We are just over 850 deliveries. Like all major manufacturers in production (and those who keep books according to generally accepted accounting principles), we count sales and revenue when cars are delivered. Now that we are ramped up in production, we do not provide data on the order.

Virtually all premium carmakers have been hit hard by the recession, but this certainly doesn't bode well for Tesla. They still have at least two years until deliveries of the Model S are scheduled to start and, apparently, significantly reduced prospects for sales revenue in the interim.


Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster Sport


[Source: Tesla Motors]

Are Tesla Roadster sales dead? Order online now for Christmas delivery! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Teslatesla motorstesla roadstertesla salestesla-roadsterTeslaEvTeslaMotorsTeslaRoadsterTeslaSalesThu, 22 Oct 2009 11:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla's temporary gallery opening this Friday in Colorado]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/tesla-temporary-gallery-opening-this-friday-in-colorado/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/tesla-temporary-gallery-opening-this-friday-in-colorado/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/tesla-temporary-gallery-opening-this-friday-in-colorado/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Tesla Motors Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery


It's been little more than a month since Tesla Motors opened its store in München and now comes word that its next location will be swinging open its doors for a "cocktail reception" on Friday. It seems, however, that this outpost in Boulder, Colorado will be somewhat different from its regular retail operations. According to their building permit it will be an "electric automotive demonstration gallery" for technology that includes batteries and chargers. It will also be temporary. The land at 915 Pearl St. was purchased by developers last year and should eventually be occupied by a fancy Italian restaurant with luxury condos on top, but that plan is currently "behind schedule" so, for a while at least, it will be Tesla's Centennial State squat.

The big question is, of course, whether there are more permanent plans for the automaker in the city. Colorado has, until the end of 2009 at least, a very generous tax rebate for electric cars and the city of Boulder boasts the country's first "Smart Grid". Tesla Motors also has family ties in the area. Kimbal Musk, board member and brother of CEO Elon, has a restaurant (that supposedly serves a mean lamburger) just a few blocks away. Considering they reportedly spent almost $148,000 on the renovations, this gallery should be open for a while.

For those of you curious about what kind of scene to expect at the opening party, Tesla now has a post on their company blog about the recent München affair. Apparently it was attended by nearly 400 people who mingled and admired a small bevy of battery-powered Roadsters. Of course, in Colorado there won't be many people saying "ja, es ist schnell" and Kimbal's yellow Founder's Series number five will likely be parked out front. To get a taste for yourselves, hit the jump for a bit of video.


Gallery: 2009 Tesla Roadster v1.5


[Source: Daily Camera / Huffington Post]

Continue reading Tesla's temporary gallery opening this Friday in Colorado

Tesla's temporary gallery opening this Friday in Colorado originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Boulder ColoradoBoulderColoradoKimbal MuskKimbalMuskTesla Motors GalleryTeslaMotorsGalleryTue, 20 Oct 2009 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Lists? Yeah, electric vehicles get on lists. Hopeful, hopeful lists]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/lists-yeah-electric-vehicles-get-on-lists/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/lists-yeah-electric-vehicles-get-on-lists/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/lists-yeah-electric-vehicles-get-on-lists/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Tesla Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here are five technologies that "could change everything":

  • Advanced car batteries
  • Carbon capture and storage
  • Space-based solar power
  • Utility storage
  • Next-generation biofuels

This is the list culled by the Wall Street Journal, and we note that plug-in vehicles benefit/are tied to four of those five items. All five if you include things like the E85-capable range extender in the plug-in Chevy Volt.

Meanwhile, over at the Seattle Times, Tesla was named one of eight companies that are changing the world. Other companies on the list are working on technical, gadget-y advances (laser broadband streaming data at 1.25 gigabytes a second) and eco-advances (green building materials) and more.

What we take away from these lists is that people have a lot of hope that technology will save us. Somehow, someday. Just wait until a better widget comes along, then all will be well.

[Source: Seattle Times, Wall Street Journal]

Lists? Yeah, electric vehicles get on lists. Hopeful, hopeful lists originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biofuelbiofuelsplug in vehicleplug in vehiclesplug-inplug-in hybridplug-in vehicleplug-in vehiclesPlug-inHybridPlug-inVehiclePlug-inVehiclesPlugInVehiclePlugInVehiclestesla motorsTeslaMotorsMon, 19 Oct 2009 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Does a corn-ethanol vehicle beat the Tesla Roadster in lifetime CO<sub>2</sub> emissions?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/does-a-corn-ethanol-vehicle-beat-the-tesla-roadster-in-lifetime/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/does-a-corn-ethanol-vehicle-beat-the-tesla-roadster-in-lifetime/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/does-a-corn-ethanol-vehicle-beat-the-tesla-roadster-in-lifetime/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Tesla Roadster Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

What does it take for a car to "beat" the Tesla Roadster? With a 0-60 time that blows away almost anything else on four wheels, there aren't many vehicles that are faster. With an all-electric drivetrain, the car sits at the absolute pinnacle (along with every other EV) for lowest tailpipe emissions. But is it possible that a vehicle that burns corn-based ethanol (or gasoline!) can beat the Roadster on overall CO2 emissions?

This is the claim from the unbiased folks at Biofuels Digest, who crunched theoretical numbers like this:
  • The Tesla gets its juice from a power plant that is burning coal, which means it has 2.095 pounds of CO2 per kWh and can go 3.12 miles per kWh.
  • The theoretical corn-ethanol E85-burning vehicle puts out CO2 according to the GREET model (Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Transportation) for lifecycle emissions and is operating at the proposed new CAFE standards.

Over the vehicles' lifetimes (of 145,000 miles), Biofuels Digest says, the E85 vehicle creates 30 percent fewer CO2 emissions, and the Roadster will even put out 21 percent more CO2 than a car that uses straight gasoline (we tried to dig into the GREET model to see how deep the well-to-wheels model tracks CO2 generation, but didn't see how crop and oil production is specifically handled here. Since GREET has been in development since 1999, we're going to assume the system takes these factors into account). Biofuels Digest uses government data - from the EIA, DOT, Argonne National Lab, etc. - and Tesla's numbers to come to their conclusion. You can find a chart produced by Biofuels Digest after the jump.

At first glance, this reminds us of the Prius vs. Hummer debacle, but we're open to further investigation. Got an opinion?

Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster Sport


[Source: Biofuels Digest via Domestic Fuel]

Continue reading Does a corn-ethanol vehicle beat the Tesla Roadster in lifetime CO2 emissions?

Does a corn-ethanol vehicle beat the Tesla Roadster in lifetime CO2 emissions? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredtelsa motorsTelsaMotorsteslatesla co2tesla corn ethanoltesla e85tesla ethanoltesla roadsterTeslaCo2TeslaCornEthanolTeslaE85TeslaEthanolTeslaRoadsterFri, 16 Oct 2009 14:59:00 EST