AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 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[Tesla Model S deliveries will start June 22; crash testing returns five stars *UPDATE]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/tesla-model-s-deliveries-will-start-june-22-regen-brake-level-n/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/tesla-model-s-deliveries-will-start-june-22-regen-brake-level-n/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/tesla-model-s-deliveries-will-start-june-22-regen-brake-level-n/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The early delivery hints were spot on. Tesla's vice president of worldwide sales and ownership experience, George Blankenship, has declared June 22 - just one month away - as the day when the first Model S will be delivered. He wrote on the official Tesla blog today that, "We are ahead of schedule and can't wait to put our first Reservation Holders behind the wheel!" We're sure the buyers feel the same way.

Perhaps most exciting, the Model S will now feature adjustable regenerative brakes, which is something we certainly like to see in our EVs. For highway driving, having the brakes grab hold each time we take our foot off the accelerator is annoying, so we look forward to seeing just how much "coasting" the Model S will allow. Blankenship writes that, "Having less Regen means you will likely get less range, but some people still prefer the feel of their car with less Regen." We can't wait until some inspired hypermiler decides to test this for him- or herself. The resistance in the steering wheel and the car's suspension can also be adjusted.

As we learned during the Detroit Auto Show, Tesla's Fremont factory (the former NUMMI plant) has been quite busy preparing to make the Model S. The picture above shows plant employees with the first customer Model S body. 2012 production of the Model S is sold out, but Tesla is still out there trying to drum up sales with Model S promotional tours stops on the west and east coasts of the U.S. as well as a five-city tour of Canada.

Befitting a 21st Century automaker, Tesla says it will webcast the first Model S delivery on its website. Leading up to June 22, Tesla will also post a weekly video about Model S production. So, there's more to come.

*UPDATE: Tesla CEO Elon Musk has Tweeted the following: "Major Tesla milestone: All crash testing is complete for 5* (max) safety rating. Cars can now be built for sale to public!"

Continue reading Tesla Model S deliveries will start June 22; crash testing returns five stars *UPDATE

Tesla Model S deliveries will start June 22; crash testing returns five stars *UPDATE originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 22 May 2012 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclegeorge blankenshipjob onemodel snummiteslatesla model stesla model s deliveryTue, 22 May 2012 11:47:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242595/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242595/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/22/tesla-model-s-deliveries-will-start-june-22-regen-brake-level-n/20242595/article-detail.xml 20242595 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/tesla-model-s-body-in-white_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/tesla-model-s-body-in-white.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla will start repaying loans by end of this year]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/tesla-will-start-repaying-loans-by-end-of-this-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/tesla-will-start-repaying-loans-by-end-of-this-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/tesla-will-start-repaying-loans-by-end-of-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,



A week after Tesla Motors announced it would be able to deliver the first Model S in June, a month ahead of the original July release date, the startup automaker continued the good news by announcing it will start repaying the Energy Department loans it got in 2009.

The $465 million loan was part of the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing program meant to encourage the creation jobs and cars using little or no fossil fuels. Fisker, Ford and Nissan were also participants receiving loans under the program.

As of March, 2012, Tesla reported having $104.5 million left of the loan, which is expected to be spent before the fourth quarter begins. Payments on the half-billion loan will begin in December.

"We are delivering on the milestones, what we've committed to," said Tesla Chief Financial Officer Deepak Ahuja in an interview with Bloomberg. "Once we are delivering customer cars, then that signifies completion of the project."

With the first Model S delivery taking place soon, Tesla is also focusing on its retail strategy. In charge of sales and ownership is former Apple executive George Blankenship. His plan for Tesla is to have only company-owned stores where well-trained company reps will interact with customers. Actual sales will take place online, not on the sales floor. Employees will not get a commission on sales, which should help tone down the usual hard-sale tactics of car salespeople.

"It takes the whole not-selling-the-car process to another level," Blankenship told Automotive News. "We're telling customers, 'I can't sell you a car today if I wanted to.'"

Tesla will start repaying loans by end of this year originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 14 May 2012 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleatvmbatteryelectricgeorge blankenshipmodel steslatesla loanMon, 14 May 2012 13:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237480/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237480/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/14/tesla-will-start-repaying-loans-by-end-of-this-year/20237480/article-detail.xml 20237480 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/teslamodels_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/teslamodels.jpg <![CDATA[Consumer Reports says converted EVs are marred by design compromises]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/consumer-reports-says-converted-evs-are-marred-by-design-comprom/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/consumer-reports-says-converted-evs-are-marred-by-design-comprom/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/consumer-reports-says-converted-evs-are-marred-by-design-comprom/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



When it comes to battery-electric versions of existing gas-powered vehicles, it's tough for those leopards to change their spots.

That's a conclusion from Consumer Reports, which says that the Ford Focus Electric and Chevrolet Volt are among plug-in vehicles marred by design compromises because they used platforms from existing gas-powered models.

The Volt, whose architecture stems from the Chevrolet Cruze, and the Focus EV both lack interior room and trunk space because the cars' larger batteries were crammed into spaces not originally designed to accommodate them, according to the publication. In contrast, models like the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model S, which were always designed for electric powertrains, keep most if not all of their batteries underneath the car's flooring, increasing roominess as well as improving handling. Consumer Reports noted the Mercedes-Benz B-Class Fuel Cell vehicle as an exception because most of its powertrain components are also in the floor.

The topic of converted electric-drive vehicles vs. those that had always been designed as EVs is topical as many automakers rush EVs to the market to capitalize on growing awareness of electric-drive vehicles.

Earlier this month, Green Car Reports broached the topic of converted vs. purpose built EVs in an article about which EVs are being made for true production and which are being produced merely to comply with California's quota for zero-emissions vehicles. Green Car Reports concluded that converted models such as electric versions of the Focus, Honda Fit and Toyota RAV4 are being made merely for compliance purposes.

Consumer Reports says converted EVs are marred by design compromises originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 11 May 2012 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletconsumer reportsconverteddesignelectric vehicleford focus electricnissan leafpurpose builttesla model svoltFri, 11 May 2012 20:05:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20235945/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20235945/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/11/consumer-reports-says-converted-evs-are-marred-by-design-comprom/20235945/article-detail.xml 20235945 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/01-2012-ford-focus-electric-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/01-2012-ford-focus-electric-fd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla Model S may come early with more range than promised: 320 miles!]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/tesla-model-s-may-come-early-with-more-range-than-promised/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/tesla-model-s-may-come-early-with-more-range-than-promised/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/tesla-model-s-may-come-early-with-more-range-than-promised/#commentsFiled under: ,



Mission accomplished?

That's what Tesla executives Elon Musk and J.B. Straubel might be asking themselves after running single-charge mileage tests of the company's Model S sedan, which could be making the near first customer deliveries in about a month. That's roughly 30 days ahead of schedule, as Tesla is reportedly wrapping up crash testing fast enough to start making the hotly-anticipated EV.

Tesla's Model S battery-electric sedan has about a 31 percent longer single-charge range than the Roadster convertible that Tesla debuted in 2008, Musk and Straubel wrote on the company's blog Wednesday. More importantly, the Model S exceeded the company's goal of a 300-mile single-charge range under a mix of city and highway driving. Read their gloatations here and check out our first-ride impressions here.

In fact, under the so-called 2-cycle EPA testing method involving 55 percent city driving and 45 percent highway, the Model S drove 320 miles on a single charge. Back when the Roadster was tested, it got 244 miles. The biggest battery you can get in the Model S is 85 kWh, while the Roadster has 56 kWh. Oh, and Tesla thinks the potential is there for more miles to be hiding in a Model S pack, and is going to give some sort of prize to whoever can drive a Model S over 400 miles on a single charge first. The glove has been tossed.

The Model S couldn't come at a much better time for Tesla, as the automaker just announced a first quarter loss of $89.9 million. The prospects aren't any better for Q2, but the second half of the year should be an entirely different story. Q1 revenue was only $30 million, and the first half year revenue is expected to come in around $60 million. With the Model S around for the second half of the year, sales are expected to skyrocket into the $600 million range. Tesla forecast earlier this year that 2012 sales would triple from last year's revenue of $204.2 million because of the Model S, which the company estimated would move 5,000 units this year, even though the automaker currently has 10,000 orders in-hand.

Autoblog writer Chris Shunk contributed to this post.

Tesla Model S may come early with more range than promised: 320 miles! originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 10 May 2012 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>320 miles85 kwhbatteryelectricmodel srangeteslatesla model sThu, 10 May 2012 07:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20235284/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20235284/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/10/tesla-model-s-may-come-early-with-more-range-than-promised/20235284/article-detail.xml 20235284 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-tesla-model-s-white_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-tesla-model-s-white.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota RAV4 EV priced at $49,800]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/toyota-rav4-ev-priced-at-49-800/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/toyota-rav4-ev-priced-at-49-800/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/toyota-rav4-ev-priced-at-49-800/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Toyota RAV4 EV

Announced almost two years ago, Toyota finally gave us some more details about the was the all-electric RAV4 EV will be sold to the general public during the 26th Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles today. The important number? The MSRP for what Toyota calls a "fully-equipped" RAV4 EV is $49,800 and will be available before the end of the year.

Toyota says the RAV4 EV's range is 100 miles and that the car will charge from empty in approximately six hours on a 240V/40A charger. The new RAV4 EV has LED and halogen headlights and it has special "environmental blue" color emblems on the outside. The vehicle will be made at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc., plant in Woodstock, Ontario. The first generation of the new RAV4 EV was unveiled back at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. Our First Drive report is here.

With a battery and powertrain designed by Tesla, the new RAV4 EV certainly appears to be one of the new breed of compliance EVs. We had heard that the RAV4 EV will be lease only, but the official press release says the car "will go on sale in late summer 2012 through select dealers, initially in four major California metropolitan markets." Those markets are Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles/Orange County and San Diego and the news matches the rumor we heard last year, that sales about be limited to California. In all, Toyota hopes to sell just 2,600 units in the next three years. Nissan Leaf, you've got nothing to worry about.

Continue reading Toyota RAV4 EV priced at $49,800

Toyota RAV4 EV priced at $49,800 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 07 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleevsevs26msrprav4rav4 electricrav4 evrav4 ev priceteslatoyotatoyota rav4toyota rav4 electricMon, 07 May 2012 15:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20232350/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20232350/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/07/toyota-rav4-ev-priced-at-49-800/20232350/article-detail.xml 20232350 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/toyotarav4evopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/toyotarav4evopt.jpg <![CDATA[Model X will have excellent towing capability. Despite photo, Model S will not offer option]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/model-x-will-have-excellent-towing-capability-despite-photo-mo/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/model-x-will-have-excellent-towing-capability-despite-photo-mo/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/model-x-will-have-excellent-towing-capability-despite-photo-mo/#commentsFiled under: , ,



A reader with sharp eyes and quicker reflexes sent us a pic of a Tesla Model S they had spotted on the streets of San Francisco sporting a trailer hitch receiver and a pair of portals of some type around back, which had us scratching our heads.

Tesla Model X with falcon doors slightly liftedThe Roadster, of course, doesn't come with a towing option (though the company's CTO JB Straubel does have a hitch on his) and the Model S wasn't slated to offer the option as far as we knew. So, we contacted the California automaker to ask what's up.

In a brief response, a spokesperson said "Tesla's engineering vehicles are constantly undergoing internal testing in a wide variety of circumstances to fine tune and validate performance, safety and durability" and confirmed that there will be no factory towing option. Of course, the Nissan Leaf didn't offer that function either but the aftermarket has stepped in with a solution.

So, if you want an all-electric that will pull your boat over to the bay, what are your options? A Leaf might not have the wherewithal for that sort of heavy-duty application, but there is something coming that will. The Tesla Model X (inset). According to the same spokesperson, "Model X will have towing capability exceeding most SUVs in its class. With all-wheel drive, incredible torque and sophisticated traction control, it will be an excellent towing machine."

Awesome. Thanks to Eric for the tip!

Model X will have excellent towing capability. Despite photo, Model S will not offer option originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicletesla model stesla model xtesla tow hitchtesla towingtow hitchFri, 27 Apr 2012 17:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20225365/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20225365/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/27/model-x-will-have-excellent-towing-capability-despite-photo-mo/20225365/article-detail.xml 20225365 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/tesla-model-s-mule-with-hitch-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/tesla-model-s-mule-with-hitch-628.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla, SolarCity working on solar-powered energy-storage systems]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/tesla-solarcity-work-on-solar-powered-energy-storage-systems/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/tesla-solarcity-work-on-solar-powered-energy-storage-systems/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/tesla-solarcity-work-on-solar-powered-energy-storage-systems/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Tool around in a Tesla Roadster with the top down, and the sun can be a good friend. Now, Tesla Motors co-founder Elon Musk is finding an even better use for it.

Musk, who's also chairman of home solar-panel installer SolarCity, is joining the technologies of the two companies to create solar-powered rooftop energy-storage systems that would make the two companies eligible to receive rebates from the state of California, GigaOm reports. The systems would combine Tesla's lithium-ion battery packs with SolarCity's photovoltaic systems.

The two companies have filed 70 applications for systems under the California Public Utility Commission's (CPUC) Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) that would supply energy in areas served by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). The CPUC had previously awarded the two companies $1.8 million for their research on the energy-storage system now being proposed.

SolarCity was founded in 2006 and says it has more than 30,000 projects either completed or in the process throughout states such as California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York and Texas.

Tesla, SolarCity working on solar-powered energy-storage systems originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiacpucelectric vehicleelon muskpanelssgipsolar evsolarcityteslaThu, 26 Apr 2012 09:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20224218/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20224218/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/26/tesla-solarcity-work-on-solar-powered-energy-storage-systems/20224218/article-detail.xml 20224218 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/solarcity_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/solarcity.jpg <![CDATA[Elon Musk to Jon Stewart: sustainable energy easier than making life "multi-planetary"]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/elon-musk-to-jon-stewart-sustainable-energy-easier-than-making/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/elon-musk-to-jon-stewart-sustainable-energy-easier-than-making/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/elon-musk-to-jon-stewart-sustainable-energy-easier-than-making/#commentsFiled under: , ,

elon musk daily show

Tesla Motors head Elon Musk has got his head in the clouds. Actually, he's thinking about the area above our clouds: creating a way for people to live on Mars. Or, as he puts it, making life "multi-planetary."

Musk was on The Daily Show last night and talked mostly about the company he runs that isn't about electric cars, SpaceX, whose main goal is to explore nearby space and find a way for people to live Up There. While SpaceX was the main topic of conversation, Musk did mention Tesla a few times, and said that sustainable energy on earth is an easier - and more important - goal than moving humans to Mars (maybe John Carter helped make this clear?). Musk also mentions the idea of the "tragedy of the commons," so go read up on that before watching this one if you're unfamiliar with that term. You can watch the interview by scrolling down.

Continue reading Elon Musk to Jon Stewart: sustainable energy easier than making life "multi-planetary"

Elon Musk to Jon Stewart: sustainable energy easier than making life "multi-planetary" originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily showelon muskjon stewartspace xspacexteslatesla motorsWed, 11 Apr 2012 19:46:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20213667/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20213667/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/11/elon-musk-to-jon-stewart-sustainable-energy-easier-than-making/20213667/article-detail.xml 20213667 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/elon-musk-daily-show_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/elon-musk-daily-show.png <![CDATA[Tesla Model S prowls across the ice and snow]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/tesla-model-s-prowls-across-the-ice-and-snow/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/tesla-model-s-prowls-across-the-ice-and-snow/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/tesla-model-s-prowls-across-the-ice-and-snow/#commentsFiled under: , ,

tesla model s cold weather testing

Seeing electric vehicles prance around in the snow is becoming a common occurrence, whether done by journalists, speed demons or EV fans. But we never mind seeing more, especially when it's the Tesla Model S.

Tesla engineers took the Model S to the Automotive Enviro Testing center in Baudette, MN this winter when the temperature dropped to between -10 and -15 degrees Fahrenheit. For a few days, they made sure the Model S could weave between some colorful cones on frozen ground. Tesla says the Model S went through 19 different courses and has provided us with a video of some of these runs, and it looks like fun. It was effective as well, as Tesla says, "After days of rigorous testing, we left more confident than ever that Model S will set the standard for premium performance - no matter what's in the forecast." We're curious to know about the car's real-world cold-weather performance - including things like how using the heater affects range - but for now we'll just watch.

Continue reading Tesla Model S prowls across the ice and snow

Tesla Model S prowls across the ice and snow originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 tesla model scold weather testingelectric vehicleminnesotamodel steslatesla model sTue, 10 Apr 2012 14:08:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20212483/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20212483/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/10/tesla-model-s-prowls-across-the-ice-and-snow/20212483/article-detail.xml 20212483 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/tesla-model-s-cold-weather-testing-1334079580_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/tesla-model-s-cold-weather-testing-1334079580.png <![CDATA[Tesla stock sale nets Abu Dhabi $113 million]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/tesla-stock-sale-nets-abu-dhabi-113-million/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/tesla-stock-sale-nets-abu-dhabi-113-million/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/tesla-stock-sale-nets-abu-dhabi-113-million/#commentsFiled under: , ,

tesla model s

Talk about hedging your bets.

Abu Dhabi National Energy (TAQA), which is majority owned by the emirate, netted $113 million from selling its seven percent stake in Tesla Motors recently, Arab News reports.

Abu Dhabi, which gets most of its wealth from oil, doubled its investment in the Bay Area-based electric-vehicle maker. TAQA gained the shares in late 2010 when they were transferred from the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority. TAQA said it planned to reinvest the proceeds in Middle East energy-production opportunities.

Tesla shares are up 16 percent so far in 2012 and have jumped 25 percent in the past 12 months. Earlier this year, the company forecast that it would triple its 2011 sales in 2012 and would sell 5,000 Model S sedans. The new car goes on sale this summer. Tesla recently said it was "almost ready" to deliver the Model S, which starts at $57,400 before government incentives.

Abu Dhabi, through its Aabar Investments, is the largest shareholder in Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG, according to Arab News.

Tesla stock sale nets Abu Dhabi $113 million originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abu dhabiAbu Dhabi National Energyelectric vehiclemodel soilprofitsharesstocktaqateslaTue, 10 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20211729/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20211729/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/10/tesla-stock-sale-nets-abu-dhabi-113-million/20211729/article-detail.xml 20211729 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/teslamodels-1334006371_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/teslamodels-1334006371.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla Model S 'almost ready']]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/06/teslas-almost-ready-with-the-model-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/06/teslas-almost-ready-with-the-model-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/06/teslas-almost-ready-with-the-model-s/#commentsFiled under: ,

2013 Tesla Model S - front three-quarter studio shot

Tesla Motors is close to rolling out the first Model S battery-electric five-doors from the company's Fremont, CA, plant, and customers who reserved the Model S Signature Series are already sending in their specification requests, indicating that the company will likely hit its July deadline for first deliveries.

Tesla has also added three colors - Piano Black, Lacewood and Banana Leaf - to its interior options and Internet connectivity will be an option on all cars, the company said in a letter to its prospective customers that was posted on its blog last week. Tesla also said it would personally deliver the cars to the location of the customer's choice.

The Model S, the second model from Tesla after the Roadster, will be priced starting at $57,400 for a version with a 160-mile single-charge range before the $7,500 tax credit goes into effect. A 300-mile-range version goes for about $77,000. Read here for Autoblog's "First Ride" impressions.

Earlier this year, Tesla said 2012 sales may triple last year's revenue of $204.2 million and forecast Model S sales at 5,000 units for this year. That's more than double the 2,100 of the $109,000 Roadsters that Tesla sold over the past four years.

Tesla Model S 'almost ready' originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 tesla model selectric vehiclemodel smodel s deliveriesteslatesla model stesla motorstesla salesFri, 06 Apr 2012 12:25:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20209823/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20209823/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/06/teslas-almost-ready-with-the-model-s/20209823/article-detail.xml 20209823 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-tesla-model-s-white_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-tesla-model-s-white.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla, Athlon reach agreement to lease Model S EVs in Europe]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/tesla-athlon-reach-agreement-to-lease-model-s-evs-in-europe/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/tesla-athlon-reach-agreement-to-lease-model-s-evs-in-europe/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/tesla-athlon-reach-agreement-to-lease-model-s-evs-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: ,



Tesla Motors and Athlon Car Lease have reached an agreement for the world's first leasing program involving Tesla's Model S battery-electric luxury sedans.

Athlon, a division of the Netherlands-based Rabobank, has reserved 150 Model S EVs and plans to lease them to corporations in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. Athlon had a similar agreement for the Tesla Roadster convertible EVs last summer.

The Model S, which is set to debut in July, will offer buyers three single-charge mileage options ranging from 160 to 300 miles. In the U.S., the Model S will start at $57,400 before a $7,500 federal tax credit kicks in. The price jumps about $20,000 for the 300-mile version, which Tesla calls the world's longest among production battery-electric vehicles. Tesla's taken more than 8,000 reservations for the sedan.

Last month, Tesla, which has never been profitable, said its fourth-quarter loss widened 59 percent from a year earlier, but forecast 2012 sales to be between $550 million and $600 million, which would beat analysts estimates and would be almost triple the company's 2011 revenue of $204.2 million. The company also forecast that it would sell about 5,000 Model S vehicles this year. Tesla has sold more than 2,100 of its $109,000 Roadster convertibles in the past four years. The company discontinued production of that model in the U.S. last year. Readers can check out Autoblog's "first ride" review of the Model S here.

Continue reading Tesla, Athlon reach agreement to lease Model S EVs in Europe

Tesla, Athlon reach agreement to lease Model S EVs in Europe originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>athlonelectric vehicleeuropeleaseleasingmodel snetherlandsrabobankroadsterteslaWed, 07 Mar 2012 10:16:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20187303/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20187303/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/07/tesla-athlon-reach-agreement-to-lease-model-s-evs-in-europe/20187303/article-detail.xml 20187303 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/teslamodels_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/teslamodels.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla libel suit against <i>Top Gear</i> fails again]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/tesla-libel-suit-against-top-gear-fails-again/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/tesla-libel-suit-against-top-gear-fails-again/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/tesla-libel-suit-against-top-gear-fails-again/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tesla vs Top Gear graphic

Tesla and the company's lawyers are nothing if not determined. After a judge smacked down the electric vehicle manufacturer's libel suit against the BBC and Top Gear for comments made about the range of the Tesla Roadster, the automaker rallied with a second, amended lawsuit. It didn't take long for the the same judge to nix the new case, too, saying the amendment was "not capable of being defamatory at all, or, if it is, it is not capable of being a sufficiently serious defamatory meaning to constitute a real and substantial tort."

That sound? It's the smack of the judicial backhand.

The judge went on to say drivers know a manufacturer's claim about range is dependent on driving conditions and habits.

The dustup, as you may recall, began when Top Gear put the Tesla Roadster through its paces on the show's test track. While Jeremy Clarkson lauded the car's acceleration, the segment claimed the vehicle ran out of juice after just 55 miles of abuse. That figure is far south of the 200-mile range Tesla claims for the vehicle. CEO Elon Musk called the show "completely phony" not long after the segment aired and brought out the legal guns. The rest, as they say, is history.

Tesla libel suit against Top Gear fails again originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcelon muskjeremy clarksonlawsuitroadsterteslatesla lawsuittesla roadstertesla top gear lawsuittesla vs top geartop geartop gear lawsuitFri, 24 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20179250/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20179250/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/24/tesla-libel-suit-against-top-gear-fails-again/20179250/article-detail.xml 20179250 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/tesla-vs-top-gear-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/tesla-vs-top-gear-628.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla: Model S (and X) can be parked for a year without bricking]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/tesla-model-s-and-x-can-be-parked-for-a-year-without-bricking/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/tesla-model-s-and-x-can-be-parked-for-a-year-without-bricking/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/tesla-model-s-and-x-can-be-parked-for-a-year-without-bricking/#commentsFiled under: ,

tesla model x s

And now the official, long-form response from Tesla Motors on the bricking issue, which can be boiled down to: plug it in, please.

On the Tesla website, the company has addressed reports that up to five Tesla Roadsters have been turned into gorgeous paperweights that need a $40,000 repair because their batteries were discharged too low. The official but unattributed article (unless we're supposed to believe that "Tesla Motors" actually wrote the piece) says that bricking is "an irrational fear based on limited information and a misunderstanding of Tesla's battery system."

While noting that electric vehicles need, in general, far less maintenance than vehicles with an ICE and that, in any case, all vehicles require some sort of maintenance, Tesla asks its owners to remember to charge the car. Not at all times, but regularly. Here's where things get interesting, when Tesla lays out some definite times for how long its vehicles, including the upcoming Model S and Model X, can be left unplugged:

The earliest Roadsters will take over two months to discharge if parked at a 50 percent charge without being plugged in. From that starting point, Tesla has consistently innovated and improved our battery technology. For example, a Model S battery parked with 50 percent charge would approach full discharge only after about 12 months. Model S batteries also have the ability to protect themselves as they approach very low charge levels by going into a "deep sleep" mode that lowers the loss even further. A Model S will not allow its battery to fall below about 5 percent charge. At that point the car can still sit for many months. Of course you can drive a Model S to 0 percent charge, but even in that circumstance, if you plug it in within 30 days, the battery will recover normally.

Then there's this:

Model S and Model X will have batteries that can sit unplugged for over a year when parked with only a 50 percent charge. And when that year is up, all you need to do is plug it in.

So, while the issues surrounding Roadster #340 continue to develop, at the very least we've learned that bricking should be an incredibly uncommon issue moving forward.

Tesla: Model S (and X) can be parked for a year without bricking originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brickingbricking evelectric vehiclemodel smodel xroadsterteslatesla brickingtesla roadsterFri, 24 Feb 2012 17:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20179157/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20179157/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/24/tesla-model-s-and-x-can-be-parked-for-a-year-without-bricking/20179157/article-detail.xml 20179157 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/tesla-model-x-2-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/tesla-model-x-2-628.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla bricking update: can other electric vehicles suffer the same fate? Unlikely]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/23/tesla-bricking-update-can-other-electric-vehicle-suffer-the-sam/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/23/tesla-bricking-update-can-other-electric-vehicle-suffer-the-sam/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/23/tesla-bricking-update-can-other-electric-vehicle-suffer-the-sam/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Remember all the way back to Monday, when "bricking" your pricey electronic gadget simply meant you needed to get a new iPhone to try and jailbreak? The electric vehicle world is still dissecting the charges that surfaced yesterday that a Tesla Roadster could be bricked - i.e., made inoperable - if the battery gets worn down to zero, as there are new questions cropping up about the motive behind the original article by Michael Degusta. That story continues to evolve, with Degusta now claiming that it was Tesla that leaked the name of Roadster owner #340, Max Drucker, who was a business partner of Degusta's and the source for some of the information in Degusta's original post.

As we noted when the story broke, though, something this big - an expensive EV battery dying - is something we would have expected to have heard about the first time it happened, not with the fifth car (as it being claimed). After all, people have been driving plug-in vehicles for decades, and "bricking" has not been a major (or even minor) issue among people who know what they're doing with an EV.

So we wanted to see if other EVs on the market might be susceptible to "bricking," now that EVs are slowly entering the mainstream. The world's most popular passenger EV, the Nissan Leaf, is apparently safe, as you can read after the jump.

Continue reading Tesla bricking update: can other electric vehicles suffer the same fate? Unlikely

Tesla bricking update: can other electric vehicles suffer the same fate? Unlikely originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brickingbricking evcodacoda sedanelectric vehiclefocus electricfordleafmitsubishimodel snissanroadsterteslatesla brickingThu, 23 Feb 2012 19:35:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20178203/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20178203/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/23/tesla-bricking-update-can-other-electric-vehicle-suffer-the-sam/20178203/article-detail.xml 20178203 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/nissan-battery-pack-cutaway-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/nissan-battery-pack-cutaway-630.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla bricked battery story may have a short circuit]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/23/tesla-bricked-battery-story-may-have-a-short-circuit/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/23/tesla-bricked-battery-story-may-have-a-short-circuit/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/23/tesla-bricked-battery-story-may-have-a-short-circuit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tesla Roadster

Yesterday's outrageous attack on electric vehicles didn't come from the GOP (for a change), but from a seemingly disinterested blogger, one Michael Degusta. His charges against Tesla include suggesting that its cars will have "eventual, inevitable, catastrophic battery failure," lambasting the company for poor warranty service, accusing Tesla of tracking its owners without consent, and intimating that the company is not only failing to provide owners with proper notice of this phenomenon but also covering up the whole sordid affair. Serious stuff, this post of his that's rippled through the automotive web with the force of a 185-kW electric motor.

Yet all may not be what it seems. Late yesterday, an e-mail surfaced on Green Car Reports, in which a disgruntled owner who bricked his battery pleads his case to Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The e-mail, sent by one Max Drucker, CEO of Santa Barbara-based Social Intelligence Corp, is a clear plea for assistance in the repair of his car. Drucker identifies his car as Roadster #340, the same car that serves as the primary example in Degusta's piece. Drucker has since spoken with Autopia about his car, admitting that he drove his Roadster down to a 25 percent charge, then left it parked for six weeks, something the owner's manual specifically warns against.

Now, let's turn our attention towards Degusta, who noted at the end of his screed, "No one has paid me to write this article" and pointed out that his blog is not advertising supported. That's an important point, as it's clearly designed to give readers the impression that Degusta is an unbiased outsider, something of a modern-day Upton Sinclair, defending the poor, innocent owners of $100,000 sports cars from the uncaring electric car company and its billionaire co-founder.

Yet, a few minutes spent with Google shows that Drucker and Degusta are also business partners, having registered at least four corporations together in California, according to Corporationwiki. It also turns up this article, from the Nov. 15, 2000, issue of Insurance & Technology magazine, a profile of Drucker, in which he is quoted describing Degusta as his "partner in crime." Indeed, we wonder if the famously litigious Tesla might be considering another libel lawsuit against this muckraking duo.

Tesla bricked battery story may have a short circuit originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brickingbricking evelectric vehiclemax druckermichael degustaroadsterteslatesla roadsterThu, 23 Feb 2012 11:48:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20177936/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20177936/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/23/tesla-bricked-battery-story-may-have-a-short-circuit/20177936/article-detail.xml 20177936 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/tesla-roadster-battery-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/tesla-roadster-battery-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Sergio Ochoa, the 'Car Whisperer,' is on a mission to land Tesla Motors dream job]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/sergio-ochoa-the-car-whisperer-is-on-a-mission-to-land-tesla/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/sergio-ochoa-the-car-whisperer-is-on-a-mission-to-land-tesla/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/sergio-ochoa-the-car-whisperer-is-on-a-mission-to-land-tesla/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sergio Ochoa in a Tesla Roadster

How's this for bold?

A marketing strategist with the name Sergio Ochoa is on a mission to find his dream job, and that job happens to be working for Tesla Motors. He's got confidence, that's for certain, as you can tell from the way he calls himself the Car Whisperer. He writes:

Hello there Tesla. Although it may seem that I was pieced together in a lab by a team of braniacs with the goal of creating the ultimate whispering machine, I want to assure you, I am human, at least a portion of me is. When the suit and glasses come off I go by the name of Sergio Ochoa, a marketing aficionado with a passion for communicating disruptive products to the world, the universe and beyond.

This information is taken from Ochoa's incredibly subtle "Tesla Should Hire Me" website, where he's also put up his resume and left a way for Tesla folks to contact him. He even produced a seven-minute video about his desire to work for the "Tesla marketing gurus," which he calls, "a perfect fit." Check out his entirely flattering "Car Whisperer" video after the jump.

Continue reading Sergio Ochoa, the 'Car Whisperer,' is on a mission to land Tesla Motors dream job

Sergio Ochoa, the 'Car Whisperer,' is on a mission to land Tesla Motors dream job originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car whispererdream jobelectric vehicleroadstersergio ochoateslaWed, 22 Feb 2012 19:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20176292/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20176292/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/22/sergio-ochoa-the-car-whisperer-is-on-a-mission-to-land-tesla/20176292/article-detail.xml 20176292 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/sergio-ochoa-in-tesla-roadster_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/sergio-ochoa-in-tesla-roadster.png <![CDATA[Tesla Roadster facing 'brick' battery problems?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/tesla-roadster-facing-brick-battery-problems/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/tesla-roadster-facing-brick-battery-problems/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/tesla-roadster-facing-brick-battery-problems/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tesla Roadster

Here's a new worry for electric car owners: bricking your new, expensive ride.

Using a word taken from the computer world, to "brick" an EV means to make your electronic device inoperable. In the case of an EV, it would mean to run the battery state of charge so far down that nothing works anymore, thus requiring an expensive flatbed tow and an even more expensive battery pack - about $40,000 in a Tesla Roadster.

This is the charge of Michael Degusta, who wrote a detailed post on the matter in which he claims there have been five cases of Roadsters being bricked that he knows about. Since this is the first we've heard about it (and we imagine all those Silicon Valley Roadster owners know a thing or two about Internet communication), we're surprised we didn't hear about this before the alleged problem claimed five non-working cars. Thus, we figure there's more to the story, especially since some people are already poking holes in some of Degusta's statements. We've emailed Degusta and asked him to provide further proof of and details about these bricked cars, but he has not responded yet.

For its part, Tesla has offered AutoblogGreen a fairly noncommittal statement on the matter:

All automobiles require some level of owner care. For example, combustion vehicles require regular oil changes or the engine will be destroyed. Electric vehicles should be plugged in and charging when not in use for maximum performance. All batteries are subject to damage if the charge is kept at zero for long periods of time. However, Tesla avoids this problem in virtually all instances with numerous counter-measures. Tesla batteries can remain unplugged for weeks (even months), without reaching zero state of charge. Owners of Roadster 2.0 and all subsequent Tesla products can request that their vehicle alert Tesla if SOC falls to a low level. All Tesla vehicles emit various visual and audible warnings if the battery pack falls below 5 percent SOC. Tesla provides extensive maintenance recommendations as part of the customer experience.

It's also true that all vehicles will require some attention if they sit unused too long, and people know what happens if you leave your laptop unplugged for two weeks. In the owner's manual for the Roadster 2.0/Roadster Sport, Tesla does say that "Over-discharge can permanently damage the Battery" and that "If storing for more than 15 days, it is strongly recommended that you keep it plugged in" (see the full section on "Leaving the vehicle unplugged" after the jump, or download the manual in PDF here), but it doesn't specify what sort of damage that is, or how expensive it might be to fix it. Tesla spokesman Ricardo Reyes did tell AutoblogGreen that he is working to demystify the situation and will get back to us with more information.

Continue reading Tesla Roadster facing 'brick' battery problems?

Tesla Roadster facing 'brick' battery problems? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brickingbricking evelectric vehicleev batteriesmichael degustamodel sroadsterteslatesla batterytesla brickingWed, 22 Feb 2012 16:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20177253/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20177253/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/22/tesla-roadster-facing-brick-battery-problems/20177253/article-detail.xml 20177253 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/02-living-with-tesla_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/02-living-with-tesla.jpg <![CDATA[Battery cost dropping below $200 per kWh soon, says Tesla's Elon Musk]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/battery-cost-dropping-below-200-per-kwh-soon-says-teslas-elon/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/battery-cost-dropping-below-200-per-kwh-soon-says-teslas-elon/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/battery-cost-dropping-below-200-per-kwh-soon-says-teslas-elon/#commentsFiled under: , ,



During its recent fourth quarter 2011 financial results Q&A conference call, CEO Elon Musk had, of course, lots to say about Tesla Motors and its various products. One statement though, concerning the falling cost of batteries, spoke to the broader electric vehicle (EV) market and bears repeating. The high price of energy storage is, after all, one of the major barriers to lower EV prices and, consequently, faster consumer adoption.

We've heard in the past different estimates of battery costs. When the first Chevy Volt battery came off the line it was said to be around $500 or $600 per kWh. For its part, the Nissan Leaf pack was reported to be as low as $375 per kWh. Now, two years down the road what is Tesla saying about the price of its batteries?

A participant from JP Morgan asked (in torturous analyst-speak, using "dimension" as a verb) something to the effect of, "Could you speak about how certain you are of a $200-per-kWh battery price and where you see that number going?" Musk began his response by seeming to deny that figure represented the company's current cost but went on to say, "I do think that cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) at the cell level will decline below that, below $200, in the not-too-distant future."

So, how soon is the "not-too-distant future"? Perhaps 2015. That's the year Tesla is now aiming to begin production of its Gen 3 vehicle - what was historically code named "Blue Star." Tesla had originally planned to make the new Roadster after the Model X, but decided it could make a mass-market vehicle with a price tag in the $30,000 range sooner than it had previously thought.

For what it's worth, Elon isn't the only one talking about a significant downward price trend. Makoto Yoda, president of Mitsubishi's battery supplier, GS Yuasa, says that due to mass production, the price of its lithium batteries will soon be a quarter of what it was in 2009.

Battery cost dropping below $200 per kWh soon, says Tesla's Elon Musk originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery pricesblue starelon muskenergy storagekwhlithium battery priceprice per kwhteslatesla motorsTue, 21 Feb 2012 11:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20174644/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20174644/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/21/battery-cost-dropping-below-200-per-kwh-soon-says-teslas-elon/20174644/article-detail.xml 20174644 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/elon-musk-speaks-battery-prices-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/elon-musk-speaks-battery-prices-628.jpg <![CDATA[StuntBusters asks, Which is faster, EV or ICE?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/16/stuntbusters-asks-which-is-faster-ev-or-ice/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/16/stuntbusters-asks-which-is-faster-ev-or-ice/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/16/stuntbusters-asks-which-is-faster-ev-or-ice/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

/2012/02/09/stuntbusters-asks-which-is-faster-ev-or-ice/#continued

Faithful readers of AutoblogGreen may be well aware of the high-performance abilities of electric drivetrains on the drag strip (see White Zombie, Black Current and Lawless Rocket for examples) but sadly, many others haven't yet gotten the torque-rules memo.

Enter Stuntbusters. Finding some time in their busy Cadillac-crashing, gas-bomb-car-flinging schedule, the Speed program decided to conduct a couple experiments that might help spread the word. They throw up a Porsche Carrera S against a Tesla Roadster in a one-on-one race to represent the modern era. A second contest puts a classic 1969 Camaro against the battery-powered Type 65 coupe replica from SSI Racing.

Now, perhaps this isn't the most scientific test, but winning over the masses isn't about dry facts and figures. It's about emotions. And there's nothing like a little drag strip drama to help stir it up. So, which cars win? All you've got to do is hit the jump to find out.

Continue reading StuntBusters asks, Which is faster, EV or ICE?

StuntBusters asks, Which is faster, EV or ICE? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>69 camarodrag raceelectric vehicleelectric vehicle racingEV drag racingev vs iceporsche carrera sssi racingstuntbusterstesla roadsterThu, 16 Feb 2012 19:51:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20171997/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20171997/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/16/stuntbusters-asks-which-is-faster-ev-or-ice/20171997/article-detail.xml 20171997 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/stuntbusters-still-tesla-628-1329392419_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/stuntbusters-still-tesla-628-1329392419.jpg -1 2