FobzyTesla -going fast for the greens
June 23rd 2008 23:36
full frontal
"The electric sports car will fundamentally change the way we drive," said Tesla CEO Martin Eberhard.
The 240-horsepower, battery-powered sports car goes from 0 to 60 in about four seconds, has a top speed of around 130mph, and costs a penny per mile to drive, according to Tesla executives.
The Tesla Roadster has only two gears. First gear goes up to about 65 miles an hour, and second gear takes off after that. There is no reverse gear; to back up, the engine is just run backwards meaning that, in theory, the car could reach its top speed--130 miles an hour--in reverse. When designing the drivetrain, Tesla commissioned a company that specializes in transmissions for Formula One cars.
side view
While it performs like a Ferrari, the Tesla Roadster comes without the high level of emissions and noise of most performance cars. Tesla founder Musk claims that the Tesla Roadster will produce half the carbon dioxide per mile of a hybrid car. Tesla is also working with solar panel companies to install panels at the homes of Tesla Roadster owners to help them power the car.
Another side
At $90,000, the two-seat car is too expensive for most consumers. Musk, however, said the company hopes to come out with a four-seat, four-door sub-$50,000 model in about three years. After that, an even cheaper car will emerge.
Jump in
The Tesla Roadster is essentially a battery on wheels. Much of the company's design work revolved around developing a lithium-ion battery pack to power the car. The battery cells come from a third-party provider, but Tesla has wrapped it into a battery pack that can deliver energy rapidly for the car's acceleration.
A battery on wheels
To avoid patent disputes, the company has licensed technology from AC Propulsion, which did much of the engineering work behind GM's EV1. Unlike GM's EV1, the Tesla Roadster doesn't require a unique external charger. It can be charged from conventional electronic outlets by using a special cord.
finding its way around the patents
The Roadster can be charged via an ordinary electric socket, although it could take from five hours to a day, said an engineer at the company. To address that problem, the company will install chargers at the homes of owners, which will cut the charging time down to about three hours. Tesla is also working with hotels and gas stations in California to set up high-energy fueling stations.
fill her up!
With compliments to CNET who provided this information and the photos.
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Comment by Market Newbie
Gizmo Peek
Stock Market Punk
Comment by Market Newbie
Gizmo Peek
Stock Market Punk
Comment by Fobzy
Fobz
But the Tesla is the green sensation, the envy of most, the decision of many ( when they have the dough) but cheaper options ( hate to use that word, Newbie, with respect to your market interests) are just around the corner, tall tale but true?
I just give you the pictures and the information, who am I to argue with the experts.
Just a simple farmer with a substantial future inheritance.
But I'm surprised Louie did not rush this one, its even red, which we both love, the fickle little ladies, as we know, perhaps she'll come and scold me about my next post, quite exciting that SM, just the idea of it, of course.