Tesla Model S goes into beta production

Earlier in the year we reported about Tesla and their Roadster and Model S all-electric vehicles, with the latter still being a prototype and with its production being slated for mid-2012. Well if the $100,000 Roadster being retired, it looks like the Model S will be Tesla’s next all-electric vehicle that they hope will be able to capture the attention of the market.

Beta production of the car recently started and from what we gather, it is a pretty big car and should be able to comfortably seat four adults and come with a cheaper price tag of $57,000 (base price).

The Model S is said to feature an ultra-light lithium ion battery pack, the capability to recharge in just 45 minutes, a liquid-cooled motor that not only increases power but also results in higher speeds for a longer period of time when compared to an air cooled motor (like the one used by the Roadster), and a shell which is covered in high-strength boron steel and energy-absorbing foam.

The kicker is that like the Roadster, the Model S will come with a pretty impressive range for an electric vehicle. While the Roadster sported a 200 mile range, the Model S looks to top that with a 300 mile range, both of which are considerably longer than your typical electric vehicle.

Given its very impressive range and 45 minute charge time, for those who can afford to drop $57,000 on a vehicle, perhaps the Model S might be a car worth considering in the future.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Green, Transportation
Tags: electric vehicles, Tesla