Unlike other electric car companies, which are struggling to meet their production goals on time, Tesla recently found itself a full month ahead of schedule. As a result, the four-door Tesla Model S will roll off the line and into the garage of the company’s first retail customer today.
The ceremony, which Tesla will webcast live from its Fremont, California, assembly plant, will mark the beginning of a new phase for the venture-funded startup carmaker from Silicon Valley. Until then, you can take a video tour of the Tesla factory. You can also read a first-hand review of the car’s state-of-the-art interior technology here from board member Steve Jurvetson, who received his Model S early.
As Revmodo’s Dave Quilty recently reported, “The Model S is a full-electric vehicle, meaning it has no combustion engine and does not burn any gasoline. It has four doors, seats five adults, and will be offered with three battery options – 40 kWh, 60 kWh, 85 kWh – which deliver ranges of between 160 miles and 300 miles between charges and differences in acceleration and top speed. The 60 kWh battery, for example, will go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and will achieve a top speed of 120 mph. It recharges at a rate of 62 miles range per hour and can be plugged in anywhere there is a 240-volt outlet, standard 120-volt wall outlet, or a public charging station.”
What sets it apart from other all-electric vehicles on the market, like the Nissan Leaf or Ford Focus Electric, is its sleek design. There’s nothing clunky or boxy to be found on the Tesla. Even though it’s got four doors, it looks more like a luxury car than a family commuter. Despite the Model S’ sports car look, it has been fully crash-tested and received a five star safety rating.
Now that the company has officially turned the corner from concept designer to full-fledged auto manufacturer, it’s time to see if it can deliver enough vehicles to satisfy a national market. As John Voelcker writes for GreenCarReports, Tesla now faces a backlog of what it says are more than 10,000 buyers who’ve put down deposits. There are also questions about whether demand for the car, which will retail for a minimum of $49,900, will generate enough revenue to cover not only its costs but future model development.
Anxious to get behind the wheel of the new Tesla Model S? You’re in luck. The company is conducting a nationwide test-drive tour, allowing 5,000 lucky reservation holders to give it a whirl! Reserve your spot here.
Main photo credit: Tesla Motors
Secondary photo credit: Steve Jurveston/Flickr