Tesla announced that its production electric roadster has set a new record by achieving a combined city-highway range of 245 miles (about 400 kilometers). The tests were supervised by the EPA. This is amazing news for the tiny two-seater that can sprint from 0 to 60 mi/h in less than four seconds.
Some 6,800 micro lithium-ion batteries provide the necessary power to drive the Tesla over these incredible distances. The first generations of lead-acid batteries only allowed a range of 40-60 miles (64-96 km). Nickel-metal batteries then increased that range to 100 miles (160 km). GM's late EV-1 actually travelled 140 miles on a single charge.
Despite manufacturing delays, Tesla will be able to produce the first 50 units during the first quarter of 2008, thanks to a partnership with Lotus in the UK. An additional 600 cars are expected to be available throughout the rest of the year.
This will be followed somewhere in 2009 by the introduction of an electric sedan called WhiteStar. It will be built in New-Mexico. In the not-so-distant future, the manufacturer plans on launching a smaller sedan. However, no date has been announced.
photo:Tesla
Some 6,800 micro lithium-ion batteries provide the necessary power to drive the Tesla over these incredible distances. The first generations of lead-acid batteries only allowed a range of 40-60 miles (64-96 km). Nickel-metal batteries then increased that range to 100 miles (160 km). GM's late EV-1 actually travelled 140 miles on a single charge.
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Despite manufacturing delays, Tesla will be able to produce the first 50 units during the first quarter of 2008, thanks to a partnership with Lotus in the UK. An additional 600 cars are expected to be available throughout the rest of the year.
This will be followed somewhere in 2009 by the introduction of an electric sedan called WhiteStar. It will be built in New-Mexico. In the not-so-distant future, the manufacturer plans on launching a smaller sedan. However, no date has been announced.
photo:Tesla