New Tesla model under $50k

[theholycow]

http://www.sciam.com/blog/60-second-...row-2009-03-25

The Tesla vehicles rely on a hefty complement of lithium-ion batteries to deliver speed (a blazing 0-60 in 3.9 seconds for the Roadster, the company claims) and stamina, with the Roadster able to rack up almost 250 miles on a single, $4 charge.

[R.I.D.E.]

Love the way they focus on the lack of any required maintenance while ignoring the cost of replacement batteries.

regards
gary

[GasSavers_maximilian]

Love to see an Edmunds 5 year TCO estimate.

[dkjones96]

While I think the Roadster looks great on the outside, I was able to sit in one and didn't care for the interior much. If it had an interior like the Mazda RX8 or something it'd be an amazing car, but, until then, the roadster still only remains a 'cool car' to me.

I'm sure if you spent 105k on a car the cost of replacement batteries isn't going to be a killer for your wallet. Especially considering that Lithium Ion technology has come a very long way. My cell phone has had about 800 recharges and is still going strong.

[GasSavers_maximilian]

The way battery technology's been progressing recently you might want to swap them for more advanced ones by the time they'd worn out. I bet that's what Tesla would argue, anyway...

[trollbait]

There are still EV RAV4s with their original Nimh batteries rolling around.

[GasSavers_maximilian]

Sorry, no tone or inflection in text. I was being a little sarcastic.

[futurecar]

I wonder how many dealerships Tesla will have set up to fix their cars or how they intend to train mechanics all over the U. S.? I would not like having to drive 100 miles or more to get my car fixed.

[JanGeo]

FIrst they really don't need much fixing at all . . . like my xB I have not done ANY service other than one oil change and filter change and added gas, washer fluid, coolent, some add oil and a set of iridium plugs for better performance in nearly 30k miles. The Teslar needs a charge and tire rotation . . . and that's about it! If you get to watch Who Killed the Electric Car they talk about the service on the EV1 - the mechanics didn't even get their hands dirty when they finally did service the cars! The dealerships are far between but the owners sign an agreement to allow any other Teslar owners to use their charging station free of charge so you have a free network of charging stations between "home" and the Dealer.

[GasSavers_JoeBob]

The only Tesla dealership I've seen so far is in Beverly Hills. Then again, that is probably convenient for their target market. I don't expect too many people in, say, Lancaster, CA would be either interested in or able to afford a Tesla.