Faster than a Ferrari and 135mpg? Green gets sexy...

03/01/07 14:07

Efficiency gets sexy....

Meet Tesla Motors and their Ferrari-beating electric powered Roadster that gets the equivalent of 135 mpg based on average electric power generation efficiency. Tesla Motors first production run sold out in months so you will need to get in the queue now for a 2008 delivery...

The Roadster goes from zero to sixty in 4 seconds, has 250 mile range and charges overnight from your wall at a cost of about 1 cent (not a typo!) per mile.

We think Tesla is significant for two reasons. Frst, it breaks myths about performance in electric cars - the Roadster is definitely a No Compromise winner whether from the speed, handling or range perspective. Tesla is pioneering safe next-generation high-power density Lithium Ion (LiIon) batteries along with the requisite control and charging technology.

Second, but more important, Tesla is producing an $100,000 profitable high-tech. sports car at low volumes today and has terrific demand for its unique product. But as the electronic and battery components get cheaper over time (the experience curve effect) and volumes rise (the scale curve effect), Tesla has the potential to be a long-term technology vendor in the electric vehicle market.

Tesla is already planning its forthcoming WhiteStar sedan production priced at about half the original Roadster's $100,000 tag. Can a $25,000 version be more than a decade away?

(Can we borrow one for the weekend, Elon? We promise not to go over 100 mph...)

ReferencesAutomobile, Transportation