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Tesla

electric cars

RUF Building All-Electric Porsche Cayman

According to ze Germans at Auto Motor und Sport, long-time Porsche tuner RUF is planning an all-electric version of the Cayman. Perhaps seeking to do battle with the Tesla Roadster, RUF's car will be allegedly have 204 HP and 480 lb-ft or torque on tap from its electric motor. The juice will be stored in lithium-ion battery packs that can be replenished at any home outlet, providing up to a 186-mile range. Expect the electric Cayman to look much like RUF's 3400K, but with "ELECTRIC" written all over it, so that people know you're saving the whales or whatever. Of course the burning question is, how fast will it be? More »

tesla model s

2011 Tesla Model S Electric Sedan To Be Produced In Silicon Valley

Priced around $60,000, capable of 240 miles on a single charge and producing no emissions, the Tesla Model S sedan will begin rolling off its new assembly line in California in late 2010. That’s only shortly after Chevy Volt’s scheduled mid 2010 production start date. Unlike the plug in Volt, the Model S will be fully electric. Tesla’s new factory will be located in San Jose and employ approximately 1,000 workers. Construction is expected to begin next summer. The Tesla Roadster will continue to be produced in England by Lotus, making the Model S Tesla’s first American-made vehicle. Full details follow the jump. More »

tesla roadster

Tesla Finalizes Single-Speed Transmission, Ups Output, Range

The thorn in Tesla's side, the troubled single-speed transmission for its all-electric Tesla Roadster, has finally been approved for production, and with it comes an announcement of more power and better range. After durability problems with the original single-speed transmission, Telsa was forced to used a two-speed cog swapper for production. But now, after re-sourcing the business to transmission mega-star Borg Warner, the redesigned single-speed is ready to go and offers big benefits. Because of the additional capability in the transmission, the peak torque has been raised from 211 lb-ft to 280 lb-ft; a heady number considering peak torque arrives at zero rpm with an electric motor. Despite the higher output, the EPA estimates show a 10% increase in range. That's a pretty neat trick. Complete details below. More »

tesla roadster

A Peek Under The Tesla Roadster’s Hood

Ever been curious what takes place under the Tesla Roadster’s hood in the absence of internal combustion? Well, here’s an explanation of what the parts are and and what they do, conveniently numbered so you can follow along at home. Make the jump to see why "Tesla mechanic" would be a totally cush job.

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Tesla SUV

Report: Tesla To Build SUV Off "Model S" Platform

We've told you about the planned Tesla Model S , an aluminum-intensive four-door electric sedan. Now Autocar reports the Model S isn't just a single vehicle, but actually a platform expected to yield a variety of different cars and even an SUV. Aside from the use of aluminum instead of the Tesla Roadster's carbon fiber, a new, flatter battery pack mounted at the base of the chassis is said to provide the flexibility needed for a comprehensive vehicle family. Now the question becomes, "when are we going to see these new vehicles?" More »

tesla

Tesla Hires CFO From Ford, Designer From Mazda, Lofty Ambition From Tucker

Out to prove that they're the "next great American automobile company," Tesla Motors has hired an ex-Ford executive as their new Chief Financial Officer. Deepak Ahuja was at FoMoCo for 15 years, having last worked on a strategic effort to bring more efficient Euro models over to the US market. Dipping deeper into the Ford well, Telsa has also hired the head of Mazda's design studios in Irvine, CA, Franz von Holzhausen, as their new lead designer. More »

tesla

World's First Tesla Roadster Crash... That's Been Caught On Camera!

Well, we knew an accident involving a Tesla Roadster was bound to happen sometime, and now the first crash has taken place in San Francisco on Friday at the corner of Geary and Gough streets at about 6 p.m. PDT. While we'd heard something about a scuff with one of the first "production" units earlier this past month — something about Tesla founding father Martin Eberhard's little two-seater rear-ending the back end of a truck — this certainly does not appear to be the same incident. More »

ssc ultimate aero ev

Shelby SuperCars Wants Ultimate Aero EV To Be World's Fastest Electric Supercar

After making the fastest production car in the world, the SSC Ultimate Aero TT, Shelby SuperCars is now planning to make the world's fastest electric car. The Ultimate Aero EV will be based on the company's current Aero, but with the 1183 HP V8 replaced by an electric powertrain. The electric driveline would consist of either a 500 HP electric motor, or a 1000 HP setup using a pair of motors, possibly driving all four wheels. So where are they gonna get the juice for that sort of power? More »

question of the day

What Car Would You Like To See Get Electrified?

GM thinks that buyers are going to want a small, economical electric/hybrid car, a la the Chevy Volt — and much like the EV1, actually. Tesla thinks we'd like what is basically a responsibly green Lotus, though they also acknowledge our desire for more room with the Whitestar. Nissan thinks we want an Electric Cube, and, you know, we sort of do. We certainly sing the praises of the Se7en Electric; that's a no-brainer. But what car, or what type of car, would we like to see electrified? Cheapo small cars aren't a bad start, given the lower weight and lower cost, but is that going to move the market? What do you want? What should they build?

alternative energy

Tesla Makes The Wealthy Feel More Responsible

We knew the Tesla was a popular car among the famous, like Matt Damon, but it seems the 225-mile range $109,000 ride is becoming the feel-good car among the rich too. Greenwich, Conn., a city known for old money, is apparently the new hotspot for Tesla wannabes. Tesla recently brought a vehicle to a Greenwich hotel to allow potential owners the opportunity to take a quick test drive, yielding predictable results. More »