SocraticGadfly: Tesla unveils electric sports car

May 03, 2008

Tesla unveils electric sports car

It’s been rumored and expected for some time, and now it’s here.
Specs, both environmental and performance?
• 0-60 in just under four seconds;
• 225 miles on one charge;
• 3.5 hours recharge time;
• Starts at $109K.

Flip side? Lithium-ion batteries, above all. Yes, they allow longer cruise times than more “conventional” car batteries, which typically require a visit to an electric outlet at 100 miles or so.

But, as anybody who has actually had a laptop computer on their lap for too long notes, lithium-ion batteries get HOT. Yes, Tesla has tested this car thoroughly, but, nonetheless, in a place like Phoenix, just how well will these batteries hold up? And, what’s the fire danger in a collision?

Tesla plans an electric family sedan, at a lower price, down the road. I’m interested, but wouldn’t buy without more assurance on real-world battery performance.

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