Zero to sixty in 3.9 seconds, 1/4 mile in 12.5 seconds, and 100 eMPG.....

[kaisen]

World Exclusive! 2012 Tesla Model S Test and Range Verification - Motor Trend


"When we crunched the numbers (with no weather correction because the car doesn't ingest air), the car's 0-60-mph time was 3.9 seconds, and it ssshhhhhh-ed past the quarter-mile mark in 12.5 seconds at 110.9 mph. We're on the bleeding edge here, kids. Sedans of this performance caliber are as rare as netting Higgs bosons in the Large Hadron Collider -- and in this case, all of them but the Tesla speak with German accents."

"And were we to have measured those 0-60 mph times from the first twitch of accelerator movement instead of after the standard 1-foot roll-out, the Model S would be already off and away while the gas cars were still reacting to their suddenly opened throttles. It's a startlingly instant shove into the seatback. Measured by our classical methods, the Model S P85 is now the fastest American sedan, and close to the fastest anywhere. And in the real-jousting that sometimes erupts on highways (you know what I'm talking about), it's probably the quickest."

"Building up speed around the infinity-symbol course, the car's minimal roll isn't surprising, what with its low-slung battery. But its 0.92 g of grip is great for a 4766-pound sedan...."

"60-0 in 105 feet"

"During our [238-mile on a charge] drive, we used 78.2 kW-hrs of electricity (93 percent of the battery's rated capacity). What does that mean? It's the energy equivalent of 2.32 gasoline gallons, or 100.7 mpg-e before charging losses. That BMW 528i following us (powered by a very fuel-efficient, turbocharged, direct-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine) consumed 7.9 gallons of gas for a rate of 30.1 mpg. The Tesla's electrical energy cost for the trip was $10.17 (at California's average electrical rate); the BMW's drive cost $34.55. The 528i emitted 152 lbs of CO2; the Model S, 52 -- from the state's power plants."

[tevake]

Very interesting details, Eric. I'm sure the rebuttle is coming soon.
I do find it courios that the focus in developing these electric cars is now on the luxury ( heavy) segment of the market. Still impressive figures.
A friend here is driving a Chevy Volt and charging it from solar panels on his roof.
He also has a Toyota Supra that is a pretty fast car, but says that the Volt is a blast to drive as its instant performance is fun and can be accessed while street driving.
His mileage to date is over 250 mpg plus very little for charging batts.

Cheers Richard

[widebody911]

Yeah, but how many cupholders does it have?

[Aurel]

That is great, and I would consider one if they cost $20k. But at $57k (and around $100k for the higher autonomy one), I will stick with my gas guzzler...

[look 171]

I had a chance to drive the little two seater with a bunch of Pelicans here. That little thing is fast. Get it rolling at about 35 and floor the pedal. I have never felt power or acceleration like that before. No waiting for the engine to rev up, just an instant shove to the back of the seat, No RPM, or gear to deal. Damn thing is like a little rocket ship. I buy one if I had tons of money to burn. Fun car for sure.

[john70t]

Impressive.
One thing it's missing is an "on/off" switch....referring back to the runaway Toyotas.

[Noah930]

I'd love to have a Model S. Finally, a real electric car with some range. I think it looks great and has performance, to boot. But it's also about twice as expensive as I can afford on a new car.

[sc_rufctr]

It is expensive but you get a lot for your money.
Great stuff. This being the first generation... Imagine 5 years from now.

Just one concern. Will this car be just as expensive (or more) as an economical gas car in the long run?

[GH85Carrera]

I drove a Tesla at the autocross track here just a few years ago. The acceleration is a blast. That is a car one wears, not gets in. It is a tiny car. The thing costs more than a new 911 turbo and if I want to drive to Houston I am out of luck.

[onewhippedpuppy]

100% torque available instantly is compelling for any enthusiast. But until they resolve the range anxiety (big focus in that article) the electric car will only be good as a second car for short trips. Even with public charging stations as available in CA, it still is not a practical alternative to gas. 150 miles worth of charge in 30 minutes? I can get 300+ miles worth of range in my gas guzzling RX8 in 5 minutes of fueling, and until electric can offer similar convenience it will remain a novelty.

Not to take anything away from Tesla, they've created a car that can hang with the best performance sedans on the planet while also offering exceptional efficiency. Pretty impressive accomplishment.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

I drove a Tesla at the autocross track here just a few years ago. The acceleration is a blast. That is a car one wears, not gets in. It is a tiny car. The thing costs more than a new 911 turbo and if I want to drive to Houston I am out of luck.

You're thinking of the little Tesla roadster based on the Lotus Elise

They don't make those anymore

The Tesla S in the article is a 4,750 pound large luxury sedan with 7 passenger seating. Roughly the size of a Panamera. Read the article.

Here's the actual car they tested:

[9dreizig]

Funny that I'm reading this as I'm heading to Tesla to do some work on the factory floor this afternoon. They are really being pushed to up production to 500 units per month.. I can tell you that the quality is excellent and the cars look great.. Just wouldn't work for me, I need 300 mile range minimum with 4wd to get over the pass..
Still a cool car

[jyl]

Does anyone know what technology the EV batteries have, that permits full charge-discharge cycles and rapid charge, while still having (presumably) a long service life? Put another way, how many charge cycles does the Model S have, and how did they achieve that?

[9dreizig]

they use Lithium Ion cells in parallel .. They build them from LOT"S of small cells and solder them together at the Fremont plant .. (they keep that area all closed off however )

[kaisen]

[aigel]

There should be plenty going into service in LA for shuttling kids to school and dad commuting to work. The price is very much in line with what these upper middle class families spend anyway on the "commuter". They all have an SUV or Minivan for long distance family trips.

I also was able to get a ride in the Tesla roadster when we Pelicans were invited in Santa Monica and while it was fast, much of the short 0-60 times on these cars can be attributed to the constant acceleration. The peak acceleration wasn't that impressive, i.e. compared to old fashioned turbocharged sportscars that come on boost between shifts and get much higher maximum acceleration. That just has more of a 'giggle factor' to me. With modern 7 speed or CVT it may be a wash soon anyway though.

G

[Flieger]

I doubt they have constant acceleration. I think what you mean is that the power is not interrupted with a shift.

[72doug2,2S]

Everything I own that takes batteries is useless when the battery goes. Batteries suck, why should car batteries be any different? How much will it cost to replace the batteries? And when will I have to replace them?

[Flieger]

Well my mom's 2001 Prius is still on the original battery.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by 72doug2,2S

Everything I own that takes batteries is useless when the battery goes. Batteries suck, why should car batteries be any different? How much will it cost to replace the batteries? And when will I have to replace them?

Everything I own with an engine is useless when the engine goes. How much will it cost to replace the engine? And when will I have to replace it?