Tag Archives: Tesla

The Ups and Downs of Electric Vehicle Prices

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News recently that Tesla will soon be increasing the price for their Motor Trend Car of the Year, the Model S.  No information on how much more the Model S will cost, but if you are in the market for one you may wish to lay down your cash soon before it goes up. It appears current reservation holders won’t be affected by the increase.  The price increase will also impact the options package with some features currently considered standard equipment becoming an added cost option in the future.

Tesla Model S is getting a yet to be announced price increase.

On a related note, the Nissan Leaf will be getting a price reduction along with a increase in range.  The price and range adjustments will initially be for the Japanese version of the all electric vehicle, however, the changes are expected to follow for the US version in 2013.  The new model will be able to travel up to 15% further.  The current range of the Leaf is approximately 160 kms (100 miles), but can vary depending weather conditions and use of climate control.

The Japanese version of the Nissan Leaf is getting a price decrease and range increase. Changes to the US model are expected to follow.

Tesla Model S vs. BMW M5

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While electric vehicles are getting a lot of mixed attention recently, especially around their range, price and business model, one thing that doesn’t seem to get a lot of focus is their performance, especially speed.   Yes, in the Model S you can only go about 300 miles before you need to recharge, but how does it do off the line?

Take a look at the following video of a Tesla Model S ( $97K for Signature Performance Edition) racing against a BMW M5 (starts at $91K).  You’ll notice off the line the M5 wavers a little bit, while the Model S really grips the road.

At the end of the day the instant torque provided by the electric motor seems to give Tesla the edge in this match up.

If you want to learn more about the mechanics behind the Model S check out this video from Car and Driver:

While this video gives a good overview of the M5:

Electric Vehicle (EV) Day Sunday August 12th – Toronto, Ontario

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For those readers in the Toronto area who have been wanting to test drive an electric vehicle here is your chance.  On Sunday August 12th, Yonge and Dundas Square will be home to EV Day.  Starting at 10 am you’ll be able to test drive some of the newest electric vehicles and learning about re-charging infrastructure.  Invited exhibitors include:

Azure Dynamics
Audi – A3 e-tron
GM – Chevy Volt
Fisker – Karma
Ford – Focus EV
Nissan – Leaf
smart – ED
Tesla – Roadster and Model S
VIA Motors

More details can be found here at Plug ‘N Drive Ontario.

 

Tesla Model S – Sherway Gardens Toronto

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For those readers in the Greater Toronto Area here’s your chance to see a Tesla Model S up close and personal.

The Model S is a full-sized battery electric sedan developed by Tesla Motors. The base model will have a range of 160 miles (260 km) when fully charged, and a 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) acceleration of 6.5 seconds (4.4 seconds with an upgraded battery ) all with zero tailpipe emissions. Pricing of the Model S starts at $50,000 USD (which includes the $7,500 US Federal Tax Credit).

A beta version of the Model S is currently parked at Sherway Gardens mall in Etobicoke from today until Sunday. The beta version is a 90% production intent prototype of the Model S. Tesla Model SThe viewing hours as as follows:

Wednesday – Friday: 10AM – 9PM
Saturday: 9:30AM – 6PM
Sunday: 11AM – 6PM

In related news Tesla announced today that the first customer deliveries of the Model S to pre-registered buyers will begin on June 22nd, 2012.

Model S