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Tesla: A guide from the original Roadster to today

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Tesla is a transportation and energy company. It sells vehicles under its 'Tesla Motors' division and stationary battery pack for home, commercial and utility-scale projects under its 'Tesla Energy' division.

Tesla

The history of Tesla

Sure, you now know Tesla as a Cerberus of energy innovation, software, and booming stock, but it wasn’t always the clean energy juggernaut we know today. In fact, Tesla as a company has overcome quite a few obstacles to get where it stands today as the most valuable automaker by market cap.

Tesla Inc. was founded in 2003 as Tesla Motors by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning. If you’ve been living on a deserted island or under a large rock the past 18 years, you may be surprised to hear that the company’s name is a tribute to inventor Nikola Tesla.

Regardless, Ian Wright joined Tesla shortly thereafter, and the three original employees were off to the races in search of funding.

That’s where Elon Musk comes in. In early 2004, Tesla Motors managed to raise $7.5 million in series A funding, including investor Musk, who contributed all but $1 million of that total.

As a result, Musk joined the company as chairman of the board. J. B. Straubel, now of QuantumScape fame, joined Tesla in May 2004 as employee #5. As a result of the first of many controversies surrounding the company, a 2009 lawsuit settlement allows all five of the original employees to call themselves co-founders.

Elon Musk

After an early investment and a role at the company, Musk began spearheading public statements for Tesla while helping facilitate more funding.

This included several additional rounds, each garnering tens of millions of dollars. Musk openly discussed the company strategy of creating a sleek and stylish sports car to attract early adopters (and their wallets) before expanding production to more practical and affordable EVs with the cash flow to scale. This led to the introduction of Tesla’s flagship EV, the Roadster, which debuted as a prototype in the summer of 2006.

In 2007, cofounder Martin Eberhard was asked to step down as CEO by the board of directors, and by early 2008, neither Eberhard nor Tarpenning was still at Tesla. That is when Musk took over as CEO, a position he still holds today… along with “Technoking of Tesla.”

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The Roadster

The Tesla Roadster hit production in 2008 as the original electric vehicle to debut for the American automaker. It helped show that EVs could be carbon conscious and cool, helping pave the way for Tesla to develop and sell more practical and efficient vehicles.

Although it was a niche vehicle from a relatively unknown automaker at the time, The Roadster emerged as the first highway legal serial production BEV to use lithium-ion batteries. It was also the first fully-electric production vehicle to travel over 200 miles on a single charge.

Tesla ended up selling close to 2,500 first-generation Roadsters over the course of the four years it was in production. Small potatoes by today’s Tesla standards, but this Roadster remains the EV that put Tesla on the map and kicked in the door of an industry still very much focused on internal combustion engines. It remains a collector’s item for many as the original Tesla.

Used Roadsters remain coveted EVs and are still available on the used car market.

Model S, energy storage, and Model X

Tesla started to gain steam in 2010 when it purchased what would become its Fremont Factory to begin production on two new EVs. Later that year, Tesla launched an IPO on the NASDAQ as the first American automaker to do so in over 50 years.

After discontinuing The Roadster in early 2012, Tesla began production on its Model S sedan the following summer.

2015 proved to be another tremendous year for the automaker, as Tesla ventured into energy storage solutions with the introduction of its Powerwall for the home and Powerpack battery packs. Shortly thereafter, Tesla introduced its third EV: an SUV called the Model X.

Solar and Model 3

In 2016, Tesla acquired SolarCity, thus entering the solar energy game as well. It was at this point that the company dropped the “Motors” from its name, which includes solar and energy solutions in addition to electric vehicles.

Profits from previous EV models and new energy ventures allowed Tesla to scale and produce its Model 3 sedan, a mass-market EV that remains the most affordable option in the company fleet. Production issues plagued the entire production process on the Model 3, but Tesla was eventually able to deliver at a reasonable price, making it one of the best-selling EVs of all time in its short tenure.

Model Y and beyond

It would be three whole years before Tesla would deliver a new EV after the Model 3, but in March of 2020, The Model Y crossover emerged. Tesla continues to sell many of the two newly introduced EVs compared to the original S and X models, although both have seen a significant refresh this year.

For now, Tesla continues to expand its global production presence with two new Gigafactories on the way, along with three additional vehicles. This includes Cybertruck, the Tesla Semi, and a 2nd generation Roadster.

We will get deeper into those models a little later. For now, we will focus on Tesla’s current EV offerings.

Current Tesla EVs

As the company currently stands, Tesla has four electric vehicles in its fleet, varying in a number of ways — particularly in availability. In terms of sedans, Tesla has its veteran Model S and more consumer-friendly Model 3. The Model X sits as Tesla’s largest EV on the current market, while the Model Y is the company’s most recent offering as more of a smaller, crossover SUV.

Below is a breakdown of each vehicle in greater detail.

Model S

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The Model S sedan is Tesla’s longest-running EV in production to date. It made its official debut in 2012 after years as a prototype for the automaker. Since then, the sporty EV has reigned as the best-selling plug-in electric in both 2015 and 2016.

Sales of the veteran Tesla have slowed since the launch of the automaker’s more cost-friendly Model 3 and Model Y EVs, but the Model S still sits as a premier sedan that offers a variety of luxury and performance for those who can afford it. You can check out 2021 Model S pricing here.

The current Long Range trim can travel 405 miles on a single charge, hit a top speed of 155 mph, and tear from 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds. Tesla recently revealed in its Model S refresh that the vehicle will now come in either a Plaid or Plaid+ trim with varied range.

Model S Plaid/Plaid+

Tesla originally claimed the Plaid+ will be able to travel an EPA estimated 520+ miles on a single charge compared to 390 miles on the regular old Plaid. Either tri-motor option can also reach a top speed of 200 mph, blowing a hole through the top speed previously held by its “ludicrous mode.” At 0-60 mph in under 2 seconds, this upcoming Tesla EV has already claimed the throne of quickest of any production car ever.

Originally the Plaid was scheduled to begin deliveries this spring with the Plaid+ to follow in late 2021. Those plans have since changed, however. In June, Elon Musk revealed that Tesla would be scrapping the Plaid+ Model S altogether, because no one needs more than 400 miles of range and the new Plaid, “is just so good.”

The Model S is Plaid is now available and has been delivering to customers. However, those who order now likely won’t see their delivery until 2022.

For those who were holding rezzies for the Plaid+, you may want to put that money toward a 2nd generation Roadster.

Here’s a quick catchup:

Tesla’s Model X

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Tesla’s Model X, its largest EV currently available, holds seniority as the automaker’s second-longest-running model on its assembly lines behind the Model S. While the Model X was originally unveiled in 2012, its first deliveries were not until the fall of 2015 due to production delays, particularly on its distinct Falcon Wing doors.

Shortly thereafter, the Model X quickly ranked as one of the top-selling plug-in EVs worldwide, although sales have since staggered a bit following the release of the less expensive Model 3 and Model Y. The Model X hadn’t seen any substantial overhauls since its initial rollout. That was until early this year when Tesla finally confirmed a refresh was, in fact, coming.

With the new refresh, the Model X will be soon available in either dual-motor AWD or a tri-motor Plaid option. The dual-motor Model X Long Range can travel 360 miles on a single charge (a slight downgrade of 11 miles from the previous Long Range Plus). That being said, it can still hit a top speed of 155 mph, and its 0-60 mph acceleration of 3.8 seconds is an improvement of .6 seconds compared to its previous version.

Model X Plaid

Additionally, Tesla has dropped the Performance trim Model X in favor of a tri-motor Plaid option. This version can travel an EPA estimated 340 miles, reach a top speed of 163 mph, and go 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds.

Truthfully, this feels more like a rebranding than anything, as the Plaid powertrain offers nearly the same specs as the previous Performance trim. Plaid loses one mile of estimated range in exchange for .1 seconds saved on its 0-60. The top speed of 163 mph remains the same.

Those interested in the refreshed Model X will have to continue to wait, however, as the delivery times have been continually pushed throughout 2021. In fact, these models were originally scheduled to arrive in April of 2021, but both trims were pushed to deliver in January or February of 2022.

While some new versions of the Model X were recently spotted, delivery times are listed as May or June of 2022. Might want to check out versions of the Model X that are currently available for delivery.

Model 3

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From the early years after Tesla’s inception, CEO Elon Musk was candid about the automaker’s goal of providing quality EVs most consumers could afford to drive. With 2016’s announcement of its Model 3 sedan, Tesla came one step closer to its goal of an EV at $35,000.

After an encouraging number of early reservations were made for Tesla’s most affordable model to date, the Model 3 debuted in 2017. Since then, it has cruised comfortably in the fast lane of sales. The EV currently sits as the world’s best-selling all-electric vehicle and has accounted for a majority of the total Teslas sold in recent years.

Tesla (briefly) sold a $35,000 version of the Model 3 to hit a price point originally promised by Elon Musk in years leading up to the first delivery. Last November, however, Tesla quietly removed this option during a refresh for its 2021 model. For perspective, the current version sits at a purchase price of $41,990 for the Standard Range Plus trim with zero added features.

Tesla’s Model 3 currently sells three separate drivetrains to choose from, each offering various ranges and speeds based on a customer’s preferences (and budget). The most affordable trim, the Standard Range Plus, travels an EPA estimated 263 miles, has a top speed of 140 mph, and can travel 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds.

Moving up the ladder to the Long Range trim, this version can travel 353 miles per charge and has a top speed of 145 mph. Furthermore, its 0-60 time is 4.2 seconds flat. The Performance Model 3, on the other hand, sheds 38 miles of range compared to the Long Range (315 miles) in favor of speed. This trim tops out at 162 mph and can dart 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds.

Tesla’s Model Y

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Tesla unveiled its Model Y in 2019 as a smaller, crossover version of its larger and more established Model X mid-size SUV. After beginning deliveries to customers in March of 2020, the Model Y remains the newborn in the Tesla family but has still managed to make a significant splash in sales during its short tenure on the EV market.

Last fall, Tesla CEO Elon Musk nixed a Standard Range Model Y option but still promised a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Long Range Model Y to follow. It then appeared that Tesla had gone back to Standard Range RWD Model Y, as it recently made this option available on its website. Almost as quickly as it was implemented, the Standard Range Model Y suddenly disappeared from Tesla’s website configurator.

Electrek later reported that the RWD Model Y will instead remain available as an “off menu” item because Musk was not satisfied with its 244-mile range. That being said, it did recently receive its official EPA rating as one of the most efficient EVs in the world.

Tesla’s newest EV now comes in two different dual-motor AWD trims: Long Range and Performance. The current Long Range trim boasts an EPA estimated range of 326 miles, can reach a top speed of 135 mph, and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Its Performance trim can travel 303 miles on a single charge, tops out at 155 mph, and can do 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. The EV also houses 68 cubic feet of cargo space.

Upcoming Tesla EVs

The following EVs have been long promised by Tesla (some more than others) but are all seemingly on the cusp of full production… at least we all hope.

Cybertruck

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The upcoming Cybertruck is Tesla’s modern (albeit futuristic) take on the pickup truck, one of the last vehicles on the road to see successful electrification. Cybertruck is also only the second major Tesla vehicle outside the mainline S, 3, X, Y lineup, second only to the aforementioned 1st generation Roadster.

Cybertruck was unveiled in November of 2019 via a glass-shattering Tesla reveal, showcasing unique design and performance. The exterior is comprised of an exoskeleton of 30x cold-rolled stainless-steel structural skin and Tesla armored glass for its windows.

Updates on the Cybertruck were somewhat slow-moving after the unveiling — a solar roof option will offer an additional 15 miles of range each day, and a matte black exterior has also been confirmed. Regardless, the hype is real; Tesla tallied over 250,000 pre-orders in the first week. By February 2020, they were at half a million.

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Powertrain variations

Cybertruck is currently slotted to arrive in three different powertrain options. A single motor RWD version will debut last in late 2022 and will offer an EPA estimated range of 250+ miles, travel 0-60 mph in under 6.5 seconds, and carry a towing capacity of 7,500+ lbs.

The dual-motor powertrain comes with AWD and a range of 300+ miles on top of 10,000+ lbs. towing capacity. This trim can travel 0-60 mph in under 4.5 seconds too.

Last and far from least is the top tier, tri-motor Cybertruck, boasting an EPA range of over 500 miles, 14,000+ towing capacity, and a 0-60 mph time under 2.9 seconds. Did we mention it has three motors?

The dual and tri-motor Cybertrucks were originally listed as delivering in late 2021 on Tesla’s website. However, Elon Musk recently shared what many had previously expected – the Cybertruck has now been delayed to 2022.

Although it has been delayed, Elon Musk as exclaimed that Cybertruck will be “a glitch in the matrix.”

Most recently, Tesla has removed the Cybertruck specs and pricing from its website entirely. Not good. That being said, a more recent product design has been spotted.

Check out our Cybertruck guide for all the latest details in one place.

Tesla Semi

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The Tesla Semi promises to be the first commercial offering from the automaker and a workhorse at that. First unveiled in November of 2017, the Semi features a unique, centrally positioned driver’s seat led by four rear powertrains.

Tesla’s website lists the Semi with either a 300- or 500-mile range, depending on the battery pack, but Musk has previously stated the truck will eventually have up to 621 miles of range. The trucks are also listed at a starting price of $150,000-$180,000 depending on battery size and promise owners gas savings over $200,000.

After its unveiling, the Semi was scheduled to arrive on roads in 2019 before being pushed to low-volume production in 2020. During a 2020 Q1 results call, Tesla again shifted its delivery window to 2021. Despite multiple delays, Tesla has seen interest from major companies like Budweiser, Walmart, and UPS. Furthermore, the company plans to deliver 15 Semis to PepsiCo later this year.

The Semi trucks are currently being produced at Tesla’s Nevada Gigafactory, which recently added a new production line with a goal of producing five trucks a week. Next, Tesla will move its Semi production to Austin when its Gigfactory Texas is complete later this year. For now, however, the focus will be on service technicians and infrastructure between Tesla’s Fremont Factory and Gigafactory Nevada.

Tesla Semi remains in the prototype stage, although those recently spotted appear to be updated versions of the original 2017 prototypes. At this point, Tesla is moving ever closer to finally reaching full-fledged production on its Semi trucks in 2021… but they’ve been wrong before.

Second-generation Roadster

To pay homage to its original trailblazing EV, Tesla is releasing a second-generation Roadster with groundbreaking specs, which may include the unconfirmed potential to hover.

According to Tesla’s CEO, the Roadster redux will reach a 620-mile range and zoom from 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds. Musk even teased that these are the “base specs,” hinting at even better performance. Tesla’s website is currently taking reservations for the new Roadster, as well as a variation called the Founders Series Roadster.

It remains unclear what the extra $50,000 for the Founders Series will get consumers, but Tesla is only taking reservations for 1,000 total. That would make it a collector’s item and could explain the price bump. The Founders Series Tesla Roadster costs $250,000, compared to a much more affordable $200,000 for the regular Gen. 2 Roadster.

When the revamped Roadster was first unveiled in 2017, Musk said it would deliver in 2020… then 2021. Then he admitted another Roadster delay to 2022, so Tesla could focus on the Cybertruck.

Most recently, Tesla admitted it is now targeting 2023 for the debut of the Gen. 2 Roadster, but that will only happen if the automaker doesn’t suffer long term effects of the global supply chain shortage, so that’s a big “if.”

Whenever it does deliver, IF it does deliver… it is sure to turn heads.

Tesla manufacturing facilities

While Tesla was founded and is headquartered in the US, it has since expanded its sales and production around the world. Currently, Tesla has three operational facilities in addition to its original Fremont Factory in California, with two more on the way.

Additionally, rumors are perpetually circulating about where Tesla might break ground next, including an additional factory in China or expansion to other parts of Asia like Japan, Korea, or possibly India. You can also check out our specific map of Tesla’s Gigafactories, both current and rumored.

  • Fremont Factory – California
  • Gigafactory 1 – Giga Nevada
  • Gigafactory 2 – Giga New York
  • Gigafactory 3 – Giga Shanghai
  • Gigafactory 4 – Giga Berlin (under construction)
  • Gigafactory 5 – Giga Texas (under construction)

Here’s the latest news on Tesla’s Gigafatories, in case you’ve missed it:

Other Tesla ventures

While Tesla began as an automotive company taking a software development approach to designing electric vehicles, it has since transcended that narrow scope into new technologies. As you’ll see below, Tesla’s focus on solar panels, energy storage, and its own network of charging stations has made it just as much of an energy company, if not more.

With advancements in autonomous driving technologies, Tesla is (maybe?) on the cusp of delivering Full Self-Driving (FSD) to customers. To that note, Musk recently said on a quarterly sales call that Tesla is becoming more of an AI and robotics company too.

Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities

FSD has been a carrot constantly dangled in front of Tesla fans since 2014, when the company first mentioned its Autopilot feature and potential capabilities. By the end of 2016, Tesla was confident it would be able to demonstrate full autonomy a year later. Unfortunately, that was not the case.

In fact, we still have seen hard evidence of full self-driving capabilities, although Tesla did roll out a beta version of the software to a select group in October of 2020.

This whole promise of FSD, along with multiple punts on deadlines, has led to controversy and debate amongst the EV community about whether Tesla’s approach to autonomous driving is even possible

Still, Tesla continues to roll out public beta versions of its Full Self-Driving tech, currently in version 10.7. Most recently the pricing was announced as an increase of $2k, now totaling $12,000 for the added capability.

Here’s some literature to get you up to speed:

Solar

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As previously mentioned, Tesla acquired SolarCity in 2016 and has been focused on becoming a one-stop-shop for all energy solutions since then. That being said, its solar rollout has been a bit haphazard.

When Tesla first unveiled its Solar Roof tiles, the product wasn’t actually complete yet, although the company had several design plans in its pipeline. Since then, Tesla has had issues bringing the solar panels to volume production and deployment, as it tried to test the longevity and make the installation quicker.

Last year, Tesla finally began to accelerate solar deployment, but the public has only seen one version of the tiles being installed on customer roofs so far, even though it was originally listed in four different styles. Many paying customers are still awaiting installation of their solar roofs, too.

Furthermore, the company has caught the ire of some customers as a result of price hikes and changes to policy, which now involves its Powerwall, too.

In 2021, the company has discontinued its solar subscription service that was originally announced over two years ago. This was previously the cheapest solar option for Tesla’s customers.

Most recently, Tesla is asking employees to fight back against a new tax proposal in California, one of its largest customer bases.

Here’s the latest:

Powerwall and Powerpack

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The Powerwall and Powerpack are rechargeable lithium-ion battery stationary energy storage products manufactured by Tesla Energy. The Powerwall is designed for home energy storage by storing electricity for solar self-consumption, time of use load shifting, and as a source of backup power. The larger Powerpack is specifically intended for commercial or electric utility grid use.

The company recently revealed a Powerwall 2 Plus went into production last November, leading to increases in capacity. So far, we have seen the first glimpses of the new Powerwall too. Here’s what we know so far.

Supercharger network

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The Tesla Supercharger exists as a combined network of proprietary charging stations developed and implemented by Tesla. As a result, the automaker doesn’t have to rely on third-party charging networks like most automakers producing electric vehicles currently do.

The Supercharger network was introduced in September 2012, beginning with six Supercharger stations. This debut coincided with the launch of Tesla’s Model S sedan, the first to utilize the new network.

Since then, the Supercharger network has grown to over 20,000 stalls worldwide within over 2,100 stations or hubs. This includes North America, Europe, Asia, and even the Arctic Circle. Tesla recently passed 1,000 Supercharger stations in North America alone.

The average station usually features about 10 Supercharger stalls, but some stations offer many more. For example, Tesla opened a 72-stall Supercharger station in Shanghai at the end of 2020, making it the world’s largest. Currently, Tesla is working through permitting for a 62-stall station on the west side of Los Angeles that could easily make it the largest in North America.

Most recently, Elon Musk revealed that the American automaker plans to upgrade its Supercharger network to support 300 kW faster charging.

For more information, visit our comprehensive Tesla Supercharger guide.

Tesla Bot

During the company’s AI Day in August of 2021, it released many details about its progress to develop AI technology to power its self-driving system. As expected, however there was a “one more thing” moment, and it was robots.

CEO Elon Musk shared plans to build a humanoid robot called Tesla Bot. Musk stated that Tesla already describes itself as the largest robotic company in the world, considering the capabilities of its vehicles to see and understand the world around them, and act on that data.

While Musk didn’t go into many details about the overall capabilities of the Bot, or what exact tasks it will be able to do, he did hint that the ultimate goal is for the robot to eventually replace most “dangerous, repetitive, and boring tasks.”

Here’s the latest news surrounding the Humanoid Bot:

Tesla FAQ

How much does a Tesla cost?

As you can see above, there are several different models and variations to each available to customers. Depending on the vehicle, the powertrain, down to the exterior color, all play a part in potential cost of a new Tesla. Everything you need to know is been compiled here for you:
How much is a Tesla? Your guide to Tesla prices

How long does it take to charge a Tesla?

Again, not a simple answer due to a number of factors. Where you are charging, what level of charger you are using, and what sort of output is available from that port are all common variables.

To better understand these charging levels and the differences between home and public chargers, you can check out the following guide:
How long does it take to charge a Tesla?

How much does it cost to charge a Tesla?

Another great question, but unfortunately another not so clear cut answer. Battery size, charging level, time of day, and charging efficiency can all affect how much or how little it will cost you to fully charge your EV. Luckily, we’ve broken it down further for you by each current model:
How much does it cost to charge a Tesla?

Can I lease a Tesla?

Sure can. However, we recommend doing your research to determine that a lease is the best option for you as opposed to buying

Check out our Tesla leasing guide here.

New Tesla Model S 70D are significantly more efficient than 2WD models it replaces

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Tesla-empg

The US Dept of Energy released its eMPG ratings for Tesla’s new Model S 70D and it is the first Model S to go over the 100 MPGe.  In fact it is more that a 6% gain over the Model S 60 it replaced. Some of that efficiency will be chalked up to the dual motors that Elon Musk discussed in the launch of the D lineup. However, such a huge gain in performance might also be attributable to losses made in the weight in the vehicle since the S60 was launched 3 years ago.

If you look at the compare to the heavier battery 85KW models, you see particular gains in city driving where stopping and starting is more prevalent – a place where weight matters. Musk noted that the P85D would see some loss in efficiency due to the performance tires on the 3 second 0-60 supercar model.

Some older Tesla Model S stats below:

Tesla-effecient-gas

Tesla’s Model 3 prototype should be ready by the end of 2015

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Yesterday, the Wall Street Journal published an article titled “Tesla Offers Slight Glimpse Into Model 3’s Status”. The article is based on yesterday’s filings with the SEC about Tesla’s upcoming shareholders meeting. The only new information we have about the Model 3 from these documents is that Tesla didn’t complete the alpha prototype of the Model 3 in the last 4 months. I don’t think this is the best way to look at this information.

In their last 10K filing published February 26th,  Tesla estimated the completion of the Model 3 alpha prototype as “probable of achievement”. The completion of the prototype is a milestone for Elon Musk’s CEO stock compensation plan and Tesla needs to disclose the probability of achieving the milestones in order for shareholders to estimate potential stock compensation expenses.


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Elon Musk confirmed a timeframe for the Roadster update via Twitter

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Late last year, Tesla announced the Roadster 3.0, an update for Tesla’s first model that will include a new 70KWh battery pack. The new pack combined with an upgraded body is expected to allow for a range close to 400 miles.

Details about the timeframe for this update were unclear until now. Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, confirmed via Twitter that the update should be available to Roadster owners in August this year after safety validation in July.

Details of Tesla’s agreement with SolarCity on stationary batteries emerge from Tesla’s recent SEC filings

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Earlier today, Tesla filed their notice with the SEC for their 2015 annual shareholders meeting to be held on June 9th. In these filings, Tesla is required to review transactions with related parties. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors, is Chairman and an important shareholder of SolarCity. Therefore Tesla needs to publicly acknowledge transactions between the two companies.

Tesla recently confirmed in an email to investors that their announcement on April 30th will indeed be a home battery system and an energy storage system for utilities. It has been known for a while that Tesla was testing these home battery systems through SolarCity. In the same filings last year, the company confirmed approximately $1.6 million in revenue from SolarCity during fiscal year 2013 for the sales of stationary batteries.

Today, Tesla confirmed that the revenue from SolarCity for stationary batteries went up to $2.7 million for the fiscal year 2014.

According to Rod Lache from Deutsche Bank, if SolarCity were to reach their goal of 1 million customers by 2018 and if Tesla would equip half of their customers with home battery systems, Tesla could generate $1.5 billion of revenue through 2018 from SolarCity. Tesla made $3.2 billion in revenue last year.

Musk says major new Tesla product line coming April 30, likely battery pack for the home

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[tweet https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/582581865682350080]

Elon Musk has just let a bit of news slip via his Twitter account: Tesla will be unveiling a new product line on April 30 at Hawthrone Design Studio at 8pm. What could it be? Musk doesn’t offer any hints other than the fact that it won’t be a car, but it’s very likely that it could be the new stationary battery pack designed for the home that we told you about last month.

[tweet https://twitter.com/llsethj/status/565681464608833536]

Tesla execs last month confirmed during the company’s earnings call that the product would begin going into production within the next 6 months:
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Tesla testing tow system

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Model-S-tow-hitch

A redditor caught a Tesla prototype with what look like green Torque gauges on the wheels pulling a Uhaul. This of course is likely testing for the already announced tow-capable Model X but you can’t help but wonder if the Model S will also get a tow rating.

Samsung just bought a rumored Apple Car partner’s battery unit

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Samsung-batteries

Samsung has acquired the battery pack business of leading automotive parts supplier Magna International. The move, according to a statement from the companies, will “enhance Samsung SDI’s capabilities in batteries for electric vehicles.”

While Samsung producing batteries and energy storage solutions for vehicles isn’t exactly new—it already supplies batteries for Tesla and others—there is an Apple Car connection in its latest acquisition…
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New Tesla factory floor images show P85Ds being built [Gallery]

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These were taken from the LATimes review of the P85D which found it similar to other reviews.

The car’s neck-snapping hole shot stuns passengers. Mashing the accelerator from a dead stop can induce dizziness, loss of breath and heart palpitations. One passenger briefly shed tears. Others giggled uncontrollably.

The story here are the high quality images including access to the rotor diagnostic room. The author does make a good point about Tesla’s growing inability to meet its own deadlines. I think this is probably Musk calibrating his reality distortion field.

Tesla Gigafactory to start operations earlier than expected in build up to the Model 3 –in 2016

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Some great news seemingly through Panasonic relayed by Nikkei. Tesla’s Gigafactory will open for business in a year and will start making batteries for the Model 3 in 2017. That’s an optimistic timetable for Tesla which is getting a reputation for missing its timetables.

Tesla, Panasonic to bring battery plant online sooner

OSAKA — A battery plant that Tesla Motors is building with Panasonic in the U.S. state of Nevada will begin operations in 2016, earlier than initially planned, a Tesla official said here Friday.

The American electric-car manufacturer apparently wants to secure a supply of batteries fast on expectations of strong demand for a lower-priced vehicle due out as early as 2017.

The plant’s launch will be accelerated to bring down production costs through economies of scale, said Kurt Kelty, who oversees battery technologies at Tesla.

The new facility will make high-output lithium-ion batteries for the Tesla Model 3, which will be priced half as high as other models. Plans call for getting domestic and foreign parts and materials suppliers to build production facilities on the grounds. Tesla has made progress in selecting suppliers, according to Kelty.

Panasonic has a stake in Tesla and supplies the U.S. company with battery cells for electric vehicles. The Nevada plant is expected to cost up to roughly 500 billion yen ($4.16 billion), with Panasonic shouldering 150 billion yen to 200 billion yen.

(Nikkei)

Tesla Roadster update test drive shows future of EVs: 360 mile range with heater and hills

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Image 2015-02-14 at 11.01.49 AM

Taken at face value, the Tesla Roadster 340-mile trip from San Jose to Santa Monica in California is a significant milestone. The direct drive in under 6 hours all without refueling will leave most EV owners’ mouths agape. There was even 40 minutes with the heater turned on and that huge climb (and subsequent decent) out of the Grapevine.

As we announced in December, the Roadster 3.0 upgrade will feature enhancements in battery cell technology, aerodynamics, and rolling resistance. These modifications should boost the Roadster’s range by 40 to 50%.

But I think this is bigger. This shows what the technologies Tesla has developed mean for the next generation of EVs. It means the Model X, even with its higher profile and expanded room, will be able to still handily be able to make it between Superchargers in the winter. Even more importantly, it shows that Tesla can make a BMW 3-series sized car go 200 miles with a lot less battery that previously expected.

If the new pack in the Roadster has 70kWh and goes 400 miles, doing a little math and guesswork, you only need about 45kWh to get a slightly bigger car to go 200 miles. (Assuming the car lies between the 35kWh and the 60kWh for the Model S with 200 mile range).

And that’s assuming technology stands still between now and then.

Tesla’s Blog entry on the Trip here and pasted below:
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Black Tesla Model X prototype spotted in the wild with a trailer hitch and redesigned front end

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Tesla Motor Club Forums members are posting images from a Facebook account which followed a prototype Tesla Model S around the Fremont area. Supposedly the Model X design is done and only needs to be validated so we’re probably looking at near final design albeit camo’d with black to cover up final design aesthetics.

Noteworthy in the pictures is that this one has a trailer hitch which was promised by Tesla last year and a redesigned sportier front as you can see in the comparison picture below.

XvD1pxt

It will be interesting to see if the Model S also gets a redesigned nose.

One of the nice things about the Model X front end was that the Frunk was huge. With the smaller front end, it appears that it will be more the size of the Frunk in the Model S.

Firmware update to boost Tesla P85D 0-60 time to under 2.8 seconds?

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Update: Elon Musk just tweeted that a Firmware update will improve the acceleration by.1 seconds.

[tweet https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/560898568748531712]

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I’m not usually one to post rumors found in a forum but when I’ve heard similar claims and so have a lot of forum members, we start to see a pattern. Over at the Tesla Motor Club Forum, a number of Tesla Owners are reporting that a firmware update will push the P85D 0-60 time down near or below 2.8 seconds.

I’m happy to bring you a TMC exclusive rumor. According to my sources deep inside Tesla, a firmware update for the P85D will increase its 0-60 performance from 3.2s to 2.8s. I have not personally operated this P85D, but my sources have allegedly seen it in action and historically these sources have been accurate for Tesla rumors. Please take it with a grain of salt because I have not seen or operated this vehicle myself.

In my original pre-D event scoop, I noted that Tesla was testing the D at under 3 seconds.

What’s perhaps not expected is what Tesla has been able to squeeze out of this battery and Dual-motor beast.  My understanding is that the vehicle has been testing (unofficially) under 3 seconds on the 0-60. This is incredibly fast.

That is supercar land my friends and blows away all but the very high end supercars out there like the high end Bugattis, Lamborghinis, Mclarens, Ferraris and Porsches.

That was from a Tesla person and it turned out that Tesla’s marquee feature on the Model P85D was its 0-60 time, though the official time was 3.2 seconds and it has been verified at 3.1 seconds. How does Tesla get down to 2.8 seconds and why didn’t they show it off originally? Some hypotheses:

I heard this rumor on October 10th, when I ordered my P85D. Except the Tesla rep said that he saw long strings of 0-60 runs between 2.7 and 2.75 seconds. Based on the inverter readings from my current P85D, I think this has to be true. My inverter gauge has never made it all the way up to 480kW at full throttle, and the promised 691 hp cannot be achieved until the inverters are providing 515 kW.

There may be a number of reasons Tesla has been holding back the power, including collecting data for risk management purposes. I think it’s time to see what this beast can really do. Release the hounds!

And another:

Yes the 0-60 time can be decreased by optimizing the torque on the two axis. Actually I read on TMC that such a decrease was possible from the very beginning of the P85D life but that Tesla designers decided to get 3.2 secs because they didn’t manage to have a continuos acceleration by lowering such a number to 2.8 secs. In fact they had issue to harmonize the acceleration of the two motors.

Maybe that now in Tesla they managed to work out the issues between the two motors and get 2.8 secs.

But IMO the driver should enter a password to get 2.8 secs just to let him think twice before of using such an acceleration.

A firmware update knocks .4 secs off an already low 3.2 second 0-60 time? I can’t wait to see the reaction.

Man posts $85 “Sleep in my Tesla” listing on Airbnb

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tesla hotel airbnb

The Tesla Model S is undoubtedly a spacious car, perfect for all sorts of activities, from long roadtrips to bustling car pools to school. And now, apparently, it’s just comfortable enough to sleep in.

Believe it or not, but a man in Phoenix recently put up a Tesla listing on Airbnb. For just $85 a night (clever), you and your guests can relax in what’s being billed as the “World’s 1st Tesla Hotel!”

While that admittedly sounds crazy, it makes more sense when you consider the popularity of car camping.

The listing reads in part:

The airbed in back sleeps 2 in climate controlled comfort all night. Since the Tesla uses NO gas the Tesla’s A/C or Heat can run all night without any problem locked securely in my attached garage. You can set the mood with your selection of any Internet music you would like on the huge 17″ monitor. How often do you get to sleep in a $118,000 Electric Car?

The Twin Airbed is 6’6″ long and 36″ wide. The space in back is even wider, 40″ wide near the wheels and up to 56″ wide near the rear doors so you have extra room to move about. It comes with clean sheets, pillows and a blanket or comforter if you like.

You also get 2 remote controlled candles – (battery powered of course) to help set a fun camping mood in the Tesla.

Because nothing says romance like sleeping in a stranger’s car.

If that wasn’t strange enough, a close reading of the listing reveals that while you’ll be sleeping in the Tesla, you’ll have access to a “private room” in the owner’s condo during the day, complete with a kitchen, living room, TV, shower, and all the trimmings. Everything, apparently, besides a bed. For that, you’ll have to go outside and get in the Tesla.

But lest you think you’ll be able to drive the Tesla around during the day, think again.

The Tesla will be your private sleeping space that is securely parked in my garage. You will also get access to the Kitchen, Living Room, TV, and Private Bathroom & Shower in the Condo.

As the Tesla is of course my transportation, I would request that you are up by 8am so I can get to work. However, this is very flexible and we can agree on a time the night before of course! You are free to hang out in the Condo and even sleep-in longer on the big comfy couch if you like.

Wow. I’d actually pay $85 not to sleep in someone’s Tesla nestled inside a condo/cabin garage.

Welcome to the sharing economy, indeed.

Elon Musk talks Model 3 cost ($35,000), launch window of 2017, and potential to work with franchise dealers in the future

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elon musk

In a corporate world often teeming with bland political correctness, Elon Musk, whether you love him or hate him, is a breath of fresh air. Not afraid to call it like he sees it, whenever Musk delivers a talk or sits down for an interview — or even a Reddit AMA — it’s always a good idea to listen closely.

Most recently, Musk on Tuesday spoke at the Automotive News World Congress event in Detroit where the Tesla CEO touched on a wide array of topics.

Of particular interest were Musk’s comments on the highly anticipated Model 3. Though a few years away, the Model 3 remains Tesla’s big bet to bring electric cars into the mainstream. Moreover, the potential success of the Model 3 is the big bet that multitudes of investors are banking on.

According to Musk, the Model 3 remains on track for a 2017 release and the company remains optimistic that it will be able to sell approximately 500,000 vehicles (of all models) per year by 2020. Looking even beyond that, Musk relayed that the company has plans to up production to “at least a few million a year” by 2025.

The Detroit Free Press reports:

Silicon Valley automaker Tesla Motors will be making “a few million cars” by 2025, enigmatic CEO Elon Musk said in Detroit today.

That would make the company about the size of BMW today.

That’s an ambitious goal, to be sure, but Musk didn’t get to where he is today by thinking small.

Of course, a key, if not the most important, variable in the Model 3 equation will be cost. If Tesla really wants the Model 3 to be a mainstream hit, it will have to be priced much lower than the premium, yet still wildly successful, Model S.

On that note, Musk earlier today said that the Model 3 will be priced at around $35,000 without any tax credits. If Tesla is, in fact, able to reach that pricepoint thanks to economies of scale via the in-progress Gigafactory, the Model 3 would be well positioned to have a discernible and sweeping impact on the auto industry. What’s more, by the time 2017 rolls around, Tesla’s network of superchargers will be even more ubiquitous and the positive word-of-mouth praise surrounding the Tesla brand will be even stronger. Note that the average price of a new car in 2013 checked in at about $32,000, thus making the Model 3 an attainable purchase for many.

While we still don’t have a clue as to what the Model 3 will look like, Musk noted in a recent Reddit AMA that it “won’t look like other cars.” Meanwhile, Tesla lead designer Franz von Holzhausen has said that it’s the coolest thing he’s ever worked on. Intriguing, to say the least.

Musk also added that the Model 3 “will be way different from any other car on the road”, albeit in a way “that’s really useful and just doesn’t feel like a weird-mobile.”

On a related note, Musk also touched on the potential for Tesla to work with franchise dealers, something the company has avoided like the plague for years. Arguably, for Tesla to truly have a mainstream hit with the Model 3, it will need to rely on franchises due to logistics alone.

Reuters reports:

… Musk said he was open to partnerships with retailers to sell Tesla vehicles, but not until after the company no longer has production bottlenecks.

“Before considering taking on franchised dealers, we also have to establish (more of) our own stores,” he said. Musk said “we will consider” franchising “if we find the right partner.” He did not elaborate, but said Tesla “is not actively seeking any partnerships” with other manufacturers “because our focus is so heavily on improving our production” in Fremont.

With the Model 3 hopefully just two years away, the next big item on Tesla’s radar is the impending launch of the Model X. Though already delayed, Musk reiterated that the vehicle is on target for a Summer 2015 launch.

 

Economist interviews Tesla CTO JB Straubel on cars, planes, batteries and the energy industry

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Great interview, not much new however if you follow Tesla and its CTO into the energy industry. Some interesting bits:

Why did Tesla act differently? For a start, it does not think of itself as a carmaker. “I see us more as an energy-innovation company,” says Jeffrey “JB” Straubel, the firm’s chief technology officer, and one of the co-founders of Tesla, along with Elon Musk, the chief executive. “If we can reduce energy-storage prices, it’s the most important thing we can do to make electric vehicles more prevalent,” says Mr Straubel. “Add in renewable power and I have a direct line of sight towards an entire economy that doesn’t need fossil fuels and doesn’t need to pay more to do it.”…

Mr Straubel met Mr Musk, a freshly minted multimillionaire from the sale of his PayPal digital-payments company to eBay. “One lunch was the beginning of what eventually became Tesla,” says Mr Straubel. “We spent most of the meal talking about electric aeroplanes. But as we were wrapping up, I said I was working on a fun crazy project with cars, trying to build a lithium-ion battery pack that could last 1,000 miles.”…

“Most other companies do not believe that battery volume will grow as fast as it’s going to,” Mr Straubel counters. “They don’t understand the tight linkage between cost and volume. We’re at this crossing-point where a small reduction in cost is going to result in a ridiculously big increase in volume, because the auto industry is so big.”…

“No one wishes we could come up with a technology that makes today’s chemistry obsolete more than me,” says Mr Straubel. “We could sell more cars at a lower price. But we’re not waiting.”

Elon Musk talks Model S P85D, “This is a halo car for Tesla”, and much more in GQ interview

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In case you missed it, Elon Musk sat down for an interview with GQ Magazine last week where the Tesla CEO commented on a random smattering of interesting tidbits.

While much of the interview treads on familiar ground, such as Tesla opening up their patents and Musk’s general thoughts on the state of the car industry, there are a few nuggets worth highlighting.

For instance, Musk talks briefly about development of the Tesla Model S P85D:

This is a halo car for Tesla. We didn’t do it from the beginning because it adds complexity, and we already had enough fish to fry just making a car that worked. But it was always something we expected to do. We wanted to position it as the fastest in order to change the public mindset. It had to be something dramatic. And getting those few extra 10ths of a second was hard.

As for consumer interest in Tesla’s highest-end model, it appears that the problem is supply more so than demand, certainly an enviable problem to have. Speaking to that, Musk notes that “demand for the P85D is off the charts.”

With respect to the highly anticipated Model 3, Musk noted that Tesla is hoping to get the sticker price down to just half that of the Model S, a goal which precipitated development of the gargantuan Gigafactory in Nevada.

We need the Gigafactory because there currently isn’t enough battery cell capacity for a high-volume, pure electric car at any price. The Model 3 is 20% smaller than the Model S, so the battery pack can be just 80% of the size, but we’re aiming for a 50% price reduction from the S, so we need the factory to make it affordable.

Musk is certainly a colorful personality, and the interview is well worth checking out in its entirety. Again, you won’t find too much new information to digest, but the story provides a good background of Tesla’s goals and Musk’s strategy to bring said goals to fruition.

During summer factory upgrade, Tesla installed 10 of the largest robots in the world

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To prepare for Model X production, Tesla this past July halted production at its Fremont facility for two weeks in order to upgrade its assembly lines, modernize its production floor, and of course, ultimately increase overall production.

“This represents the single biggest investment in the plant since we really started operations and enables us for higher volumes,” Tesla spokesman Simon Sproule told Bloomberg earlier this summer. Indeed, the total cost of the enhancements reportedly checked in at a cool $100 million.

Earlier this week, Tesla put up  blog post detailing all of the nitty gritty details regarding its somewhat recent factory upgrade.

During the pause in production, we upgraded the assembly line, added capacity to the body shop, enhanced powertrain assembly, and revamped facilities for our employees. The result of this retooling phase, which complemented ongoing upgrade work, is a much-expanded operation that allows us to produce more cars, faster, while increasing automation and providing a more inviting work environment.

In the powertrain department, we’ve added conveyors and advanced robots that have given us the capacity to process 1 million battery cells per day, up from 800,000. In body-in-white, we’ve added new welding equipment and improved our production uptime by 5 to 10 percent, thanks in part to a 13-car buffer that guards against bottlenecks. We’ve also added 24 new tire and export docks to the perimeter of the main building, increasing the speed with which we can deliver cars overseas.

Of particular interest is Tesla’s investment in advanced robots, some of which, the blog post notes, will soon be able to install battery packs on cars. Interestingly, Tesla notes that over the summer, it installed 10 of the largest robots in the world.

What’s more, Tesla has taken to affectionately naming its new in-house robots after X-Men characters.

Rather than refer to these robots by technical descriptions, we named them after X-Men characters. Xavier stands at the entrance to the trim line, lifting cars down to the floor from an electrified rail, while Iceman, Wolverine, and Beast do more heavy lifting nearby. Storm and Colossus can be found at the end of the chassis line, and Vulcan and Havok work as a team to lift cars back onto the rail. To us, these robots are like superheroes, so we figured they deserved superhero names.

Having seen what some of Tesla’s beloved robots can do on various YouTube videos, it’s hard to disagree with that. Interestingly, Musk noted during Tesla’s most recent earnings conference call that it’s often “way harder to make the machine that makes the machine than it is to make the machine in the first place.”

The entire post is well worth a read and is chock full of interesting information (and videos!) about Tesla’s recent factory upgrade.