TEG

Over here, Ze’ev wrote:
## "...the Model S..." “…a base price of about $60,000 and get about 240 miles per charge…”


Is it really 240 miles per charge for $60K now?
Many articles have been showing 160 mile range estimates for the $60K base ‘S’…
For example, From AutoBlog, & AutoBlogGreen:
“…The base model is expected to get a 160-mile range for it's $60,000 base price, while 220- or 300-mile options will cost extra..."

Note - I posted the above question to Tesla's blog and after a few days of 'awaiting moderation', they just deleted it.

I suppose we will have to wait and see if they do offer 240 miles range for $60K, but it seems for now they are not going to clarify.

Although they removed my post asking about the 160 vs 240 discrepancy they seem to be allowing other posts to echo the 240 mile number. For instance:

# Richard C wrote on September 18th, 2008 at 1:25 am
## ... I can’t wait to see the first Model S’s coming off the line in two years.
## ... At $60,000 that’s still squarely in the luxury range...
## ... With a 240-mile range and probably a Roadster-like recharge time...

So I guess all we can do is assume the 240 mile range is the most current projection and ignore all the older articles that said either 225 mile or 160 mile range. We should also ignore all the old articles that said it would have a 'range extender' device.


Was this article the source of confusion?
"...Tesla plans to have its Model S five-seat electric hatchback on sale by 2010 in both the United States and Europe. It will be priced at around $60,000 (£31,800) with a 160-mile range and $68,000 (£36,000) with a 220-mile range, with a 300-mile version to follow..."

Or this?:
"...Three models are likely to be available; an entry-level $60,000 (£31k) version with a 160-mile range, a $68,000 (£36k) version with a 220-mile range and a 300-mile version in the future...."

Riverwired echos Autocar:
"...According to Autocar, a U.K. site, there will be three models of the S available: a 160-mile range for $60,000; a 220-mile range for $68,000; and a future 300-mile range version that hasn’t had a price pinned on it yet.."

Bizarre auto-translation at MasterDrive.org:
"...Three models are in a fair way to require being serviceable; an entry-level $60,000 (£31k) rendering by a 160-mile pass near, a $68,000 (£36k) reading with a 220-mile extent and a 300-mile version in the that demise have being..."

Nabble.com:
"...there may be three models:
1) $60,000 with a 160-mile range
2) $68,000 with a 220-mile range
3) To Be Priced 300-mile version..."

Wikipedia says this:
"...WhiteStar, will be a sedan known as the Model S. It will cost approximately $60,000 and have a range of 225 miles (362 km) per charge...."

Kardax

One annoying thing about all these automotive startups, including Tesla, is that the "truth" seems to be rather flexible. It's really "what's true today".

Model S is still a long way from production; everything we've seen or heard to date have simple been "goals".

If the Tesla Roadster is any indication, the true specifications of the vehicle may not be known until months after production begins!

-Ryan

Cobos

I haven't done even close as much research as you TEG but I'm glad more people are picking up on this. If they do end up with a 240 range and $60 000 price I can always hope for a European version with 160miles range and $50 000 price right ? I can hope can't I? I suppose as Kardax says we wont know for sure until after they're sold.

Cobos

doug

I think the confusion stems from the typical marketing doublespeak. The statement, "220 mile range" is made in close proximity to the statement, "$60K base price." The statements on their own may be true, but together they are misleading. The same thing happened with the statements, "3.5 hour charging time." and "Can be charged from a standard outlet."

TEG

If true (intentional doublespeak) then that is rather annoying. It sets expectations wrong.

I see this same sort of thing with many computer web cams. They advertise "30 frames per second AND HDTV resolution", but you find that the 30fps is for low resolution video and the HDTV is basically for still capture only.

A story about Intentional Ambiguity... Product spec announcements shouldn't be trying to convey "humor and irony".

I suppose your primary recourse is to stop buying products from companies that try to mislead you, and gravitate towards companies that offer straightforward marketing.

TEG

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..."

Tesla Motors - Press Releases
"...It is expected to have a base price of about $60,000 and get about 240 miles per charge with exceptional performance. The first sedans will likely roll off the assembly line in late 2010..."

Car news | Tesla Model S | Tesla expands electric vehicle range | by The Car Enthusiast
"...Tesla's next project is a zero-emission saloon known as Model S. The goals are to provide space for five people and a range of about 240 miles per charge with "exceptional performance". Expect the price to be in the region of $60,000 when production starts in late 2010..."

Tesla Model S Will be Built in the US ~ Hybrid Car Review
"...If you're interested in the Model S, it's projected to cost $60,000. Tesla says you will be able to travel 240 miles per charge..."

(How many ways can they say 240 miles per charge and $60K in the same context?)

graham

I dearly hope that they can live up to those numbers.

And that the car is good looking, and they show it off soon.

mt2

And, once again, how many ways can they say 240 miles per charge and $60K in the same context without actually saying the $60k version will get 240 miles per charge?

__________________
Mark Tomlinson
"I am not a trouble maker; I'm a catalyst for change."

TEG

Well I guess people write straightforward specifications and press releases.

Kevin Harney

I don't think that any press releases are written straight forward. They are all avertising spin. What makes it sound the best even if it is stretched and especially if it is stretched.