The Tesla Electric Car - Detroit Auto Show Update

During the first day of the Press Preview, SUCCESS by DESIGN had the opportunity to meet with Zak Edson of Tesla Motors for a brief one-on-one interview. See below.

The small electric motor was 244 horsepower and 415 Volts AC delivering over 240 mile range with the Lithium-Ion battery pack (silver component on the right is the motor, on the left is the transmission, the black box on top of the motor and transmission is the electronic package and Li-Ion cooling system, and the big black box towards the front is the Li-Ion battery pack). Most hybrid and electric vehicles are rated at 300 Volts, at this time. Tesla has now released a 288 horsepower, air cooled electric motor for their new model in the same size package. Tesla manufactures the motor and transmission, as well as the battery packs, with a total present production of 15 vehicles per week in California. They presently sell about half the vehicles in California and the other half elsewhere in the United States with plans to export in the future.

One of our primary questions had to do with the battery pack and ambient temperatures. According to Mr. Edson, the maximum is a reduction in range of 15% in extreme cold temperatures. In fact, he said, the primary issue is less lower temperatures but the necessity to cool the Li-Ion cells and ensure even temperatures throughout the battery core to ensure even aging. The battery has its own cooling system with additional cooling provided by the air condition system, as necessary.

The Tesla sports car must be pre-ordered with a $55k deposit and a minimum total cost of $115k. Dealerships and service centers are primarily located in California with additional service centers being planned in major cities within the USA.

For first responders and safety, the battery pack disconnects upon impact with a rear impact rating of up to 50mph. A small loop on the passenger side of the electronic package provides a method of disconnecting power in an emergency by cutting it. Both are safety features that are necessary in electric and hybrid vehicles.