No CARbon emissions from this all electric family car

Why am I excited? Well, just a few moments ago, Tesla Motors took the wraps off the Model S, an all electric family car that carries seven people and travels 300 miles on one charge (pictured above alongside the Roadster)

Why the excitement? Apart from the fact that it will likely be the world's first mass-produced EV for the open road?

From the time of the first publication of low-emission-cars.co.ukin 2006,I have followed off-page,as it were, the reported highs and the lows of the historic journey from prototype ( as occasional subject of mirth from certain sections of the automotive industry) to the real prospect of a feasible and stylish production EV which people will want to buy. Yes, there have been great development difficulties along the way. This you would expect ,given the complexities of developing such a groundbreaking product - remember GM ditched its first plans for an EV. Perhaps we can go more into these fascinating histories, another time

In the here and now,the Model S carries its charger onboard, and can be recharged from any 120V, 240V or 480V outlet, with the latter taking only 45 minutes. By recharging their car while they stop for a meal, drivers can go from LA to New York in approximately the same time as a gasoline car. Moreover, the floor-mounted battery pack is designed to be changed in less time than it takes to fill a gas tank, allowing for the possibility of battery-pack swap stations.

"Model S doesn't compromise on performance, efficiency or utility -- it's truly the only car you need," said Tesla CEO, Chairman and Product Architect Elon Musk. "Tesla is relentlessly driving down the cost of electric vehicle technology, and this is just the first of many mainstream cars we're developing."

Tesla expects to start Model S production in late 2011. The company believes it is close to receiving $350 million in federal loans to build the Model S assembly plant in California from the Dept of Energy's Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Program.

Building on Proven Technology

Tesla Motors say it is the only production automaker already selling highway-capable EVs in North America or Europe. With 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, the Roadster outperforms almost all sports cars in its class yet is six times as energy efficient as gas guzzlers and delivers 244 miles per charge. Tesla has delivered nearly 300 Roadsters, and nearly 1,000 more customers are on the waiting list.

The Model S has been described as having unparalleled luggage space and versatility, more than any other sedan on the market, and more than most SUVs.

The anticipated base price of the Model S in the US is $49,900, after a federal tax credit of $7,500. This price is said to compare well (after taking into account running costs) with a similar conventionally-engined car costing around $35,000.

Showrooms are to be opened in the UK later this year. For further information check out the Tesla blog site here