The pioneers in electric car manufacturing, Tesla Motors, have begun the rollout for their latest creation: the Model X. The dual-motor all-wheel drive was unveiled by Tesla in 2012, and orders placed soon after the release are set to be delivered later in 2014. The Model X sports ‘falcon wing’ doors, which open upwards using sensors to determine their opening sequence and avoid hitting nearby objects, making them ideal for tight parking spaces. This innovative design also allow step-in entry to both the second and the third row of seats, making them as easily accessible as the passenger seat. The car can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in less than 5 seconds, outperforming many sports cars. Running only on electricity, it is estimated that the Model X will be capable of travelling up to 370 km on one charge, and Tesla Motors have recently rolled out a network of 480 volt ‘supercharger’ stations across the USA and Europe to facilitate long distance trips. The Tesla interior contains a range of premium surfaces and panoramic glass, and an inbuilt touchscreen device which provides access to entertainment and information on-the-go.
Tesla Motors opened a showroom in Sydney in 2010, however reservations for the Model S are currently only available online. Reservations for the car cost $6000AUD and are fully refundable, with orders made now set to be delivered in 2015. The car will be available in two models, separated based on their battery capacity. The cheaper model, with a 60-kWh battery pack, is rumoured to start at $49,000, although Tesla are yet to confirm prices.
While gas-powered vehicles and hybrids run on petroleum, the Tesla Model X and its predecessors run solely on electricity. As methods for electricity production shift from coal to solar, hydro, geothermal and wind power, Tesla cars will only increase their efficiency, making them a surefire step in the right – and eco friendly – direction.
