Tesla Motors Model X - The Electric SUV

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Tesla Motors Model X - The Electric SUV
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 - Iddo Genuth
Home >> News >> Transportation

The U.S. car manufacturer Tesla Motors unveiled the upcoming Model X an all-electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) that will combine high performance with environment friendliness.

Tesla Motors Model X - Electric SUV

The original Tesla Roadster introduced in 2008 is a fully electric sports car capable of going from 0 to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds and can travel up to 220 miles without recharging. The original Roadster offered double the efficiency of popular hybrid cars making it the ultimate high-performance, environment-friendly sports car. The new Model X will expand the functionality of Tesla's car offerings by introducing a family car. The Model X will maintain the basic performance and environmental benefits of its sporty counterpart the Roadster, which has only two seats.

Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk (co-founder of Paypal) said during the Model X launch party earlier this week: “We’ve created a car that has more functionality than a minivan, more style than an SUV, and more performance than a Porsche 911 Carrera.”

The Model X which will begin production in late 2013 (and be available for purchase in 2014) has several interesting features:

The Model X will come with either a 60 kWh or 85 kWh battery and will have a range of 230-300 miles per charge (although official numbers have yet to be released on Tesla's website).
According to Elon Musk the model X performance version will be able to go from O to 60 miles-per-hour in 4.4 seconds.
"Falcon doors" which are a neat futuristic spin that will provide extra access to the backseats in tight parking spaces.
The Model X is said to cost anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 depending on the exact model.

Tesla broadcasted the full press conference with the Model X announcement live and it can be watched on the following link. Even before the Model X becomes available in 2014, Tesla is planning to release a second electric car called the Model S later this year. The Model S will be Tesla's sedan and will retail for around $50,000.

TFOT has covered several stories on the development of electric vehicles, including the original Tesla Roadster in 2008, and the Shelby which can reach 60 mph in an amazing 2.5 seconds. Additional stories covering electric and hybrid cars include the Twill, a personal 2-wheel car and the Chevrolet Volt.