Tesla: The Wave of the Future?

            Let’s face it, gas prices are getting more and more expensive by the day. Eventually, we will also be running out of oil, which is the key ingredient for gasoline.  Many automakers today are beginning to install electric motors in their cars in addition to the normal internal combustion engines. Even Ferrari, the top of the line supercar maker is beginning to install electric motors in their cars.  Their newest car from the skunkworks at Maranello, the LaFerrari, has, in addition to an 800hp internal combustion engine, a 163hp electric motor.  This system, according to Ferrari reduces the CO2 footprint from the Enzo to LaFerrari 50%.

            The problem is, LaFerrari is still consuming gasoline and emitting CO2 when it’s rounding tight corners at Leguna Seca and accelerating out of them.  To get rid of all CO2 emissions would mean either going back to the horse and buggy days or relying on electric power.  The problem with the electric cars of today is their range.  For example, the Nissan Leaf has a range of only 73 miles on one tank of electrons.  Tesla motors have now developed their own design model S.  The model S is completely powered by electricity and has a range of 265 miles. That is over three times the distance covered by the Leaf on a battery charge. Also, the Model S is a full size car with the option to seat five adults and two small children. How has Tesla gone above and beyond and developed a car that is this far ahead of the competition?

            Tesla got their start in 2003 by a group of engineers looking to prove electric vehicles could be made and could be “awesome.” In 2008, their first car, the Roadster hit the streets. Now Tesla has two cars in production, the model S and Model X. The size of the battery in the model S is astronomical! To put it into perspective, the Tesla battery is over 7000 cells. The Nissan Leaf has only 192.  The battery in the Tesla measures roughly, five feet wide, eight feet long, four inches thick, and weighs over 1300 pounds.  This size battery along with an 85 kW motor gives the model S a range of 265 miles.  It is also a fairly sporty car with 0-60mph coming in under five seconds. The electric motor provides 416 horsepower and 443 ft/lbs of torque. The starting price is still a little steep for most buyers at $62,400. However, Tesla has hinted at an under $40,000 car in the near future.

            Stock in Tesla has soared in recent months from approximately $27 per share all the way up to $92.73 following favorable reviews from Consumer Reports and Car and Driver.  Stocks also went up after Tesla paid back its entire loan to the government, three years ahead of schedule.

            Now that Tesla has proven the electric car is feasible, will Nissan and other car companies start developing better electric cars filling the needs of the everyday driver? Or will they continue to develop hybrid cars letting Tesla continue to lead the way in electric car development.

Matthew Colan

Handy Toyota