models
Latest
Tesla will soon sell EVs at a Nordstrom store in LA
Tesla is about to start selling cars at a Los Angeles outlet of the upscale fashion retailer Nordstrom, according to Fast Company. It will display its Model X SUV inside the tiny, 400 square foot store at The Grove mall starting June 18th, and allow prospects to take test drives with on-site Tesla employees. The company doesn't yet have a sale license for the location, so if a prospect wants to buy on the spot, they'll have call a salesperson at a Tesla dealership or place the order online.
Tesla allegedly exchanged repairs for owner silence
Tesla suffered a hit late last year when Consumer Reports revoked its "recommended" rating noting a "worse-than-average overall problem rate" in October. Now, the electric vehicle company headed by Elon Musk is facing scrutiny by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over claims that the Tesla Model S had faulty suspension parts. A representative told Reuters that the agency is "examining the potential suspension issue on the Tesla Model S, and is seeking additional information from vehicle owners and the company."
Tesla's most affordable Model S returns with bigger battery
Tesla's more affordable Model S 60 is back, and it comes with a more attractive base price of $66,000 (£53,000). That's around $4,000 less for the 60kWh sedan that the automaker originally sold from 2012 to 2015 before it was replaced by the 70D. To sweeten the deal, Tesla added a 75kWh battery pack to the car and the extra power and range can be unlocked via a software update if the owner needs to do so. Of course, there's an added cost involved for the update, but exact pricing for that hasn't been revealed.
Tesla update helps users avoid self-parking mistakes
Tesla has issued an update for the "Summon" mode on its Model X and Model S vehicles, according to a Reddit user. The feature instructs your vehicle to autonomously park or come to you like Kitt from Knight Rider (though only at one mph for 33 feet). You now must confirm the vehicle's travel direction on the touchscreen, which should make users think twice about what's around them. The fix may be a response to a Utah user whose Model S rolled into the back of a trailer in "Summon" mode.
LA cops aren't ready to switch to Teslas
After using two Tesla Model S cars as police cruisers for a year, the LAPD has reached a verdict. It's not ready to transition to an all-electric fleet just yet, but it's not closing its doors on EV cruisers. LAPD Administrator Vartan Yegiyan told CNBC that electric vehicles aren't practical for police use at the moment due to their costs and the availability of charging stations.
Tesla adds a 75kWh battery option for the Model S
Later this week Tesla will add a new battery option for buyers of its Model S sedan. Currently available with either a 70 or 90kWh pack, the new option will be 75kWh -- the same size as the smallest battery currently available for the company's new Model X crossover. Electrek first spotted the new variant in a list on the California Air Resource Board (CARB) website, and a Tesla spokesperson confirms that the upgrade will be a $3,000 option, available for both rear-wheel and AWD setups.
Tesla puts its extreme air pollution filter to the test
When Tesla revealed that the Model X (and eventually, the Model S) would have a HEPA filter so effective that it could protect against bioweapons, people were understandably skeptical. Can it really save you from terrorists? Apparently, it just might. Tesla has revealed some of the in-house testing it conducted for the filter's Bioweapon Defense Mode, and its ability to clean the air borders on overkill. The electric car maker put a Model X into a bubble with extremely dangerous air quality levels (83 times dirtier than the EPA's "good" rating) and watched as the filtration system rendered the air so clean that sensors couldn't even detect what pollution was left. You could drive through a "military grade" attack and not even notice, Tesla claims.
Inhabitat's Week in Green: Solar Impulse's trans-Pacific flight, and more!
The Solar Impulse airplane is on a mission to circle the globe using only the power of the sun, and this week it continued its journey by crossing the Pacific Ocean. Meanwhile, Tesla showed just how fast the Model S is by challenging a Boeing 747 to a drag race. An Italian company is turning vintage moped parts into some of the coolest electric bikes we've ever seen, and a Swedish cyclist created an all-weather bike that looks just like a car. And we've seen buses and vans turned into some pretty incredible things -- but Lee Broom's palatial gallery on wheels takes the cake.
Inhabitat's Week in Green: The Tesla Model S gets an upgrade
The Tesla Model S is one of the highest-rated electric cars ever, and it just got even better. This week the automaker rolled out an upgrade that gives the vehicle a bigger battery, a refreshed exterior and a "bioweapon defense mode." Meanwhile, the Solar Impulse sun-powered airplane is getting set to fly across the Pacific Ocean after a lengthy stop in Hawaii. Stephen Hawking teamed up with Russian billionaire Yuri Milner on a plan to send postage-stamp sized spaceships to Alpha Centauri in search of life. IKEA announced plans to launch a chainless bicycle later this year, and a popular new bike/stroller hybrid hit the market only to sell out in a matter of hours.
Tesla Model S Ludicrous Mode: Brits react
#fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-933929{display:none;} .cke_show_borders #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-933929, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-933929{width:100%;display:block;} try{document.getElementById("fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-933929").style.display="none";}catch(e){} If you put down big money for a Tesla Model S, one of the features you'll never get bored of is Ludicrous Mode. All it requires is a single press on the car's 17-inch touchscreen and the car gains the ability to go from a standing start to 60MPH in just 2.8 seconds. You can't be told how fast that is -- you need to experience it for yourself. That's exactly what 15 Brits did one April evening, when I took the Tesla's fully electric car onto some unrestricted roads and recorded their reactions.
Tesla's Model S gets a fresh look and faster charging
While Tesla's upcoming Model 3 has dominated headlines in recent weeks, the company isn't neglecting the vehicle that has helped make an affordable option possible: the Model S. Addressing rumors that the luxury electric sedan would soon get a welcome revamp, Tesla confirmed today that the car now boasts a new front fascia and headlights, as well as a few other upgrades.
Upgraded Tesla Model S rumored to arrive next week
Recently, Tesla's world has revolved around the Model 3. But there's more coming soon from the company. Rumors of an upgraded and pricier Model S began circulating last month, and now more details about that EV have emerged. According to CNET's Tim Stevens, the overhauled Model S could debut as early as next week, based on information from sources inside Tesla. The report claims Tesla is set to make "luxury-minded" changes to its flagship vehicle, internally and externally, as Elon Musk's team looks to compete against Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
The best electric vehicle
By Rik Paul This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a buyer's guide to the best technology. Read the full article here. After doing three months of research, interviewing leading experts, and driving all 11 electric vehicles that are available in the US, we're convinced that the Kia Soul EV is the best car for most people who want to drive gas-free. Costing about $34,000 (or $26,500 after a federal tax credit), the Soul EV is a comfortable, versatile everyday car that's easy to live with and drives better than most other EVs. Its 93-mile driving range is one of the longest you'll find, which reduces range anxiety. It's stocked with nifty high-tech features that make driving an EV easier. And it has a superlong warranty. Overall, the Soul EV is a great car that will cut both your driving costs and your carbon footprint.
New electric GT racing series to feature Tesla's Model S
As soon as next year, Formula E will have some company. The Electric GT World Series was announced this week, aiming to field 10 teams for its first season in 2017. What's more, the new series will be the first all-electric GT racing series. The plan is for those 10 teams to put 20 cars on the track at seven different races during the first year. In true GT (Gran Tourer) form, the series will use production cars that are available for consumer road use. Series officials say there's only one current vehicle that fits the bill: the Tesla Model S.
Inhabitat's Week in Green: A flying car by 2018, and more!
If you've been waiting forever for a flying car, you won't have to hold out much longer: The Terrafugia TF-X will take to the skies by the year 2018. In other transportation news, Singapore-based Vanda Electric unveiled an insane 1,500-horsepower supercar that can go from 0 to 60 in 2.6 seconds. Tesla partnered with Radio Flyer to roll out a tiny Model S for kids. And a NASA scientist thinks that in the far future lasers could send a spacecraft to Mars in just 30 minutes.
Radio Flyer's Tesla Model S for kids hits the sidewalk in May
Thanks to Radio Flyer, your kid can have their very own Tesla Model S this spring. The toymaker teamed up with Elon Musk & Co. to create a version of the all-electric sedan for younger drivers. The Tesla Model S for Kids (catchy name, for sure) retains its EV roots by packing in Flight Speed lithium-ion battery tech. The feature not only increases range -- er, playtime -- but also makes quick work of the recharging process, which takes as little as three hours. The battery is also removable, so you can keep a spare charged up. In fact, the charging unit itself looks an awful lot like those used for the full-size cars, and it connects to the kids version in a similar fashion.
Tesla quietly drops the Model S 85 series in the UK
Most Brits can't afford to buy a Tesla, but for those that can deciding which particular model to go with is now a little easier. The electric car company has quietly slimmed down its Model S range in the UK, pulling the all-wheel drive 85D, the performance-enhanced P85D and the rear-wheel drive 90. Now, drivers on the island are limited to four different configurations -- the rear-wheel drive 70, the all-wheel drive 70D and 90D, and the top-tier P90D. There's also the optional "Ludicrous Speed" upgrade that pushes the P90D's 0-60mph time down to 2.8 seconds.
Tesla Autopilot promo shows what it can do for your commute
Why let fans make the videos when you can do it yourself? Tesla Motors just made public a new video -- if it ever runs as a TV ad, it could be the company's first one -- promoting its Autopilot feature that does a lot of the driving on its own. Now, there have been some (mostly driver caused) hiccups in the rollout, other cars have some similar features and the ability to summon your car from NY to LA is still pending. But, the video does do a realistic job of showing what Autopilot is actually capable of: hit Summon, the car turns on and pulls out of the garage, leading to hassle-free driving on a closed-access highway with automated lane changes, with self parallel parking at the end. In the video it doesn't seem to show the driver actually letting go of the wheel, which is also probably a good call. Elon Musk says Autopilot is a "super high priority" and now Tesla is making sure people know about it.
Tesla wants a factory in China, and fast
Ahead of his participation in a Hong Kong technology forum tomorrow, the ever so busy Elon Musk has managed to take some time out to give us an update on how Tesla's doing in Greater China. Without revealing specific sales figures, the CEO told Engadget that his company is now "doing reasonably well" in Mainland China despite the earlier hiccup, and he aims to lock down manufacturing plans -- finding a local partner and a location for the plant -- for the local market by middle of this year. As with most other foreign auto makers who do business in China, this key strategy is to waive the high import duties charged by the local government, as well as to access other local incentives for EVs. Until then, Musk said there's no further news to share on that end.
Tesla hopes cars will drive themselves cross-country by 2018
Tesla only just introduced the ability to summon your car from its parking spot, but it already has much, much larger ambitions. Company chief Elon Musk is predicting that the Model S' just-introduced Summon feature will work anywhere within two years, or around 2018. As he puts it, you could ask your electric vehicle in New York City to meet you in Los Angeles -- so long as you could afford to wait a couple of days, you wouldn't have to budge. The company's snake-like automatic chargers would keep the EV running on these lengthy journeys.
