Model S
Latest
Tesla Model S axes 40 kWh battery option, surpasses sales goals
Thinking of picking up the budget Tesla Model S? Think again: the electric automaker just announced that it won't be sending its 40 kWh battery pack option into production, citing a lack of customer demand. Customers who opted for the lower range configuration will still get a car, of course, but it will be a 60 kWh machine with software restrictions on range. It sounds like a raw deal, but Tesla promises customers that the artificially limited Model S will reap unexpected benefits from the battery swap -- that is, improved acceleration and a higher top speed. All of the company's 60 kWh cars will be built with Supercharger hardware, too. Finally, the company announced that it surpassed its first quarter sales goal, having delivered 4,750 Model S vehicles on its planned 4,500. This gives it a head start on its year-end goal of delivering 20,000 cars in 2013 and presumably secures the Q1 profits it promised shareholders back in February. Curious onlookers and Department of Energy collectors can find the details after the break.
Tesla's Q4 2012 earnings: $90 million net loss, but forecasts a profit for Q1 2013
If you're one Elon Musk, you're probably ready for just about anything to take the place of the only story dominating the Tesla tagline for the past few weeks. Of course, a $90 million net loss isn't the ideal story to overtake the Model S kerfuffle, but hey -- at least the company's aiming to pull in a profit next quarter. In a bid to keep investors focused on the positive, the automaker's Q4 2012 shareholder letter notes that Tesla is officially predicting its first quarterly profit in Q1 2013, sliding up from "late 2013." For the quarter that just wrapped, the firm saw revenues of $306 million (a 500 percent increase sequentially from the $50.1 million seen in Q3 2012), and it ended the year with $221 million in total cash after having made the first quarterly principal payment of $12.7 million to repay the loan to the U.S. Department of Energy. Tesla also plans to deliver some 20,000 Model S vehicles in 2013, with around 4,500 of those happening in Q1. Europeans and Asians can expect their deliveries in "summer" / "late this year" (respectively), with the first Model X deliveries to occur in early 2014. Musk also told investors that it plans to "spend significantly less on capital expenditures" in 2013 compared to 2012, helping to (hopefully) generate "slightly positive net income on a non-GAAP basis" in Q1 2013.
The Weekly Roundup for 02.11.2013
You might say the week is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workweek, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Weekly Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 7 days -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Elon Musk produces Model S data logs to disprove New York Times' Tesla review
We liked Tesla's Model S, but some of the other outlets didn't feel the same way. The New York Times' John Broder, for one, described being stranded 25 miles away from the nearest supercharger station. However, after Tesla's litigious run-in with Top Gear, the company keeps detailed vehicle data logs to ensure it gets a fair deal in reviews. Now, Tesla (and SpaceX) CEO Elon Musk has posted the data that, he says, proves Broder wasn't being fair. Musk accuses Broder of pulling the plug on a recharge with just 32 miles range in the tank, despite planning a route of 61 miles "in obvious violation of common sense." He also says the reviewer drove past a public charge station, despite repeated warnings that it was running low, drove the car around at 81mph and "deliberately stopped charging" after shorter and shorter times. Musk finishes by saying that the company was wrong to offer Broder access to the vehicle, as it was "unaware of his outright disdain for electric cars" and asks the New York Times to investigate the review. We suspect this one's going to run-and-run, but we'd better warn the NYT that their opponent does have access to rockets.
The Daily Roundup for 02.12.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
The Weekly Roundup for 02.04.2013
You might say the week is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workweek, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Weekly Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 7 days -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Test-driving the Geneva Sound System Model S (updated)
Update: In this review, one of my major complaints is that the Model S does not have Bluetooth capabilities. Just after the review was published, Geneva contacted me to note that a Bluetooth version of the Model S will be available in the Spring of 2013. In a world seemingly dominated by cheap, tinny-sounding iPhone/iPod speaker docks, I'm always on the hunt for manufacturers who focus on quality sound and classy design. I received the Geneva Sound System Model S (US$299.95) for review quite a while ago, but didn't have the time to write it up until now. What I found when I finally unboxed this product was a speaker dock clock radio that seems perfect for older iPhones and iPods; however, the Model S lacks some features found on newer (and much less expensive) competitors. Design Geneva Labs makes a full line of speaker docks for iPhone and iPod, ranging from the tiny Model XS I reviewed last summer to the huge $3,500 Model XXL that will be available next month. The Model S has been around since 2010, which means that it's missing one very important feature -- a Lightning connector. That's not too much of an issue, since you can always use one of Apple's $29.99 Lightning to 30-pin Dock Connector adapters to bridge the generation gap. The review Model S came in glossy black on an aluminum table stand. You can remove that table stand if you wish, although I think it adds some panache to the device and also seems to make the speaker sound a bit louder. The front of this black box (it also comes in red, silver, and white, although the red and white versions are shown as "out of stock") features a perforated metal grille for durability and cat-proofing. Through that grille you can see the red LEDs of a display, which displays the time when the speaker is not in use. The top of the Model S is the big surprise: it's touch-sensitive. There's a small fingertip-sized indentation on the top back right corner of the speaker dock, which powers up the device with a light tap. When the power's up, the magic begins. A motorized iPhone/iPod dock rotates into view, ready for you to plug your device in and blast music. As it uses a mechanical connection, you also get the benefit of having your device charged while it's on the dock. %Gallery-178426% You also see a very classic iPod-like set of controls glowing atop the Model S. There's a scroll wheel with embedded OK button, the standard play/pause, skip forward, reverse buttons, a menu button, and a mode button. The mode button toggles between the iPod mode, FM radio mode, and Line In input. On the back of the unit you'll find a very generic power plug (fortunately, the power supply is built into the Model S, so there's no ugly power brick), the aforementioned Line In socket, and a place to attach a telescoping FM antenna. Functionality As mentioned, the Model S has a 30-pin Dock Connector. When I plugged the adapter into the device and plopped my iPhone 5 on top of that, it looked ... a little weird. And you definitely don't want to power down the Model S with the adapter plugged in, as it will keep the motorized dock from disappearing into the top of the unit and could possibly damage it. Once you've plugged an iPhone or iPod into the Model S, it recognizes it and the word iPod appears on the LED for about a minute. After that time, it switches back to the time display. All of the controls on top of the Model S work nicely, and there's an infrared remote control for those times you want to sit across the room on the love seat with your honey and go through your Al Green collection. That remote allows six presets for the FM radio, and controls all manner of settings. There are buttons for controlling the level of bass and treble through the twin speakers embedded in the case, volume controls, a way to set the clock and/or alarm clock, switch modes, and control playback on your iPod or iPhone. I found the sound quality of the Model S to be much better than average for a speaker dock of this size. As mentioned earlier, I found the sound from the Model S to be a bit more "full" when the speaker dock was sitting on top of its three-inch pedestal. Now, my complaints. As mentioned, this speaker dock has been out for almost three years now, which is a lifetime in the tech world. Many of the newer docks boast AirPlay compatibility via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth streaming, while the Model S is stuck in the past with only the 30-pin Dock Connector and line-in. For that very reason, I'd recommend the Model S only for people who have devices that use that connector and have no way to stream music wirelessly. One other issue is the price. While $300 isn't out of the question for a mid-level FM radio alarm clock speaker dock, there are a number of docks that do embrace the new technologies and are priced more reasonably. The iHome iW4 ($249.95) has streaming capabilities, an FM radio and alarm setup, and works with iPads -- which the Model S won't do. If you don't need streaming but need the other functions, the Philips DC291 Docking Clock Radio is a bargain at $119.95. Finally, like most touch interfaces, that fancy touch input on top of the unit grabs fingerprints like a CSI. Unlike the surface of your iPad or iPhone, it's not oleophobic. As you can see from one of the images in the gallery, the smears with clean fingers can look pretty bad. Conclusion While the Geneva Sound System Model S provides good sound quality and has some unique features, it seems a bit dated and is in need of an update to add AirPlay streaming, a Lightning connector, and the ability to work with iPads as well as iPhones and iPods. Pros One of the best sounding speaker dock / alarm clock systems I've tested Touch controls on the top of the Model S and an IR remote control make it easy to operate Stylish design Unique table stand (removable) Easy setup and operation Cons Relatively expensive for a speaker dock clock radio No AirPlay / Bluetooth streaming capabilities Has a 30-pin Dock Connector instead of a Lightning connector Rotating connector seems like a electromechanical failure waiting to happen Can't be used with iPads Who is it for? Owners of legacy iPods or iPhones who want good sound from an FM speaker dock clock radio and have no issues with paying a bit more.
The Daily Roundup for 02.07.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Tesla's European pricing for the Model S starts at €60,000, UK version due in Late 2013
Hot on the heels of the announcement that it'll open a distribution center in The Netherlands, Tesla Motors has spilled the beans on how many limbs Europeans will have to auction to afford one of its Model S EVs. The 60kWh edition will set you back €60,000 with the sportier (and faster) 85kWh version will begin at just under €92,000. Britons eager to get their hands on the cars will take heart that a right-hand-drive model may hit production in the tail-end of next year, but if you place your order before the end of December, you'll get the same €1,700 discount that our friends on the continent will enjoy.
Tesla's Supercharger network goes live in six California towns, encourages EV road trips
Time to go on that great California road trip, Tesla owners; the EV maker has just launched new Superchargers in six Golden State locations: Folsom Premium Outlets, Harris Ranch in Coalinga, Gilroy Premium Outlets, Barstow, Tejon Ranch in Lebec and Hawthorne. They appear to be strategically placed to ease journeys between San Francisco, Los Angeles, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas, NV. The solar powered stations from SolarCity are designed just for Tesla vehicles, with Model S sedans being able to charge for free. According to Tesla, a Model S can be charged in about 30 minutes if you want to get around three hours of 60mph driving out of it, so you'll have plenty of time to grab an In-N-Out Double Double on your way to Sin City.
Tesla Model S squares off against BMW M5 in drag race, gives EVs extra street cred (video)
We already know from our own experience that the Tesla Model S is a driver's car, with acceleration and handling you wouldn't expect from a big and quiet luxury sedan. There's still nothing like a drag race to help settle the matter. Automobile has pitted the upscale EV against one of its more conspicuous rivals, BMW's M5, with performance results that might surprise those who would expect a 500HP, twin-turbo V8 to regularly come out on top. While we won't spoil the full results of the showdown video after the break, let's just say that even the M5's relatively wide torque band can only do so much when the Model S' electric motor is always at its peak. BMW's car may be better overall for those who want to travel long distances outside of certain routes, or to enjoy a burly exhaust note -- but there has to be a certain thrill for Tesla drivers who know they can hang with the speed kings while helping the environment.
Elon Musk says Tesla will be 'cash flow positive' soon, announces early repayment of DOE loan
After Tesla Motors' recent SEC filing painted a picture of production delays, revenue shortfalls and stock sales to raise cash, CEO Elon Musk has gone on the record to say everything's a-okay. The omnipresent executive said that "if the calendar were simply shifted a few weeks to the right" Tesla would have actually exceeded its vehicle delivery targets for the quarter, and said that the share release was merely held to mitigate risk from suppliers. He also claimed that the Department of Energy's request for early repayment was not a poor reflection of the EV maker's financial state, but actually a hearty endorsement -- the government branch expects Tesla to make loads of cash, and wants it to repay the loan early rather than hoarding it. As such, Musk announced the Model S builder had initiated its first early payment today and would pay off the principal loan prior to its March 2013 due date. We'll have to see if that's enough to keep the automaker's name out of any future presidential debates. [Image credit: Tesla Motors]
Tesla's Supercharger not compatible with competitor's EVs, keeps electricity within the family
Planning on juicing up your Chevy Volt, Mitsubishi i-MiEV or Nissan Leaf with Tesla's Supercharger? Hold your horses, vaquero. The nighttime unveiling stressed that the quick-charge solution was Model S-friendly, but we should also note that it's only compatible with the firm's automobile. Vehicles from other automakers won't be able to jack into the station thanks to a 20-kilowatt hour converter, which would zap other batteries with too much electricity, and a proprietary plug. Unless something changes, those planning cross-country trips using EVs from other manufacturers will just have to find an alternative to Musk and Co.'s white obelisk.
Tesla behind on Model S production goals, aims for extra cash with stock sale
Sure, topping off a Model S in 30 minutes with a Supercharger is awfully handy, but production delays of the sedan will keep some future owners away from quick charge times -- and most importantly -- their cars for a little while longer. In a freshly published filing with the US Securities Exchange and Commission, Tesla revealed that it hasn't reached its goal of producing 400 Model S vehicles a week, which places them four to five weeks behind their 2012 delivery expectations. To date, just 255 of the autos have rolled off the assembly line, 132 of which have made their way to new homes. According to the Palo Alto-based outfit, ramping up production has been slower than expected for a number of reasons, including supplier delays and taking a deliberately measured pace for quality assurance purposes. Before the year draws to a close, Musk and Co. anticipate meeting their goal of churning out 400 cars each week, and a total of 20,000 by the end of 2013. Currently, the automaker has racked up around 13,000 reservations and thinks it'll be working to fulfill even more throughout 2013. As a result of the manufacturing lag, the firm has slashed its revenue forecast by as much as $200 million, estimating it'll rake in anywhere from $400 million to $440 million this year. In an effort to add cash to its coffers, the company is putting up roughly 5 million shares of stock for sale. Who's buying, you say? Tesla mentioned its CEO Elon Musk is interested in putting down a cool million bucks.
Tesla reveals Supercharger network it says will cover the US in two years; Model S fills up for free, always
At Tesla's event, CEO Elon Musk has finally taken the wraps off of its Superchargers which it has already set up at six locations in California, pictured in the map after the break. The company plans installations on "high traffic corridors across the US" over the next year, with units heading to Europe and Asia in the second half of 2013. According to Musk, the solar powered systems will put more power back into the grid than the cars use while driving. Oh, and for you Model S owners? You will always be able to charge at any of the stations for free. According to Musk, the economies of scale developed while building the Model S have helped it get costs down on the chargers, although he did not offer specifics. During the event we also saw video of drivers charging their vehicles at stations today that Tesla apparently constructed in secret. They're using solar technology from (also owned by Musk) SolarCity, and can charge a Model S with 100 kilowatts good for three hours of driving at 60mph in about 30 minutes. Currently pushing 90kW, they could go as high as 120 in the future for even faster charging. Check the press release embedded after the break or Tesla's website for more details. Update: The video replay of the event itself is live, and embedded after the break.
Tesla CEO teases crossover and sports car EVs for 2016
Tesla founder Elon Musk would like to remind you that the Model X isn't the terminus of his company's electric car ambitions. Far from it: Musk tells Wired that Tesla's 2016 plans include both a crossover SUV akin to the BMW X3 as well as a pure sports car that goes beyond just a Roadster redux. The racier vehicle will have speed, but "not supercar pricing," the CEO says. He also elaborated on already-known plans for an 'entry' sedan in 2015, which should resemble a 20 to 25 percent smaller Model S and cost about $30,000 if all goes well. There's a wide gap between promises and reality in all those statements, but Musk has a reputation for largely delivering on target -- which gives us hope that there will finally be Tesla EVs within range of everyday budgets.
Tesla details service plans, software updates for Model S
So you drop $50,000+ on a Tesla Model S -- then what? The all-electric automaker offered some more details on what folks can expect in the ensuing years on its blog this week, detailing service plans and software updates, and what it'll all cost. On that latter point, you can expect to pay $600 for a basic one-year service plan, or opt for a four-year package that'll set you back $1900 -- on-site visits are available for an extra $100, or as part of a four-year, $2400 plan that includes unlimited on-site visits. To provide that service, Tesla has also announced that it's nearly tripling its number of service centers, which it says will mean there's a service center within 100 miles of more than 90 percent of Model S reservation holders. What's more, it's also offered some details on what those owners will see in future software updates, including an optional "creep" mode that will mimic the slow, forward roll of a car with an automatic transmission. You can find more details and a full list of service centers at the links below.
Tesla Model S first drive: the sports sedan goes electric (update: video)
It's no secret that we have a few automobile enthusiasts in our midst here at Engadget, and we're pretty sure there are some in the audience as well -- you know who you are. Still, you don't have to be a car nut to appreciate all the innovation and technology that's gone into Tesla's sophomore vehicle -- the Model S electric sedan. So strap yourselves in and hold on to your kneecaps: you're about to ride along with us as we drive the Model S for the very first time. Excited? We are too -- hit the break for our first drive video and impressions.
Tesla Model S rolls by the EPA, keeps on going, and going
Sometimes all you want are just the cold hard numbers. With electric vehicles, this means EPA rating. The Tesla Model S just got officially measured up, and scored a reasonable MPGe of 89 (combined), 88 (city) and 90 (highway), plus an impressive single charge range of 265 miles. This isn't all that far off the manufacturer's own (albeit optimistic) early estimates. To get that range, you'll have to trump up $69,900 for the fully loaded, 85-kWh battery totin' version, but if you're planning that once-in-a-lifetime journey, it's probably money well spent.
Tesla gives Model S Signature drivers a year of free data, reveals their cars' true colors (video)
Although Tesla has already delivered the first Model S to its eager owner, the fledgling automaker is still offering a steady stream of treats to those patiently waiting for the official June 22nd date. Drivers who spring for the Signature Series trim level of the EV sedan now get a year's worth of mobile data at no extra cost, a bonus no doubt helpful for buyers who get lost on the first drive. Regardless of which Model S might eventually find the driveway in the future, Tesla is providing a look at how it paints the car's chosen color. Each aluminum shell is dipped in an electro-coating solution, baked in an oven, water-sealed and given its final clear coat paint by robots -- no dealer will be charging extra for weatherproofing here. It's all appropriately futuristic, and you can get a peek at the whole process in the video after the break as well as at the source.
