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Elon Musk hints at tomorrow's Tesla D reveal (update: new Model S with supercar speed?)
Need a few more breadcrumbs to follow until Elon Musk "unveils the D" (and something else) tomorrow? During an interview tonight at Vanity Fair's New Establishment Summit, Tesla's CEO told Walter Isaacson a few juicy tidbits about his news, without really revealing anything -- other than what we've already seen. According to Musk "One of the things is already there, and people just don't realize it." Also, some of the internet's guesses (dual engine? autonomous driving? AWD?) are apparently on track, as he said people are "directionally correct," but that they don't "appreciate the magnitude." You can watch a clip of of the interview embedded after the break and leave your own theories in the comments, we'll be reporting live from the unveiling in LA tomorrow night to find out the truth. Update: Need a little more fuel for the rumor mill? Electrek is claiming that tomorrow we'll see a dual-motor equipped Tesla Model S P85D that might be capable of 0 - 60 MPH in under three seconds, acceleration that puts it in the range of Bugatti, Ferrari and the like. Magnitude, indeed. Update 2 (10 / 9): Our own Nicole Lee (@Nicole) is on site for Tesla's event tonight. From what we hear, the doors will open at 10PM ET, with the unveiling set for an hour or so afterwards. We will not be liveblogging the event, but we will post any updates, both here and on our Twitter account @Engadget. Update 3: The details are out -- check out what we know about Tesla's new AWD and (almost, kinda) self-driving cars here. [Image credit: Getty Images for Vanity Fair]
Tesla Motors preps for its $35k Model 3 with a new battery factory in Nevada
Tesla Motors is going to need to expand production to hit its goal of selling a $35,000 electric vehicle by 2017, and as rumored, today it's announcing plans for a new plant in Nevada that will help it get there. Several states were in the running to host the "Gigafactory" (and its 6,500~ jobs) but Elon Musk and Co. have chosen to put down roots in the Reno area. According to local papers like the Reno Gazette-Journal, that's why Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval will ask the state legislature to approve a $1.25 billion tax incentive package to make the deal stick. According to Elon Musk, the factory will use solar, wind and geothermal energy to produce all of the energy it needs as a "net zero energy factory." As seen above, it's supposed to produce 50 GWh in annual battery production by 2020, enough to power 500,000 of Tesla's cars. The deal is being announced right now at a press conference, check out the live video after the break to follow along (update: the live stream appears to have died, but Jason Hidalgo of the Reno Gazette-Journal is live tweeting Musk's statements).
Tomorrow Tesla Motors will announce the location for its battery 'Gigafactory' is Nevada
Several states have been in the running for a multi-billion dollar facility Tesla Motors has envisioned to build components for its electric cars (including the $35,000 Model 3), but it appears Nevada is the one. CNBC sources indicated a deal was close earlier today, and now Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval has timed a "major announcement" for tomorrow at 7PM ET. Other sources like Bloomberg claim CEO Elon Musk and other Tesla representatives will be at the event, and also mention that there could be more factories to follow. A joint operation with Panasonic, the 'Gigafactory' is key to Tesla's strategy to lower the price of EVs in the future by working on different parts for the batteries (raw materials, cells, modules and battery pack enclosures) all in one place. Naturally, the prospect of some 6,500 or so new jobs have had southwestern states ideal for its renewable energy plans fighting over the right to play host.
The Tesla Model S doesn't have onboard navigation in China
Take a Tesla Model S for a spin in the US or Europe, and you'll have the help of a integrated navigation system to help you find your way. In China, you'll have to unfold a traditional, paper map. Local drivers are learning that the country's aversion to Google services keeps Tesla from employing its usual map solution, leaving the sedan unequipped to guide its users through the streets of Shanghai. It's an unfortunate situation, but it won't last forever -- Tesla says that it's working on a solution that supports Chinese voice and text recognition, and expects to update cars in the Chinese market with navigation features later this year. Check out Asysha Webb's ChinaEV blog at the source link below for Tesla's full statement.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk wants to go to Mars
The United States space shuttle program no longer exists, which leaves NASA's astronauts with few options for hitching a ride to the International Space Station. One option, Russia's space program, is currently roadblocked by politics. Another other option is thankfully here in the US, with Elon Musk's SpaceX offering rides to and from the ISS; Musk says that his company will transport human beings between Earth and the ISS "in about two to three years" with the second version of his company's Dragon spacecraft. But the long game isn't the ISS: it's Mars.
Tesla preps for Model X production with assembly line revamp
In order to boost output of the Model S and to prepare for production of the Model X SUV, Tesla has paused work at its only plant for two weeks. Bloomberg reports that $100 million in upgrades are on tap for the factory that will allow both vehicles to be constructed on the same assembly line. The changes will also increase production of the Model S sedan by 25 percent. As you may recall, the company's electric SUV has been delayed more than once, so by now there's a few folks anticipating the expected 2015 arrival. [Photo credit: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images]
Why Tesla Motors can't sell cars in most of the United States
Tesla Motors makes beautiful, quality electric automobiles. Don't just take it from us; Consumer Reports rated the Tesla Model S the "best overall" car in its 2014 Top Picks report (which includes all non-electric cars as well). Yet, despite Tesla CEO Elon Musk's ongoing effort to expand his EV empire, state after state in the United States is pushing back. Not because those states are against electronic vehicles, Musk or even Tesla; it's about the way Tesla wants to sell its cars. Specifically, it's about money.
White House responds to Tesla direct sales: We love Tesla, can't help
Though nearly 150,000 people signed a petition last summer asking the United States government to allow Tesla Motors the ability to sell cars directly to consumers, the White House won't help. "We believe in the goal of improving consumer choice for American families, including more vehicles that provide savings at the pump for consumers," special assistant to the president for energy and climate change, Dan Utech, wrote in a response to the petition last Friday. "However, we understand that pre-empting current state laws on direct-to-consumer auto sales would require an act of Congress." As it stands, state laws protecting entrenched automakers like Ford, Honda and other industry leaders make it a state-by-state fight for Tesla to open dealerships. The company most recently broke through in Pennsylvania, where it's opening five shops; that required a bill to be written, passed through the state legislature, and then signed into law by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett. Seriously.
Tesla Motors' Elon Musk will help fund a Nikola Tesla museum
You may recall The Oatmeal's (aka Matthew Inman's) fundraising campaign to save Nikola Tesla's former lab and get a museum built in the electrical pioneer's honor. Well, it only partly succeeded; while the money was enough to rescue the property, Inman realized that it would take at least $8 million to build and maintain an actual museum. Thankfully, a little serendipity is coming his way. Following a public plea from Inman, Tesla Motors chief Elon Musk now says that he'll be "happy to help" make the museum a reality and pay tribute to his company's namesake.
Tesla Model S catches fire after battery puncture, Musk responds
A Tesla Model S caught fire on the highway recently after its bottom-mounted battery compartment was struck by a piece of metal. That piece of metal punched a three-inch hole through quarter-inch armor plating, impaling the car with a "peak force on the order of 25 tons" according to company CEO Elon Musk's post on the Tesla blog. Even after firefighters punctured the battery's protective cover to extinguish the fire, it never reached the passenger compartment. For his part, Musk was quick to note how low the fire ratio is in his EVs compared to traditional autos; one for every 100 million miles driven in a Tesla, while one gas-powered vehicle catches fire for every 20 million miles traveled. There's even an email thread between the affected owner and Tesla's VP of sales and service at the source, too. Spoiler alert: The company offered the owner a white loaner model for the interim. [Image source: AJ Gill / YouTube]
Tesla crash tests prove Model S is the safest car on the road
The Tesla Model S' all-electric infrastructure is being credited with a heck of a lot more than top-notch energy efficiency. Because of the design, the vehicle lacks a large gasoline engine block up front, boosting the "crumple zone" and ultimately saving lives during an otherwise deadly crash. As a result, the sedan scored a combined record of 5.4 stars during a recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) test. That figure is higher than the maximum published rating of 5 stars, but Tesla received a more comprehensive report detailing actual results. The Model S also earned high marks with its rear-crash, side-pole-intrusion and rollover tests. Additionally, the lithium-ion battery did not catch fire at any time, and it never has in a Roadster or Model S -- the same can't be said for certain competitors.
Tesla to join the Nasdaq 100 as Oracle departs for the NYSE
As of Monday, July 15th, Tesla Motors will be included in the Nasdaq 100, a list of the largest non-financial stocks on Nasdaq's index. A spot in that elite group opened up when Oracle announced that it would be moving to the New York Stock Exchange, making it inelegible for inclusion on Nasdaq. The news seemed to please shareholders, and at the time of this writing, Tesla's stock had surged ahead nearly 2 percent. The company's entry into the Nasdaq 100 is a sure sign that its forward trajectory is nigh unstoppable -- at least for now. With an overall stock gain of nearly 260 percent in 2013, Tesla Motors just keeps on truckin'.
Tesla wins in North Carolina, paves the way for direct-to-consumer sales
Tesla Motors continues to buck the odds, celebrating a major victory in the North Carolina Senate this week. The North Carolina Automobile Dealers -- concerned about competition -- set its sights on the green car company last month when it endorsed a bill that would've significantly curtailed Tesla's ability to sell vehicles in the state. The legislation, supported by the Senate's Commerce Committee, targeted direct-to-consumer sales which eliminate the need for dealerships. But Elon Musk and friends proved that it wouldn't be quite so easy to squeeze them out of NCAD's territory -- Tesla took both North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory and House Speaker Thom Tillis on test drives to show off the car's capabilities. Musk's strategy seems to have paid off, as the North Carolina House of Representatives struck down the bill on Tuesday. With another victory under its belt, Tesla's upward momentum shows few signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors and SpaceX, live at D11
Elon Musk is a busy man. He's also a man who isn't afraid to speak his mind, as we found out during his SXSW keynote earlier this year. This evening, he's capping off a day of interviews at D11 with one of his own. As CEO of both Tesla Motors and SpaceX, he knows a thing or two about transportation -- both within this atmosphere and beyond. Grab a cup of cocoa and join us after the break as we cover it live, won't you?
Tesla Model S gets Consumer Reports' top score, suggests it's easy being green
While we largely enjoyed our time behind the wheel of the Tesla Model S, we clearly didn't have as much fun as Consumer Reports. The often stringent outlet just gave the EV sedan a 99 out of 100 rating, which makes it not just the publication's highest-ranked electric car, but its highest-ranked car... period. In particular, Tesla earned high marks for efficiency and quietness, as you'd expect, although CR is equally impressed with the Model S' performance and that inescapable 17-inch touchscreen. The review isn't uniformly positive, though: not surprisingly, the luxury pricing and inherent range limits prevent a flawless verdict. It's still a symbolic win for eco-friendly transport, however, and might help one Mr. Musk feel better about his pride and joy.
Tesla Model S app hits Android in beta
Sending commands to a Tesla Model S via a native smartphone app is already old hat for iPhone users who have one of Musk and Co.'s electric chariots, but Android users are just now getting their first crack at a dedicated app. Google Play has finally been graced with a beta version of the software, packing the look and features of its iOS counterpart. Armed with the application, Model S owners can remotely control charging, keep tabs on the car's battery level, adjust the cabin's climate, find and track the auto on a map, trigger door locks and more. Regarding bugs in the beta, Tesla warns that some UI glitches are on its radar. Jab the bordering source link for the download. [Thanks, Jarrod]
Tesla Model S price hike incoming, current reservations can dodge the increase
Just two weeks after announcing its expectations to become cash flow positive, Tesla's clued us into an upcoming price hike for the Model S. The word is mum regarding a reason for the change and how much more customers will have to pony up for the award-winning EV, but Musk and Co. are planning to reveal more details within the next two to three weeks. As part of the price increase, the automaker will be tweaking Model S package options, making some standard features optional going forward. Model S enthusiasts with reservations will remain unaffected by the price and package changes so long as they configure and finalize their cars "within a fair, predefined timeframe" before the heftier price tag goes into effect. Likewise, those who've deferred their reservations will have a similar period of time to finalize their order and escape the higher asking price. [Thanks, Jarrod]
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.
Watch Tesla's 'Supercharger Network' unveiling tonight at 11PM ET
What is Tesla Motors' Elon Musk hiding up his sleeve? "Alien spaceships landed at highway rest stops," we're told, but all will be unveiled tonight at Tesla's Supercharger Network debut stream. All we know about Tesla's Supercharger Network thus far is it'll offer charging and battery swaps for the company's electric cars -- presumably "at highway rest stops" -- but tonight promises far more information. Will the stations be solar-powered, as some speculate? Will they introduce us to actual aliens in actual spaceships? Tune in to the company's stream to find out! Update: It's alive! We've embedded the video steam for your convenience. You'll find all the action right after the break.
