The Spaceship has landed in California !
With much fanfare Tesla launched their Supercharger into California Monday night, and while their was some technical glitches actually getting the unit out from under cover, the event was Tesla-quality hype.Tesla CEO Elon Musk, standing in front of the Tesla Supercharger and charging Model S, spend a good 10 minutes giving us the background on the process, the specifics on the machine and Tesla’s rollout plans.
Of particular interest was that the statement that the Superchargers are not that expensive “due to zero marginal energy cost after installation” and that Tesla Model S owners “can travel forever for free,” as the units will be no charge to Tesla owners.
Video Recast of Supercharge Premiere Event:
Tesla Touts 150 Mile Charge In 30 Minutes !
Some of the other highlights:
- Superchargers coupled with SolarCity (of which Musk is Chairmen) will produce “more energy than the cars will draw” from the unit, so you can be confident of truly green power in your Model S
- Units currently charge at 100 kW according to Musk (although Tesla’s official Supercharger page lists the rate at 90kW), and 120 “into the future”
- Supercharging is available for both the 85 kWh and 60 kWh versions of the Model S (not the entry level 40 kW)
- Network consists of 6 stations now, that almost give total coverage of California (provided you are driving a 85 kWh/265 mile Model S)
- Network will expand into Nevada and Oregon next year, and will cover “almost all” of the US in 2 years, with total coverage planned in both the US and southern Canada in 5 years (over 100 stations), as well as limited coverage in Europe and Asia
Tesla Supercharger Network Now
Four (Out Of A Current 6) California Superchargers At Work
Musk likened his Supercharger in importance to his SpaceX company’s first docking with the International Space Station earlier this year.
Also of interest, that Model S shown coupled to the new Supercharger at the beginning of the presentation gained about 35 miles of range during the 10(ish) minute demonstration. Impressive indeed.
Check out Tesla’s dedicated page on the Supercharger for no more details here.
Tesla's SuperCharger Press Release:
Tesla Motors Launches Revolutionary Supercharger Enabling Convenient Long Distance Driving
Drive the Model S electric car anywhere in the country on pure sunlight for free
HAWTHORNE, Calif. – Sept. 24, 2012 –Tesla Motors today unveiled its highly anticipated Supercharger network. Constructed in secret, Tesla revealed the locations of the first six Supercharger stations, which will allow the Model S to travel long distances with ultra fast charging throughout California, parts of Nevada and Arizona.
The technology at the heart of the Supercharger was developed internally and leverages the economies of scale of existing charging technology already used by the Model S, enabling Tesla to create the Supercharger device at minimal cost. The electricity used by the Supercharger comes from a solar carport system provided by SolarCity, which results in almost zero marginal energy cost after installation. Combining these two factors, Tesla is able to provide Model S owners1 free long distance travel indefinitely.
Each solar power system is designed to generate more energy from the sun over the course of a year than is consumed by Tesla vehicles using the Supercharger. This results in a slight net positive transfer of sunlight generated power back to the electricity grid. In addition to lowering the cost of electricity, this addresses a commonly held misunderstanding that charging an electric car simply pushes carbon emissions to the power plant. The Supercharger system will always generate more power from sunlight than Model S customers use for driving. By adding even a small solar system at their home, electric car owners can extend this same principle to local city driving too.
The six California locations unveiled today are just the beginning. By next year, we plan to install Superchargers in high traffic corridors across the continental United States, enabling fast, purely electric travel from Vancouver to San Diego, Miami to Montreal and Los Angeles to New York. Tesla will also begin installing Superchargers in Europe and Asia in the second half of 2013.
The Supercharger is substantially more powerful than any charging technology to date, providing almost 100 kilowatts of power to the Model S, with the potential to go as high as 120 kilowatts in the future. This can replenish three hours of driving at 60 mph in about half an hour, which is the convenience inflection point for travelers at a highway rest stop. Most people who begin a road trip at 9:00 a.m. would normally stop by noon to have lunch, refresh and pick up a coffee or soda for the road, all of which takes about 30 minutes.
"Tesla's Supercharger network is a game changer for electric vehicles, providing long distance travel that has a level of convenience equivalent to gasoline cars for all practical purposes. However, by making electric long distance travel at no cost, an impossibility for gasoline cars, Tesla is demonstrating just how fundamentally better electric transport can be," said Elon Musk, Tesla Motors co-founder and CEO. "We are giving Model S the ability to drive almost anywhere for free on pure sunlight."
About Model S
With the most energy-dense battery pack in the industry and best-in-class aerodynamics, Model S has the longest range of any production electric car in the world. Model S comes with three battery options to fit the unique needs of different drivers. The 85 kWh Model S has received a U.S. fuel economy rating of 89MPGe and an EPA rated range of 265 miles.
Model S is the first premium sedan designed from the ground up to take full advantage of electric vehicle architecture. A revolutionary powertrain sits under the floorboard of Model S, creating an ultra-low center of gravity. Paired with an aluminum body engineered for superior handling, Tesla has created a vehicle that raises the bar for performance and efficiency while meeting the highest standards for safety.
Without an internal combustion engine or transmission tunnel, the interior of Model S has more cargo space than any other sedan in its class and includes a second trunk under the hood. Model S seats five adults and two children in optional rear-facing child seats. Model S Performance models accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.4 seconds. The interior features a 17" in-dash touchscreen with internet capabilities, allowing for streaming radio, web browsing and navigation.
Customers can reserve a Model S at one of Tesla's retail stores or online.
About Tesla
Tesla's goal is to accelerate the world's transition to electric mobility. Palo Alto, California-based Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV power train components for partners such as Toyota and Daimler. Tesla has delivered more than 2,350 Roadsters to customers worldwide. Model S, the first premium sedan to be built from the ground up as an electric vehicle, began deliveries in June 2012.
Interested in keeping up with Tesla Motors? For more information on Tesla Motors and its products, please visit: teslamotors.com For more information for Tesla Motors investors, please visit: ir.teslamotors.com For the latest information from Tesla Motors, including press releases and the Tesla blog, please visit: teslamotors.com/press
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release including statements regarding future Supercharger locations and capabilities are "forward-looking statements" that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations. Various important factors could cause actual results to differ materially, including the risks identified in our SEC filings. Tesla disclaims any obligation to update this information.
1 Supercharging hardware is standard on Model S vehicles equipped with an 85 kWh battery and optional on Model S vehicles equipped with a 60 kWh battery.
Sources: InsideEVs & Tesla Motors
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