BeerFiles is a sometimes irreverent blog concerning all things to do with IT, technology, people and the media from the point of view of a hard boiled technology journalist and commentator. Stan has been in the IT game for about a quarter of a century. He has seen and written about the rise and fall of more than a few IT players and made many friends, some of whom he has even crossed swords with on occasions. Everything in this blog is purely Stan’s opinion so if you agree, wish to expand upon, correct a post or tell Stan he’s a clueless know nothing, please feel free.

Silicon Valley wants to solve world energy problems

by Stan Beer

Sunday, 27 August 2006

Page 3 of 4 After unveiling the car to a celebrity audience in July, Tesla received advance orders for 100 of the Roadsters at US$100,000 each paid up front. That's about as many cars as Tesla can produce in its first year. Apparently, under the bonnet, the Tesla Roadster is reportedly more battery than car, with nearly 7000 Lithium Ion cells arranged in blades, accounting for nearly 1000 pounds of the car's 2500 pounds of mass. The Tesla Roadster is obviously a high end sports car, a toy for rich people. However, Tesla the company understands that as a startup it is not yet in a position to meet the needs of the mass market. Therefore, it selling to the same market who paid a fortune for the early plasma TVs. The good news for energy conscious consumers is that Tesla plans to start producing cars for the rest of us in 2008. They'll still be pricey - around $45,000 to $50,000 for a four door sedan. However, that's within the budget of many middle class families, especially when you take the fuel and maintenance cost savings into account. On those points, Tesla claims that the cost of running its cars will be much lower than internal combustion engine models. Fuel will be about 1c a mile and, as the electromagnetic engine has just one moving part, maintenance will be minimal. << First page <   1 2 3 4 Next page > Last page - Post your comment >>

 

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