3. The Secret Tesla Motors Master Plan by Elon Musk
Posted by: "Remy Chevalier" electrifyingtimes@... cleannewworld
Date: Sat Aug 5, 2006 9:06 am (PDT)

The Secret Tesla Motors Master Plan (just between you and me)
by Elon Musk
Chairman of the Board

published Wednesday, August 2nd, 2006



Backgrounder: My day job is running a space transportation company called
SpaceX, but on the side I am the chairman of Tesla Motors and help formulate
the business and product strategy with Martin and the rest of the team. I
have also been Tesla Motor's primary funding source from when the company
was just three people and a business plan.

From:
http://www.teslamotors.com/blog1/?p=8

As you know, the initial product of Tesla Motors is a high performance
electric sports car called the Tesla Roadster. However, some readers may not
be aware of the fact that our long term plan is to build a wide range of
models, including affordably priced family cars. This is because the
overarching purpose of Tesla Motors (and the reason I am funding the
company) is to help expedite the move from a mine-and-burn hydrocarbon
economy towards a solar electric economy, which I believe to be the primary,
but not exclusive, sustainable solution.

Critical to making that happen is an electric car without compromises, which
is why the Tesla Roadster is designed to beat a gasoline sports car like a
Porsche or Ferrari in a head to head showdown. Then, over and above that
fact, it has twice the energy efficiency of a Prius. Even so, some may
question whether this actually does any good for the world. Are we really in
need of another high performance sports car? Will it actually make a
difference to global carbon emissions?

Well, the answers are no and not much. However, that misses the point,
unless you understand the secret master plan alluded to above. Almost any
new technology initially has high unit cost before it can be optimized and
this is no less true for electric cars. The strategy of Tesla is to enter at
the high end of the market, where customers are prepared to pay a premium,
and then drive down market as fast as possible to higher unit volume and
lower prices with each successive model.

Without giving away too much, I can say that the second model will be a
sporty four door family car at roughly half the $89k price point of the
Tesla Roadster and the third model will be even more affordable. In keeping
with a fast growing technology company, all free cash flow is plowed back
into R&D to drive down the costs and bring the follow on products to market
as fast as possible. When someone buys the Tesla Roadster sports car, they
are actually helping pay for development of the low cost family car.

Now I'd like to address two repeated arguments against electric vehicles -
battery disposal and power plant emissions. The answer to the first is short
and simple, the second requires a bit of math:

Batteries that are not toxic to the environment!
I wouldn't recommend them as a dessert topping, but the Tesla Motors
Lithium-Ion cells are not classified as hazardous and are landfill safe.
However, dumping them in the trash would be throwing money away, since the
battery pack can be sold to recycling companies (unsubsidized) at the end of
its greater than 100,000-mile design life. Moreover, the battery isn't dead
at that point, it just has less range.

Power Plant Emissions aka "The Long Tailpipe"
(For a more detailed version of this argument, please see the white paper
written by Martin and Marc.)

A common rebuttal to electric vehicles as a solution to carbon emissions is
that they simply transfer the CO2 emissions to the power plant. The obvious
counter is that one can develop grid electric power from a variety of means,
many of which, like hydro, wind, geothermal, nuclear, solar, etc. involve no
CO2 emissions. However, let's assume for the moment that the electricity is
generated from a hydrocarbon source like natural gas, the most popular fuel
for new US power plants in recent years.

The H-System Combined Cycle Generator from General Electric is 60% efficient
in turning natural gas into electricity. "Combined Cycle" is where the
natural gas is burned to generate electricity and then the waste heat is
used to create steam that powers a second generator. Natural gas recovery is
97.5% efficient, processing is also 97.5% efficient and then transmission
efficiency over the electric grid is 92% on average. This gives us a
well-to-electric-outlet efficiency of 97.5% x 97.5% x 60% x 92% = 52.5%.

Despite a body shape, tires and gearing aimed at high performance rather
than peak efficiency, the Tesla Roadster requires 0.4 MJ per kilometer or,
stated another way, will travel 2.53 km per mega-joule of electricity. The
full cycle charge and discharge efficiency of the Tesla Roadster is 86%,
which means that for every 100 MJ of electricity used to charge the battery,
about 86 MJ reaches the motor.

Bringing the math together, we get the final figure of merit of 2.53 km/MJ x
86% x 52.5% = 1.14 km/MJ. Let's compare that to the Prius and a few other
options normally considered energy efficient.

The fully considered well-to-wheel efficiency of a gasoline powered car is
equal to the energy content of gasoline (34.3 MJ/liter) minus the refinement
& transportation losses (18.3%), multiplied by the miles per gallon or km
per liter. The Prius at an EPA rated 55 mpg therefore has an energy
efficiency of 0.56 km/MJ. This is actually an excellent number compared with
a "normal" car like the Toyota Camry at 0.28 km/MJ.

Note the term hybrid as applied to cars currently on the road is a misnomer.
They are really just gasoline powered cars with a little battery assistance
and, unless you are one of the handful who have an aftermarket hack, the
little battery has to be charged from the gasoline engine. Therefore, they
can be considered simply as slightly more efficient gasoline powered cars.
If the EPA certified mileage is 55 mpg, then it is indistinguishable from a
non-hybrid that achieves 55 mpg. As a friend of mine says, a world 100% full
of Prius drivers is still 100% addicted to oil.

The CO2 content of any given source fuel is well understood. Natural gas is
14.4 grams of carbon per mega-joule and oil is 19.9 grams of carbon per
mega-joule. Applying those carbon content levels to the vehicle
efficiencies, including as a reference the Honda combusted natural gas and
Honda fuel cell natural gas vehicles, the hands down winner is pure
electric:

Car Energy Source CO2 Content Efficiency CO2 Emissions
Honda CNG Natural Gas 14.4 g/MJ 0.32 km/MJ 45.0 g/km
Honda FCX Nat Gas-Fuel Cell 14.4 g/MJ 0.35 km/MJ 41.1 g/km
Toyota Prius Oil 19.9 g/MJ 0.56 km/MJ 35.8 g/km
Tesla Roadster Nat Gas-Electric 14.4 g/MJ 1.14 km/MJ 12.6 g/km


The Tesla Roadster still wins by a hefty margin if you assume the average
CO2 per joule of US power production. The higher CO2 content of coal
compared to natural gas is offset by the negligible CO2 content of hydro,
nuclear, geothermal, wind, solar, etc. The exact power production mixture
varies from one part of the country to another and is changing over time, so
natural gas is used here as a fixed yardstick.

Becoming Energy Positive
I should mention that Tesla Motors will be co-marketing sustainable energy
products from other companies along with the car. For example, among other
choices, we will be offering a modestly sized and priced solar panel from
SolarCity, a photovoltaics company (where I am also the principal
financier). This system can be installed on your roof in an out of the way
location, because of its small size, or set up as a carport and will
generate about 50 miles per day of electricity.

If you travel less than 350 miles per week, you will therefore be "energy
positive" with respect to your personal transportation. This is a step
beyond conserving or even nullifying your use of energy for transport - you
will actually be putting more energy back into the system than you consume
in transportation!

So, in short, the master plan is:

1.. Build sports car
2.. Use that money to build an affordable car
3.. Use that money to build an even more affordable car
4.. While doing above, also provide zero emission electric power
generation options
Don't tell anyone.



Comments (91)
a.. Stan wrote on August 2nd, 2006 at 5:28 pm
Thanks for being so transparent. Now I wonder what the styling
direction will be for the sedan? Will it be the blocky look of a Chrysler
300 or sleek like a the Mercedes sports sedan? Will the cars have a family
resemblence like VW, Audi and BMW or will each model look unique? Developing
a family resemblence is not easy. Look how long it has take Lexus and they
are still shedding the Mercedes and Toyota blend look.

I hope you hire some top talent who have work for German companies
which always have great design. This wil be just as important to developing
a real Automobile company as the mechanicals! Too bad we will probably have
to wait five years.

b.. Al Levesque wrote on August 2nd, 2006 at 5:53 pm
Excellent explanation of benefits of all-electric car. I
particularly like the idea of partnering with SolarCity to provide a source
of electricity to charge the car.
Roadster sounds great. To help me convince my wife to buy one too,
please make the top retractable like a Mercedes SLK55.

c.. Chuck McKibbin wrote on August 2nd, 2006 at 5:57 pm
Okay, I want one. Two questions. 1) What does it sound like (both
inside and outside)? and 2) When can I get the off-road version?
Thanks. I think it's great.
Chuck

d.. Susan Schickman wrote on August 2nd, 2006 at 6:32 pm
This is the best thing I've ever seen. How soon until I can get the
4 door version with a solar option?

e.. Chris Davidson wrote on August 2nd, 2006 at 7:09 pm
Could you comment on your expectations for the future models'
battery technologies or charging improvements? Tantilizing snippets of
research indicate higher energy densities matched with higher safety are
commercially possible in the short-term (e.g. Li-Poly vs. the original
Li-Ion), as well as extended longevity and the potential to superfast-charge
a battery (e.g. the nanotube capacitors in research at MIT and Cambridge).
Do you forsee another reasonable jump in this technology for your Model 2
and/or Model 3 vehicles?

f.. Alex Eagar wrote on August 2nd, 2006 at 7:16 pm
I wish there were a way to turn the clock ahead a couple years. I
can't stand the wait. I'll be saving my money for the third model.

g.. Benjamin Nimmons wrote on August 2nd, 2006 at 7:49 pm
I think your roadster looks perfect as-is and if you made a sedan my
favorite sedan is either an old Lincoln Continental or a 2006 Lexus LS. Any
word on how much a Tesla sedan would cost in eight years? I wouldreally like
to know anything you could tell me about a Tesla sedan, thanks

h.. LCB wrote on August 2nd, 2006 at 8:25 pm
Great work! just two quick questions:

I have not heard discussion of a tesla engine for semi-trucks. As I
understand 'electric motors' (losely used, I'd rather avoid technical
aspects like drive train, etc etc), the larger they are and the more power
they involve, the more effecient they are. It would seem that a semi would
be the ideal product for Tesla, since a semi requires a large engine (which
would allow an electric motor to be most effective) and also has the
available space for large batteries (or large amounts of not-so-large
batteries). Could you please clarify?

Also

It appears that you folks are not publicly traded, nor do you offer
investment opportunities. Any plans to change that? I suspect there are
others, like myself, who would like to put our money where our mouths are
concerning this type of technology.

Thank you.

i.. Tenz Dym wrote on August 2nd, 2006 at 8:39 pm
this is what people have been waiting for!

If this technology can be produced in a sporty line of hatch backs,
sedans & SUV's that run about 20 - 30 k, tesla can make serious automotive
history ( Plus $).

j.. Reed Morse wrote on August 2nd, 2006 at 9:14 pm
I know a number of people, including myself, that would love to help
with the development of this kind of technology, but can't afford the price
tag of $89k. What kind of investment opportunities are going to be available
in Tesla? I'd like to know how I can help you develop that "low cost family
car" even though I can't afford the Roadster.

k.. David Chicago, IL wrote on August 2nd, 2006 at 9:29 pm
This electric car is perfect. Keep on the current business track and
Tesla Motors will be the number one auto company in the world. The styling
is impressive and I really see a huge market for these vehicles. I predict
that the vehicles will be popular with all age groups. I only wish that a
few different models of Tesla Motors electric vehicles will be ready to sell
to the public within 3 years. Please keep the same styling as the roadster
as the vehicles will be a great success. I also predict that Tesla Motors
will be the top car company within the next 7 years. Keep up the good work.

l.. peter mcginn wrote on August 2nd, 2006 at 10:33 pm
I learned about you guys through Morford's blab in the chron. He is
actually pretty good. I checked you guys our and when I called my wife over
to see the car she said " An electric car, that's bullshit, I bet it's ugly
like those japanese things" Needless to say it is from ugly. I love the idea
of going for the hot hi ender. My buddy just bought a prius - he's a
chemistry proff at UC. Young testosterone driven Wall Streeters,
entrepeuners aren't going to go Prius.. but they will buy what you are
selling. Whatever you do make the design absolutely spot on. You screw that
up you're in trouble. I don't know who did your current one but it looks
great. I'd like to see one on the street.

Best of luck.

m.. Reid Vinette wrote on August 2nd, 2006 at 11:35 pm
I would urge the team at Tesla Motors to be very careful with this
technology. There is a reason why General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota,
etc do not have electric cars on the market. There is great demand for this
type of vehicle, but your greatest enemy to success is the Government of the
United States, which is controlled by big oil. To ensure the success of your
technology please limit the patents, which are submitted to the patent
office. The patent office has oversight by the DOE - Department of Oil
Executives - Department of Energy. Be very careful of patent suppression,
which will result in lengthy Federal Prison terms if technology is
disclosed. Your protection and that of your technology is the full release
of details via the internet. Share everything and encourage multiple company
fabrication plants all over the world. Tesla Motors will not loose market
share, because only a few companies will have the financing and organization
to succeed.
The danger will become more accute when mass production nears of
family vehicles. DO NOT EXPECT BIG OIL TO SIT STILL. DO NOT EXPECT THE
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO SIT STILL. Take this warning very seriously.

Encourage fabrication of your engines and storage cells for electric
car conversion, as your company moves towards producing its own family
vehicles. Operate satallite factories as clandestine operations. Immediately
remove the names of all company employees from your web site. This is for
your protection and theirs. I may sound paranoid, but from what I've read I
have good reason to be.

I love your car. I love your technology. Your electric car concept
must succeed to stop the carnage in the Middle East and provide people
everywhere with clearner air. But realize that your company is at war with
another agenda in the Whitehouse. That agenda is the control of oil to be
sold as a transportation fuel by big oil companies. The sale of gasoline is
a huge source of tax revenue for the government and road infrastructure
work. Hence the conflict. Government may pretend they want electric
vehicles, but look more towards their actions.

Alternative Energy Suppression: http://www.byronwine.com

Suppression at its best:
http://www.sonyclassics.com/whokilledtheelectriccar

Water Fuel Cell: http://www.waterfuelcell.org

Stanley Meyer died trying to save oil - Do not make the same
mistakes he did. Do not involve government in any way. Do not involve the
patent office. Do not involve the DOE - Department of Oil Executives -
Department of Energy. They are your enemy.

Alternative news: http://www.rense.com
http://www.whatreallyhappened.com

Do not misinterpret this blog. I want your technology to succeed.
Please, just be very careful and understand who your technology threatens
and the profits which will be lost if it succeeds.

n.. David Navas wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 12:05 am
Thanks for the color on the solar option. I've followed your work at
SpaceX, wasn't aware of SolarCity. I had been assuming the solar option was
with one of the companies the google guys were invested in.

If the roadster winds up at $89k, then the 100k signature with the
extra options doesn't sound like such a bad deal, really. Relatively
speaking, at least ;^/

Still curious regarding calendar life on the pack.

o.. TEG wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 12:11 am
Another plee to have you guys talk about battery technology. I have
seen many blog postings here from people asking about Ultracapacitors and
new Li-Ion variants. Have you looked at all of them? Can you talk more about
what you are planning first, and what might be coming?

p.. Reen McCarthy wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 12:40 am
I'm in love already. What a a gorgeous machine and amazingly
innovative concept.

Nikola Tesla is someone I've become accquainted with only recently
but I think he would be proud of your efforts so far. Here's to praying for
winning the lottery! Hurry with the more affordable versions...

Also have to agree with David in Chicago. Tesla Motors will rule the
automotive world if you stick to your plan. Imagine the US without forgeign
oil dependence.imagine the possiblity of peace without wars over oil
control..

Keep it up. Can't wait to see them on the road!

q.. Jacob Mathew wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 12:46 am
Mr. Musk,

Thank you for your extraordinary contributions to mankind. You are a
man of remarkable vision and a true catalyst for life. I wish you great
success in all of your endevors.

r.. dick morris wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 12:50 am
awesome but I haven't seen any specs on interior dimensions. are
they available ? do you have to be a jockey to get in it?

s.. Sam Fleming wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 1:20 am
Thanks Elon, your efforts are greatly appreciated. I wish you much
success.

Sam

t.. Christopher Brind wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 1:35 am
I love this blog and I'm enjoying the current trend of
environmentally concious companies such as yourselves and, in the UK,
Innocent (who make smoothies - perhaps you should team up?).

I'm saving up for my Tesla, though I suspect I won't be the first
one in the UK to get one.

Keep up the good work.

u.. Joerg Weisner wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 2:20 am
Thanks for the very substantial explanation.
I am really looking forward to see (and feel) the Tesla on the road.

Good luck and best wishes
from Germany

v.. michael oreilly wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 2:29 am
Please let me know you are going public with your company. Will you
trade on the stock market board.

Thanks

Michael

w.. Mike Kovacs wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 4:45 am
I love the concept as a R&D person I do have two comments;
1. there is some Research and development of flexable type poloar
pannels I look at this and I see a car like the telsa Painted in this type
material. have you seen this or is there plans?
2. In the mean time how about a small diesel generator for those
long PCH trips

x.. Derek Crenshaw wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 6:29 am
I like the sports car angle here, hoping the price will be around
$50-60,000, that way US auto makers can finally push away the foreign oil
and start with the cleaner, cheaper.

The look is awesome! Kudo's to your Product Designers!!!

Are you developing a mini-van version? I will help in design for
free.or set me up with one if you feel it neccassary to compensate for
design time.

y.. Donald Hammer wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 7:04 am
With that sort of acceleration and maintained speed, did you ever
think of putting wings and a propeller on the car? Also, to extend the range
of the Lithium-ion battery, I would suggest a double layered electrolytic
capacitor or an aerogel capacitor in the circuit along with a strong
magnetic continuously rotated through an induction coil to maintain a charge
in the capacitor and battery. You might even be able to reduce the weight
and size of the battery if this was applied to the car's circuitry. Of
course, the next step towards the most efficient propulsion is
electrogravitics, but you need an energy source that can produce millions of
volts continously. Of course, if you achieved that, then you would have to
reconfigure the style of the Tesla sportscar to look like the Area 51 sports
model!!!! Just my thoughts to share.

z.. Donald Ross wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 7:15 am
FYI I read about you in the International Herald Trib. while sipping
on a barely passable espresso in Tokyo last week, so word is obviously
spreading far and wide. Advise if you have any interest in Canadian
distribution. I was selling Honda products when they first introduced the
N600 and S600 30 years ago, and recognized a winner about to emerge at that
point in time. I have just discovered the next gem.
All the best.

aa.. Frank S. wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 7:41 am
Learned about the Tesla in The Wall Street Journal 7-27-2006 edition
and have been interested ever since. No direct dependance on OIL!! Excellent
pursuit. Would be interested in learning more about how someone could
support you and your company by other than a purchasing plan. I believe
electric/solar is truly the best direction for autos and it appears you have
figured it out! Nice looking design too. Please consider an automatic roof,
AC and perhaps an on board reserve battery pack. Zero to 60 in about 4
seconds, I imagine those other overpriced sport cars companies are feeling a
little silly now .

Thank you and don't look back.

ab.. Dan wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 7:49 am
I need more videos to watch and see and imagine on this website, the
body style, the frame, the motor, the sit down look from the steering wheel
driving on a track. You know, the cool stuff.

ac.. Michael wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 7:51 am
I hope your 4 door version carries forward the look of the Roadster
and takes the form of a hatchback. I love the looks of the Roadster, but
since I know I can't afford one, I'll begin getting my hopes up that the 4
door will be able to replace my small SUV. After getting so excited about
the Roadster, I'm ready to put my name on the waiting list to purchase the 4
door!

Anxiously waiting

ad.. Shanti Renfrew wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 8:27 am
My complete dream vehicle:
After seeing the Laremo specs, including the safety oriented body
shell design,
they prove that 20 hp diesel is enough to propel a 1000 lb vehicle
and get 157 mpg.
My idea is for a much smaller format.
That being said, the average commuter really needs a 2-3 person
vehicle,
possibly in a 3 wheel motorcycle platform, that can top end at
75mph.
Design aspects would be geared to a quick fold system
for limited footprint when parked or charging.

My complete dream vehicle would also be to also be setup
in a Delta (1 wheel in front) three wheel tilting platform
(similar to the Carver 3 wheel tilter),
with individual electric motors on each rear wheel.
The overall weight would be in the 500-700 lb range,
to keep it pushable in case of any malfunction.
While regenerative braking is great, some kind of spring loaded
system
from braking for initial off line boost would also be efficient.
Would love to be able to get a Retrofit type of unit,
to give older cars a new life, which will be good advertising.

I think I have given away too much.
(machinist with 20+ years exp.)
Am I hired as a designer?

ae.. Wesha wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 8:56 am
Any *approximate* idea when the mentioned "half-the-price family
car" will be available? $90K kinda stretches my budget thin, but $50K sounds
much more plausible =^.^=

af.. jan neiges wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 9:33 am
Read about the car in Wired.great mag.

Wondering if the roadster as it ages, is designed to accommodate
updated battery technology? What is the mftr warranty on the current model?

What kind of relationships are you looking for when establishing car
dealerships? Will you create independents - meaning they will only sell
Tesla? (Which I think would be a fantastic idea!) THat helps with the
branding.

I am excited about your company product and mission. I raise a glass
to your success. Look forward to being a future owner of Tesla in both stock
and rubber!

ag.. Peter Buchan Jr wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 10:24 am
looks great. sounds great. hope it provides everything as promised.
looks like a nice little roadster marketed to compete with all the solstice,
elise, mx-5 etc etc. hope its priced as competitively as well. keep up the
good work guys cant wait to see the finished product out on the road.

ah.. Kevin wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 10:45 am
I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate your efforts, and
that our family will strongly consider buying an electric car if it gets
into the $30K range.

Keep up the good work!

ai.. David wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 10:55 am
Nice breakdown of the math. How does biodiesel fit into all of this?
Particularly, if you can 'upcycle' Waste Vegetable Oil in a Cradle-to-Cradle
kind of philosophy. That's another point. any influence from McDonough and
Braungart at Tesla Motors or SolarCity?

aj.. Michael G. Richard wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 11:17 am
It's awesome that Tesla is not aiming to be just a niche player
selling exotic sports car but wants to really change the whole market by
aiming at the mainstream. Best of luck! I can't wait to see the more
affordable versions.. Hopefully they'll look good. Something like the Mazda
3 or the new Civic would be perfect.

ak.. Paul DeFalla wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 11:25 am
Don't let the oil/energy/auto corporations buy you out. Stay true to
your vision and you will surpass all of them in a very short time. Plus you
will be able to sleep at night, and so will I when I buy one. The day you
have a sedan available, I'm buying. I don't care how much it costs, either.
I now spend 330.00/month in gas. If I add that to my current 500.00 car
payment, I can afford an 80,000.00 car which will be way cooler, faster, and
greener than my current car.

al.. BH wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 11:50 am
It would be worth trying to get this car on Oprah - give a few
Roadsters away to the call-in audience. The number to call-in would only be
a available from this website during the show. Include the SolarCity info
and a plug for the Cris Paine Movie. Include the other quick electric cars
too - ie: t-zero, Fetish, Wrightspeed. It would make a great episode!
Especially if you were going to do a stock offering.

am.. Tommy Thorn wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 11:50 am
Ever since the unveiling of AC Propulsions' Tzero (a very similar
car, though much less refined and without a business plan) I've been
planning to build such a car myself. I was very excited to finally find the
truth behind those "Lotus is building an EV" rumours. Kudos!

The excitement Tesla Motors have wipped up is heartwarming; there is
hope yet for a saner world.

Will the future also unveal an all-wheel drive Tesla?

an.. uhohraggy wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 12:21 pm
This is FANTASTIC, but unlike a previous post that read "this is
what everyone is waiting for", this isn't quite it. Don't get me
wrong.FANTASTIC. I'd love one, but...

Here's the catch.most people can afford a car.they often can't
afford a second one, or a play one that is limited. If you want to build the
ULTIMATE car, build an electric car with a hybrid motor that can be switched
off. If I could do my daily commute all in electric, but switch to oil only
when I wanted to do a road trip, it would be the perfect vehicle. I'd even
come up with $80-90K for it, as I wouldn't have to spend any on gas or a
second vehicle. I'm sure this is an easy request

In the meantime. I'll be saving my $$$'s to be able to get one of
these beautiful pieces of engineering. Kudo's

ao.. Arvin Flores wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 12:25 pm
Sounds just great, but, I can see myself driving from San Francisco
to LA stopping off overnight in Bakersfield while the battery charges. What
was once a 7 hour trip is now a 15 hour trip. Get real, for this modified
golf car to exist in the real world and compete against real cars that can
go across country in 3 1/2 days there is a long way to go. You are correct
about most people needing a car with a range of 250 miles, but longer ranges
would require a hydrocarbon powered machine. I can only affort one car .But
I guess at the price of $80 K a person would use the Tesla as a rich boy
toy. Most people who need transportation buy cars in the $15K - $25K range.
Bring the price down, make a family sedan, increase the range with less than
30 minutes charge and it becomes a practical machine. These glorified golf
carts have been around for years, you've just put in a slightly better
battery.

ap.. Jim Wells wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 12:34 pm
So how about a little fun fund raising? See if your neighbor George
Lucas-who LOVES fast cars and TECH/Future would like to make a DVD about the
Tesla. It would be a great story and an excellent marketing device.

The DVD could be in HD (IMAX-also) and have both the story of the
"tesla pioneers" and crews as well as show casing all the info that
everybody keeps asking about in these posts. Racing against other
rods-Battery Charging-Endurance Drives (city/highway)-Drives with Famous
Celebrities-cool compairisons to Oil, hybreds and how our cities and lives
would change with this type of car.

Sell the DVD's for $9.99 or more! and make $$$$$$$$ to get that
sedan build sooner.

aq.. Ellipsoid wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 12:40 pm
There seems to be some interest in public investment in your
company. Several posters have mentioned it. Would you consider doing a
Direct Public Offering instead of the usual investment banker IPO. SEC Rule
504 allow a no file, no limitation, Direct Public Offering but is limited to
$1M. However, there are other types of direct public offerings that allow
higher investment levels, SB-1 and SB-2 to name a few. However they also
requre more filing requirements - You can still go direct to the public. The
key here is DIRECT.

The average person never gets a chance to give their investment
dollars directly to a company's tresury. They only have a chance to buy on
the secondary market paying a wealthy primary investor for thier shares.
Doing a Direct Public Offering would allow you to corral your base now and
capture them as loyal future customers. These people can't afford a $100K
depreciated asset. However, they have some disposable income and might buy a
$30 to $38K luxury sedan. These investors would be much more likely to buy a
$45-50K electric sedan knowing that they are helping a company that they
own.

I'd be willing to put in $1, $5K or maybe $10K. I'd also think about
the $45K 4-door. However, since $45K is still a bit high for a typical car
I'd be much more willing to purchase one if I had a stake in the company's
future.

ar.. John Acheson wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 12:51 pm
"The strategy of Tesla is to enter at the high end of the market,
where customers are prepared to pay a premium, and then drive down market as
fast as possible to higher unit volume and lower prices with each successive
model."

Your strategy is revolutionary! This goes against Clayton's theory
of Disruptive Technology that basically says tech that kills big companies
moves upstream not downstream.

Who has a better chance of the $10,000 no compromise family car?

A Tata like electricmaker that works from the $2,000 car upstream or
the $100,000 car that works to cut $90,000 off the price.

as.. Bob Wakefield wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 1:29 pm
It looks like a cool car. I wish you great success with it. Now to
avoid buying too many gas-burners before you build one in my price range.

at.. Edward Teague wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 1:36 pm
I wrote about you guys a short while ago and would love a drive.


http://postmanpatel.blogspot.com/2006/06/tesla-car-with-electric-performance.htm\
l

US is a big country , why do you need to go to UK to design / make
the 2 models yuo have ?

A motor car company that outsources from the get go !

au.. Jason Trout wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 1:37 pm
Why the hell can't I be this smart?

One question: They are now developing what are basically plastic
solar cells. Can this plastic be used in the family car that is being
developed so that the whole exterior of the car is actually a giant solar
panel? This would also extend it's mileage since it would be converting
sunlight into energy while on the road.

Is this possible, or not quite yet technically?

Jason Trout

av.. Monica Samec wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 1:50 pm
Read your white paper as well as your other press. Your solar panel
idea will probably only fly with your highest end customers. Using your
vehicle efficiency of 2.18 km/MJ, 50 miles a day would require 10.25
kWh/day.. which, depending on the location of the roof, would require a
3-6kW solar system = extra $30-60,000 (hopefully the solar tax credits in
California will help the economics a bit).

A more affordable option (though currently less lucrative for you)
would be spend $2-4/month on green tags such and the wind energy credits
offered by Native Power: http://www.nativeenergy.com/coolwatts.html. Maybe
you could team up with an organization like them and offer credits straight
through the dealership. Especially so the more budget buyers of your 2nd and
3rd gen cars can afford to have a truly carbon free car too.

Best of luck.

aw.. Michael Clark wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 2:06 pm
So, in short, the master plan is., ISO, i

1 Build sports cars 3% of the Nation
2 Use that money to build an affordable car 7% of the nation
3 Use that Money to build an even more affordable car 90% of the
nation.
4 While doing above, also provide zero emission electric power
generation options.
Wow!! Great Idea But how did you Guys get start up Doe??

When Ford started in the 19 Hundreds, He wanted to put the little
guy first in a car, Then came the luxury Cars.
The same with Volkswagen

In the little City I live in in Florida, We have 16 City inspectors
That drive an average of 170 miles a day each.
Just think if you had that Even More Affordable Car , Yeah know the
one for 90% of the nation you would have sold 17 already.
Thanks
Michael Clark

ax.. Manuel Robayo wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 4:09 pm
Well I was wondering why restrict this kind of technology to the
market of luxury sport cars, when you could easily market it to all kinds of
cars. I mean Toyota and Honda are making a killing with their hybrids, and
your specs seam to be superior. The Tesla Roadster seam to be able to
compete with any kind of car in their specs, but it boils down to money, is
it cheaper to drive a gasoline driven sport car of the same price/spec range
than Tesla Roadster or a the Roadster? It would be really funny if it would
be cheaper to charge your car by feeding gas to an electric generator, than
to plugging it to the wall.

ay.. Ben wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 4:17 pm
"However, let's assume for the moment that the electricity is
generated from a hydrocarbon source like natural gas, the most popular fuel
for new US power plants in recent years."

Unfortunately over 50% of the electricity in the US is currently
generated by burning coal.* What would the math be like with coal?

* Source: www.netl.doe.gov National Energy Technology Laboratory

az.. Mark Hanson wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 4:34 pm
Perfect concept and great plan!

I am guessing that your initial production will be limited until the
sales of the higher priced roadster gives you the funds to expand
production.

By the time the lower priced cars are designed the funds from the
sale of the high end cars will allow you to support a larger production
base.

My suggestion, when you are ready to expand production, look into
the Ford plant in MN. It is closing in the next year or so. I am betting you
could get a good deal from the state of Minnesota considering the number of
jobs you would bring in.

The range is perfect. Sure, it won't work for everyone, but it will
work for the majority.

Best wishes, thank you for the revolutionary conept!

ba.. Ty Rock wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 5:33 pm
While being employed at a large electric company for 35 years, I had
the opportunity to drive many, so-called, electric cars that gave dismal
performance and dependability. Never thought I would see, in my lifetime, a
smart, dependable, viable EV! Conversely, my mind has changed with the
introduction of the Tesla. However, it looks like those of us who live in
middle America are out of luck for a long time. I would be very interested
in your future, family car, but a $10,000 service premium (approx. 25-30% of
the purchase price) would be very cost prohibitive to all but the very
richest of us. As we live about 600 miles from what will be the nearest
Tesla sales point, it would seem that a more fair service charge would be to
involve some type of sliding, proximity service fee. Additionally, although
very impressive, a 250 mile range would still not qualify this vehicle as a
primary family car. A typical, 600 mile, family day trip in an oil based
vehicle would translate into a better than two day trip in the Tesla.
However, I would expect the range of the Tesla to improve by the time that
the family version is produced. Congratulations on what I feel is finally a
viable EV vehicle that can be used for current, in-state travel. I would be
interested if, and when, you become publicly traded.

bb.. TEG wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 6:11 pm
Comments in response to other blog postings:

Solar cells on the car wouldn't get you too much. They would look a
bit ugly, and there isn't enough surface area to get much charge in the
batteries even if you parked it in the sun all day. The idea of putting them
on your roof at home, and sharing with the grid that charges your car is
much more practical.

In terms of driving the car SF to LA or some other > 250mile road
trip:
#1: Tesla could consider a gas generator trailer like some other
electric car companies did. Basically if you had to extend the range you can
generate electricity as you go in a small trailer you pull behind the car.
It could burn LPG, CNG, BioDiesel or whatever was your best alternative.

#2: Quick charge batteries are having some breakthroughs. Maybe the
future will have a quick charge station at a nice restaurant in San Luis
Obipso so you can get charged back up while having lunch?

bc.. Dick Pong wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 7:49 pm
Superconducting Motor Technology

Superconducting motors are new types of AC synchronous motors that
employ HTS (high temperature superconductor) windings in place of
conventional copper coils. Because HTS wire can carry significantly larger
currents than can copper wire, these windings are capable of generating much
more powerful magnetic fields in a given volume of space.

Advances in coil design make it possible for a superconducting
machine to match the power output of an equally rated conventional motor
with as little as one-third the size and weight.

http://www.amsuper.com/products/motorsGenerators/index.cfm

bd.. Carl wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 8:06 pm
It is very good to see a company put together a combination of "old
principles " to develop a new product needed by the people who drive cars.
After the way American automobile manufacturers have put out many pieces of
"junk" over the years, one would be hard pressed to have a sincere car
producer to put out a product which didn't cost the consumers more than they
could save.

Are there any new patents applied for on the "Tesla"?

I tend to agree with: ---- "Reid Vinette wrote on August 2nd, 2006
at 11:35 pm
I would urge the team at Tesla Motors to be very careful with this
technology. There is a reason why General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota,
etc do not have electric cars on the market. There is great demand for this
type of vehicle, but your greatest enemy to success is the Government of the
United States, which is controlled by big oil. To ensure the success of your
technology please limit the patents, which are submitted to the patent
office"----

Whether it is the H-2 fuel cell, Bio-diesel, ethanol F-85, gasoline,
propane, or batteries there will be a competative fight to convince the car
buyers that "their" product is the one that should be brought.

The car and energy producers appear to be "jockeying" together to
insure their market share as the change over to the new energies takes place
and are brought into a controlled market.

"Big energy businesses" are out for themselves..

They will drag their feet, or speed up a process only when it comes
to maintaining control, with the maximum profit.

It is debatable as to whether America is leading the way in fuel
cell development or other methods of developing getting the mass production
of a complete system with the means of using alternative energies.

My question is: Where is the testing and development actually being
done in the development of alternative fuels? Are we sending our Government
funded development programs outside of this country?

Who is to blame for the continued "run around" on not actually
having a finished product which can be mass produced? The hydrogen fuel cell
is not a new idea which has just happened for the principle/theory has been
here for many years and the business world has had their opportunity to
develop alternative energy and the methods of transforming that energy.

It would appear the the "Tesla system" could use the H-2 cell for
extending the range.

be.. TEG wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 8:36 pm
Here is a Tesla competitor (although more expensive, and ugly by
comparison):
http://www.hybridtechnologies.com/media.php?mediaID=060212

bf.. XEG wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 11:14 pm
This is a great car, yet the $89,000. price tag may be out of the
affordability range of many people.

I guess it is mostly the 6,831 lithium-ion batteries that make up
such a costly price?
A Toyota Prius is only something like $21,725.., and it is equipped
with Double systems - oil engine+electric motor/battery(Ni-MH).

Wouldn't it be a good idea to make the quantities of batteries
optional?
1/4 of the range, 60 miles, would be enough for everyday in-city use
and also fits in with the solar-panel capacity.
if you offer a Tesla roadster with 6831/4=1708 batteries, wouldn't
the price be something like $37,250.? (Let's assume the car without any
batteries costs $20,000.)
and, in a further option, if the buyer choose not to use the
expensive Lithium-ion battery and adpot the cheaper Ni-MH battery(used in
the Prius), wouldn't the price be reduced to near that of the Prius?

Furthermore, you can build a removable backup oil-tank and a (also
removable and optional) small intelligent / well silenced generator into the
space left out by the 5123 batteries.

You can build a automatic recharge mechanism to take back the
down-hill and braking energy? (like the Toyota Prius)

In this way, the Tesla-minor will turn into a Linear Hybrid, which
is better than the Prius idea - Bilateral Hybrid, I do think the set of oil
engine(Prius) is kind of a waste of money and adds extra weight to the car.

bg.. Galactic Cannibal wrote on August 3rd, 2006 at 11:18 pm
Eldon Musk, I enjoyed reading The Secret Tesla Motors Master Plan,
and I wish you and your team great success. But I am amazed that neither you
nor Martin, have not published results of on-road tests on the Tesla's
Li-Ion battery pack. Your claim of 250 mile range, what is that based on. Is
it based on continuous freeway driving at 60 mph, or stop-n-go city driving
etc? Have you completed on-road test of the battery in High ambient temp. as
in Phoenix July-Aug weather. Cold ambient temp. as in Chicago Jan-Feb
weather. On-road vibration, pothole test. Have you tested to
end-of-cycle-life of battery? Show us the results. Remember GM, Ford,
Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, all failed with their EV's, because of battery
packs that had inadequate performance. Their battery chemistry's, included
PbA, NiMh, Li-Ion. What is different about your Li Ion battery that has 6341
EXTERNAL connections?

bh.. Todd Robert wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 12:18 am
Elon,
I share your passion and anticipation of renewable energy solutions
that can compete in cost with hydrocarbon fuels. The benefits for the
environment are obvious, but there are so many other reasons why reducing
(and eventually eliminating) our need for oil, coal, and natural gas will
take America to the next level of evolution politically and as a world
citizen. I commend you, Martin and the rest of the team for your efforts!
And I look forward to the opportunity to purchase your sedan in 2008.

I have been following the electric automobile industry for quite
some time (almost purchased a Sparrow from Corbin Motors - before they went
bankrupt). I am extremely impressed with the results you've achieved so far
. . . leveraging the former technology of Nikola Telsa is brilliant, and I'm
compelled to get involved with Tesla Motors. Like you, I currently have a
day job (VP technology for a national bank), but what you are doing is so
important to this generation - I believe this is a once in a lifetime thing.

I will contact you via separate email with a proposal on how I could
provide value - and help ensure Tesla Motors' success.

bi.. Aris S wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 2:31 am
So - when will they be available in the UK?

bj.. jo wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 5:00 am
The concept has a lot of potential.
What about distribution in Europe?
On which automotive shows will you be
presenting this jewel?
Keep up the good work!

bk.. Carl wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 5:17 am
Just to let you know that the interest in your car extends to
Australia. The price of petrol here is $1.50/L, ($5.77/gallon). We're
counting on you to spark the EV revolution. I look forward to news that you
are exporting.

After reading the post by Reid Vinette, we took a vote, nutter or
not. The nutters were right. Check out the story of con artist Stanley Meyer
in Wikipedia for the full story. The laws of thermodynamics are pretty hard
to refute.

Having said that, I'll be first in line to see "Who killed the
electric car?". I'm trying to imagine myself as a big oil exec, reading the
reviews for the Telsa Roadster and the movie reviews for "An Inconvenient
Truth". Would I be worried? For the longer term, certainly.

Here's hoping that Moore's law works for batteries too. (Unlike
Meyer's water fuel cell, there's nothing in the laws of physics that says it
won't)
Cheers,
Carl (Sydney, Australia)

bl.. Peter J Hedge wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 6:49 am
With such high profile and wealthy investors it's hard to imagine
that the idea of an electic car that sill some day take over and beat the
Internal combustion engine will be quielty silenced by oil companies or Ford
Chysler et al. i.e. you'll be "bought out".

I can't see how your plan can fail. It is quite simply brilliant!
Please stay the course: let the rich and famous have their $100,000 sports
cars (there are certainly enough of them in California). They will be happy,
great advertising and inthe long run pay for our humbler vehicles.

Don't be swayed by some of the comments or suggestions that have
been posted - well intentioned though they may be - Your marketing strategy
is quite brilliant and I am following your progress on a daily basis as well
as "spreading the word" as I am sure many others are doing.

Bon Chance from Canada

bm.. Demy Sauro wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 7:08 am
It looks like you hit the nail on the head!!

What are your plans for Canadian distribution? and how can I become
part of it?

Demy

bn.. Robert wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 8:13 am
The Roadster looks great and who wouldn't want to support such a
clean technology? However ,being married and having two children means I
will most likely have to wait for your electric sedan. I'll be the first to
purchase on as soon as it's available.

bo.. Chris Ruppel wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 9:09 am
It is intellectually dishonest to use natural gas as the model for
CO2 emissions. More than half the power in the US is produced by COAL, and
COAL, not natural gas, is to be the fuel of the overwhelming majority of
power plants built in the US in the next 10-15 years. This is a fact given
planned plants-and is widely known to people like Tesla who are in the power
industry.

The "spinning" has to stop. The energy crisis is real, and the
problem is that the only ones flinging the BS as much as the oil majors are
the alternative energy players, who constantly hide the truth to make their
"tech" look better. In Khosla's case, as was recently proven in the Oil
Drum, outright lying can be resorted to. So, take down this essay, do a
study with COAL-and with coal without any pollution control given the recent
grandfathering of all the old, no Pollution control mega-coal plants the
Bush Admin. has allowed.

bp.. Steve Richardson wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 9:21 am
Thank you for getting this country off the big 3.
One way to help your cash flow would be to offer a Conversion
Package.
This would restore life to the millions of older cars that have
already been built. No safety standards have to be met. I have converted a
couple cars now and I know there are thousands and thousands of
do-it-yourselfers out there who would be willing to pay for the Regen
capability alone. Sell conversion packages would increase your volume of the
components, lowering the price faster.

Thank you anf all the best Luck.

Steve Richardson

bq.. Greg Woulf wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 10:35 am
Chris Ruppel you are correct the U.S. does generate energy from
coal. There are some very obvious reasons why your concern about Tesla
posting NG numbers is unsubstantiated.

The first is that the Tesla is currently being offered in
California. California is NOT mostly coal, neither is Miami, coal powered.

The second is that the fastest growing segment of utility power
production is natural gas as clearly stated in the white papers.

The third and most important reason to any thinking environmentalist
is that because the Tesla is an electric car it can take any source of
power. You can create the electricy in the very greenest way possible.

Calling Tesla liars is out of line, and in this case unfounded.
They've got the numbers and if you don't like them it's easy enough to check
out the numbers from the governments own white papers.

br.. RFpowerdude wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 10:41 am
I agree 100% with Reid Vinette above. Be very careful guys and
girls. Once you start really making a difference, you had better have your
own private security ready to do battle. This is no joke. HUGE money and
power are at stake here for players whose families have been at it for more
than a century. Take some of that money that is to be put back into R&D and
put it into your own armed protection force.

BTW, I want one. I live in Florida. Florida would be one of the
better states to have a sales center since it is sunny and warm year 'round.
I'll help run it .

bs.. James Anderson Merritt wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 11:00 am
I've already seen that, if one is willing to commit to the vehicle
for a long enough period (e.g., 15-20 years), and can tender the high buy-in
price, the Roadster promises to be as economic to own and operate over the
long term as a present-day, gasoline powered family sedan, with the added
benefits of being fun to drive and helping the environment. For me, it isn't
so much an issue of cost as it is an issue of capacity. In my dreams, I
would love a little two-seater for fun and for my daily commute. But in
reality, I have a family, which means that I need at least a sedan that
carries more passengers, has a decently-sized trunk, and exhibits reasonable
performance and range under full burden.

What I am saying is, if you could produce an electric sedan that
does for the "family car" what the Roadster does for the sports car, it
wouldn't have to be priced at $30,000 or below to catch MY interest. I can
do the math, and see that, over the long haul, the electric would be a
better deal than a comparable gasoline vehicle, even priced as high as the
Roadster will be at its introduction. But don't misunderstand me. I would
not be willing to pay such a high premium upfront, only to "save the
environment," much less to follow a high-tech trend. Rather, I would expect
a well-built, durable vehicle that would last the 15-20 years I would need
to drive it, in order to match the ownership expense of a comparable
internal-combustion car. If such an electric happened to be priced at
$40,000 or less, so much the better.

bt.. Mark wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 11:08 am
That's a great plan and I wish you luck.

Anyone else see the documentary 'Who Killed the Electric Car'? I
urge all members of your company to see it. It's not a conspiracy, it's just
common sense that any disruptive technology against locked-in industries
will be met with harsh resistance. So you really need to prepare.

What should you prepare for? Well as you may know, importing
electric cars into this country from Europe is ILLEGAL. If the government
went so far as to outlaw possible mainstream electric cars here, I expect
the government, namely the NHTSA to block your future mainstream vehicle and
call it unsafe for highway, no matter how safe it is. You will be sued by
companies that hold battery patents even though you own the rights to
license your batteries. The oil industry will run ads in the NYT and other
media slandering electric vehicle technology, as they did in the late 90s.
And that's just the start of it. I won't even speculate any further.

Well what can you do? As a start you're making the right decision
about being open about your plans. You need to get people and consumers
excited about the technology. Use the people to push your technology through
any roadblocks. Post videos on Youtube and Google Videos, make a MySpace
page, submit stories to digg, reach out to alternative media. Broadcast to
us anytime you hit a major barrier that seems unfair or purely politically
motivated. Use the power of the people. If a company takes the lead and
shows a no-oil future is possible, the people will get behind it.

The old industries could spend millions even billions to stop you,
but we have potentially millions even billions of people on our side. Forget
the Middle East. the question if we can stop using oil in the next few
decades is the real World War III. It's the war to end all wars. If we fail
all life on earth will come to an end. A mass extinction like 250 million
years ago when there was so much methane in the air 95% of all life died. It
could happen again.

Companies like yours can create a new future and I really hope you
succeed. And hey, you could get rich doing it. so why not?

bu.. Erik wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 11:19 am
Is their a possibility of making a universal battery pack for all
cars, similar to the Tyco remote control batteries, that could be removed at
some sort of charging station and replaced with another one that's fully
charged?

bv.. Ron Kunce wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 11:29 am
Your claim of 250 miles to a 3.5 hour charge is obviously without
running any of the amenities included in the vehicle. With much of ordinary
driving being done in the cold of winter and the heat of summer, What is the
range with either the heater or air conditioner running full blast? (I am
assuming that other amenities power use would be negligible.)

bw.. Joe Cali wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 11:33 am
Hi,
I wish you and your company the best. The Tesla can be the turn a
round point for electric cars. Your mission is logical and will work if you
follow your plan from sports car down to mass transit. I am a design
engineer in the Elevator Industry and we use regen braking. All sounds so
simple and you have shown the technology is nothing from NASA. All available
and off the shelf. Shortly there will be many companies following your lead.
Toyota, Honda, etc. Makes you think, why didn't anyone else go up against
the oil companies till now. ( Creepy ) Well you are a new hope for me
against Global Warming. I can see a big change in 10 years, the gas car
becoming extinct as it should have been 30 years ago.

As for the name Tesla, good choice. My idol "The Master of
Lightening". Ahead of his time. As you may prove to be shortly.

OK now a bit of tech. I wrote the Manual that explains how to
convert Porsche engines to fit in the Classic VW Bug. My site
www.nextgen-usa.com Which brings to mind freezing your rear off in the
winter if you ever owned one. How do you intend of heating the Tesla,
strictly electric power? I see mileage dropping quite rapidly, like maybe 50
to 100 mile range ( a guess ). Warm climate no problem, New York, yipes!!!

Best regards,
Joe Cali

bx.. Jim Gawron wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 12:36 pm
No one has asked the biggest question of all.

Will it hold my golf clubs ??

(:^)

Seriously though, Kudos to a job well done ( so far ) I'm crossing
my fingers that this dream-come-true doesn't fizzle out before becoming a
reality.

-Jim

by.. Tom Watson wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 1:14 pm
The announcement about the tesla roadster has been buzzing in the EV
lists for a few weeks now. I think you have a great plan. Your secret white
paper was a refreshing read.

Even though I would like to invest in your company I see the need to
keep it away from open stocks and control by less than honerable
companies(che vron) like happened with N I M H batteries and the electric
cars that relied on them. I wish there was another way we could could all
help. Perhaps just buying the model that works for us(be it roadster or
later, family sedan) is all that we can do.

I also hope you market it in north america rather than just the
states!
Thanks!
Tom

bz.. lavardera wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 1:20 pm
Your target for the family sedan - is probably more of a luxury
sedan. If its going to be 40-45k you are facing off against performance
luxury sedans. BMW3 or 5 series and the like. That's fine, take the same
approach and beat them at their own game. Then you will be in a position to
make the leap to a family car - a 4 door hatchback, 20-25k, sporty again,
say something like a Mazda3 hatch. You can play the same platform to a
sedan, and something like a Mazda5 wagon as well. Then you can follow with
something sub 20k on a par with at Honda Fit or Scion.

Ok, Get back to work - we're waiting you know.

ca.. Foto wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 1:46 pm
Have u considered a bullet-proof limo version for the Prez. that he
will need if his admin allows your vehicle to come to market unmolested
before next presidential election? At that point in time your lovely product
will be used as campaign spinning device as proof positive of Bush's
successful energy policy. Can u imagine Big Dick Cheney, Condi Rice, or Bill
Hastert arriving in full photo opp splendor in their blue Tesla to debate
Hillary (who of course arrived in her red Tesla)?!!!

cb.. Jeremy Johnson wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 1:57 pm
http://afdcmap2.nrel.gov/locator/FindPane.asp

Use this to help gauge how far you could drive, u have to use the
fuel picks to get a range circle. Tesla you could ad this or similar to your
faq to get people to understand how far 250 miles can get you. It shows we
don't need fuel except for the non stop cross country trips and that could
be the phev/fcev. Again it will only get better in time, never back down.

Saving for later

land of sky blue water

cc.. Bob Rolls wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 1:58 pm
A small thought for your white paper, Mr. Musk,

Recharging a Tesla overnight would put demand on the electrical grid
when demand is lowest, making the grid and its power sources more efficient.

Wishing you and the Tesla team the very best!

Bob Rolls
Silver Spring, Maryland

cd.. Josh Koenig wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 3:27 pm
This is great stuff. I really had hoped that the Majors would follow
this route on the Hybrid tip, but the push was never made.

My one concern is about the mechanical supply/support train. Where
do I take a Tesla if it breaks down? Can I get spare parts at regular retail
outlets? Etc.

ce.. Gunnar Keel wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 3:54 pm
Dear Eton,
You are absolultely correct in your emmissions calculations. It
seems at first glance that you are using the Lotus Elise chassis. An
excellent choice for its light weight and stiff platform. I hope to see your
cars on the street soon and in a comparison test with the top gas sports
cars. Instant torque always wins!

All the Best,
Gunnar Keel

cf.. Travis wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 5:24 pm
Do you read this blog? Someone from Tesla Motors should regularly
comment on the responses here.

There are some good ideas here, and you should at least acknowledge
them, even if you don't want to release any information.

Comments of public offerings are nice, but as a simpler plan for the
time being: you could just offer a method for public donations. I'm sure
many would be willing to donate small amounts. It's as easy as PayPal. Sure,
in the scheme of things, the donations may not amount to much, but at least
us that cannot afford to buy one could feel proud to support your efforts.

You have the right idea: Assist the Private Funding of R&D by the
(hopefully) high profit margins of the Roadster. It will generate income
quickly, and help spread the word quickly.

I don't want to come off as a conspiracy theorist like one previous
poster, however, I urge you to be very careful, especially considering the
current US administration and the threat you could eventually present to the
US budget and those individuals who are rich and becoming richer by
constantly and unmercifully overcharging us for gasoline.

Some posters are correct: there are those that cannot afford a 2nd
vehicle that is their "toy". I agree. However, most middle class families do
own more than one car, and when your EV sedan comes out, those could use
their other, gasoline powered, car for their long trips where they want to
be able to drive more than 250 miles before charging. The rest of the time,
they could use your EV sedan for the majority of their driving. It's what I
would do. It would work perfectly until there was a better way to make long
trips. That said, I'm willing to bet you will attempt to, and likely
succeed, in solving that problem before the family sedan is released.

In your white paper "The 21st Century Electric Car", you state "the
'electrical-outlet-to-wheel' energy efficiency of the Tesla Roadster is 2.53
km/MJ x 86% = 2.18 km/MJ". Does the 2.53km/MJ number take into account the
inefficiencies in the motor, in the Power Electronics Module, and losses in
electrical cables and connectors? If so, what efficiency percentages are
used for the motor and PEM in the calculations to figure the 2.53km/MJ
number? What would that km/MJ number be for a driver who likes to accelerate
hard and often?

Note: The following calculations use the average days in a month
(365.25days per year / 12 month = 30.4375 days per month). I don't wish to
discourage, but I want real numbers, not inflated (or deflated) numbers.
According to the $0.01 per mile statement on your website, we would figure a
maximum of $2.5 every 250 miles (one charge), or an average of $76.09 a
month, if you drove 250 miles each day of the month. However, your $0.01 per
mile statement takes into account the zero emissions incentives, discounts
from off-peak electricity usage when charging, etc. How about you give us a
more realistic, day-charge-time, not counting incentives, cost per mile
quote? Better yet, here is one based upon my current electricity bill:
I pay $0.09548 per kilowatt hour. That converts to $0.02652 per mega
joule ($0.09548 / 3.6 = $0.02652).

cg.. Now, 2.53 kilometers per mega joule is equal to 1.57 miles per
mega joule (2.53km/MJ = 1.57 mi/MJ)

Also, 1.57 miles per mega joule times 250 miles per charge equals
392.5 mega joules per charge (1.57 mi/MJ * 250 mi/charge = 392.5 MJ/charge)

So every time we charge the car from completely dead batteries, we
use 392.5MJ.

392.5 mega joules per charge times $0.02652 per mega joule equals
$10.4091 per charge (392.5MJ/charge * $0.02652 per MJ = $10.4091 per charge)

That results in $316.83 per month! Of course, that assumes you drove
7604.167 miles in that month!!!

I wish Tesla Motors the best, and will be watching for the family
sedan (or maybe there is a mid-sized SUV coming?)

Travis

ch.. John Manko wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 5:51 pm
PLEASE READ THIS:


http://www.sciencentral.com/articles/view.php3?language=english&type=&article_id\
=218392803

Super Battery

Ever wish you could charge your cellphone or laptop in a few seconds
rather than hours? As this ScienCentral News video explains, researchers at
the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are developing a battery that
could do just that, and also might never need to be replaced.

The Past is Future

As our portable devices get more high-tech, the batteries that power
them can seem to lag behind. But Joel Schindall and his team at M.I.T. plan
to make long charge times and expensive replacements a thing of the past-by
improving on technology from the past.

They turned to the capacitor, which was invented nearly 300 years
ago. Schindall explains, "We made the connection that perhaps we could take
an old product, a capacitor, and use a new technology, nanotechnology, to
make that old product in a new way."

Rechargable and disposable batteries use a chemical reaction to
produce energy. "That's an effective way to store a large amount of energy,"
he says, "but the problem is that after many charges and discharges . the
battery loses capacity to the point where the user has to discard it."

Schindall Battery Researcher
But capacitors contain energy as an electric field of charged
particles created by two metal electrodes. Capacitors charge faster and last
longer than normal batteries. The problem is that storage capacity is
proportional to the surface area of the battery's electrodes, so even
today's most powerful capacitors hold 25 times less energy than similarly
sized standard chemical batteries.

The researchers solved this by covering the electrodes with millions
of tiny filaments called nanotubes. Each nanotube is 30,000 times thinner
than a human hair. Similar to how a thick, fuzzy bath towel soaks up more
water than a thin, flat bed sheet, the nanotube filaments increase the
surface area of the electrodes and allow the capacitor to store more energy.
Schindall says this combines the strength of today's batteries with the
longevity and speed of capacitors.

"It could be recharged many, many times perhaps hundreds of
thousands of times, and . it could be recharged very quickly, just in a
matter of seconds rather than a matter of hours," he says.

This technology has broad practical possibilities, affecting any
device that requires a battery. Schindall says, "Small devices such as
hearing aids that could be more quickly recharged where the batteries
wouldn't wear out; up to larger devices such as automobiles where you could
regeneratively re-use the energy of motion and therefore improve the energy
efficiency and fuel economy."

Schindall thinks hybrid cars would be a particularly popular
application for these batteries, especially because current hybrid batteries
are expensive to replace.

Schindall also sees the ecological benefit to these reinvented
capacitors. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than 3
billion industrial and household batteries were sold in the United States in
1998. When these batteries are disposed, toxic chemicals like cadmium can
seep into the ground.

"It's better for the environment, because it allows the user to not
worry about replacing his battery," he says. "It can be discharged and
charged hundreds of thousands of times, essentially lasting longer than the
life of the equipment with which it is associated."

Schindall and his team aren't the only ones looking back to
capacitors as the future of batteries; a research group in England recently
announced advances of their own. But Schindall's groups expects their
prototype to be finished in the next few months, and they hope to see them
on the market in less than five years.

Schindall's research was featured in the May 2006 edition of
Discover Magazine and presented at the 15th International Seminar on Double
Layer Capacitors and Hybrid Energy Storage Devices in Deerfield Beach,
Florida on December 2005. His research is funded by the Ford-MIT Consortium.

ci.. TEG wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 6:07 pm
Response to the poster who said Tesla needs a "security force" to
protect themselves.

The risks from the gasoline incumbents wouldnt likely come is such a
direct way.
As others have suggested, the risks of taking on the established
industry are more likely:

#1: Lobbyist change laws that make it difficult or impossible to
legally operate, sell or service such a vehicle. (Things are a little two
sided - some will offer incentives, others will offer obstacles)
#2: Lawyers sue over various claims: safety, false advertising,
patent infringement, etc.
#3: Insiders receive outside money to pick less attractive
technologies for the company (being kinder than saying "bribery for
sabotage")

Tesla appears to be run by seasoned, successful people who know of
such things and how to work around them, so I think we are in good hands in
this regards. My bigger concern is that it is hard to get the economies of
scale in place to build a cost effective product which results in a business
plan that makes money. There are some deep pockets here, but I am sure there
needs to be a profit somewhere down the line for the product to stay in
production.

cj.. Hopeful wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 6:12 pm
The principals are already wealthy and don't need to go public to
raise development capital. Meaning they aren't subject to a (very) hostile
TO at this point. And you can't disappear high profile SV biz execs as
easily as most. Will be interesting to see how many zeros GM/Exxon will have
to squeeze onto the check to make this go away.

Ferrari Enzo: $500,000
Gulfstream V: $50,000,000
Helping save the only planet we've got: priceless

Hope you boys have the [expletive deleted] to tell them "You don't
have enough ink to write enough zeros."

Love it. Good luck.

ck.. David wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 6:39 pm
Like most posters here, I am eagerly waiting for your expanded
product line. I also have faith that as battery and recharging technology
improves, you will be able to retrofit your first models, mostly so that the
cars can become more than a close-to-home transportation solution.

I have one question (not that I'm expecting an answer but it struck
me as, well, funny): The solar panel idea.since the first models will take a
few hours to recharge, and (speculating that) your first customers are
likely to be people who are away from home during the day, I would expect
most of the home recharging to be done at night. So, how much power do you
get out of that panel under the moonlight? Just kidding. Maybe we'll see a
lot more telecommuting in the next few years.

cl.. lifeful wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 7:49 pm
I love this idea but the technology is great just too expensive for
any average U.S citizen to buy one of these cars. Then you think about what
you can get in this cars price range $80k-$100k, most sports cars are in
that range and all most all luxery cars are in there too and all normal
everyday vehicles are under that price range. Like I said it is a good Idea
but you the company will not sell enough cars to make any money most likely
you will lose money big time.

cm.. Bruce Miller wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 8:45 pm
Wow, the roadster looks terrific. I live in Maui, Hawaii. How would
owning this car in Maui work for service? I'm extremely interested in the
Roadster, my wife would like the sedan!!

Regards,
Bruce Miller

cn.. JulieB wrote on August 4th, 2006 at 8:50 pm
I think this is a beautiful car and a great plan. My concern: I have
three children. Any hopes that the family car will seat tall children - all
of whom probablye will be teens by the time the model is out?

Best of luck.

co.. Remy Chevalier wrote on August 5th, 2006 at 7:54 am
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
My concern is the 7000 flashlight batteries, when we could easily
have instead half a dozen snap-in snap-out solid state li-ion slimcell power
cylinders instead. Why has your company and your TED friends not made the
effort to contact Dr. Sadoway, head of the battery dept. at MIT, to talk
about putting his slimcell into mass production? This would give your
roadster a 600 miles range, and reduce weight significantly. I also want to
put Betcee May into your roadster for the cover of Electrifying Times
magazine. Why won't your media press office not support a magazine on
electric cars which has been around since 1993, creating the culture you are
now capitalizing on? Maybe we should take this up in private, but getting to
you, has been impossible.