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Telsa Motors, the company that introduced the world to the sexy all-electric Tesla Roadster, has a new trick up their sleeve in 2012. This time, it’s an SUV that has lots of perks, is fast, and looks like something from the near future.

(images by Tesla Motors)

Pictured above is the Tesla Motors Model X, which actually is from the future when you think about the fact that they’re not rolling them out until late 2013.

Fast And Roomy

I like fast cars and my wife likes lots of space, so the Model X appeals to both of us, making it a possible compromise if we ever decide to trim down to just one automobile. As I watched Tesla founder Elon Musk unveil the Model X, seven full-sized adults crawled out of the three rows of seating. With everyone out of the Model X, they proceeded to then unload enough luggage for the seven people to be on a two-day trip, at least.

Comparing the Model X’s speed to that of a Porsche was also unexpected. When Elon mentioned a Porsche 911 Carrera and that it goes from 0 to 60 in 4.6 seconds, I thought he would then announce that the Model X could do it in 5 seconds or something else close. Instead, he followed by stating that the Model X can go from 0 to 60 in just 4.4 seconds. This, no doubt, is helped by the generous second motor this automobile boasts (only in the Performance model). And speaking of the second motor, the system is said to check the front and rear drives constantly and shift power to one or the other as needed for optimal traction control.

Interior Amenities To Brag About

The luxury styled interior of the Model X is just what you’d expect for the cost of this ride, but those who know what they want will pay for it and who wouldn’t want this.

Alongside classic style comes a 17 inch Tesla touch screen and Elon tells us they tapped Apple’s supply chain to use the same screen you’ll find in a MacBook… and then upped the contrast and lumens to make it look even better.

It Has Wings

One feature of the Model X which will probably be touted more than it should is what they are calling falcon wings. We loved a similar concept in the DeLorean that was paraded throughout the Back to the Future movie franchise and more recently, similar gull-wing doors have shown up more and more frequently on sports cars. The difference with the falcon wings is the space required to open them. Tesla designed them to open in just about the same amount of space you would need to fit your own body between two cars. Remaining aware of height limitations of your garage as well, they made the falcon wings open no higher than a standard SUV hatch door.

Sadly, the falcon wing doors are only on the back. This means that they won’t even be used unless you have rear passengers to use them. This also means that the problem of opening your door if someone parks too close is only solved for getting in the back. Perhaps Model X 2.0 can introduce additional falcon wing front doors. Until then, you’ll need to drive your friends around if you want to show off those doors.

The Electric Conundrum

According to the U.S. Department of Energy there are a number of electric automobile charging stations, depending on your state, and the numbers are growing. There are reportedly 500+ in California, 100-200 in Arizona, and far less in some of the other states. Unfortunately, none are very close to outlying areas in Arizona, which could limit our use for the Model X in some camping scenarios.

Cost And Availability

Although you can’t have your car until 2014, you can reserve one now. Tesla is taking reservations on their site for the standard models and the signature series. For the signature series, you’ll plunk down a hefty $40,000, and only $5,000 otherwise. Either option is refundable, in case you should change your mind. This refund goes towards the reported $60,000 to $100,000 cost of the Model X. The good news for every day use is that it should get 300 miles per charge with the 85kWh configuration which is about a month of me driving to and from the office.

Like most industries, I’m sure the costs of automobiles like the Model X will continue to decrease as the demand and production increase. As we see more small car companies like Tesla and Local Motors enter the industry, we will also see more choices and lower costs. The future of the auto industry looks good.

Months ago, I read about a new car that would be rolling out soon called the Nissan Leaf. What I read gave a little information about what was coming, but nothing like the first hand look I got today.

(image from nissanusa.com)

My first real look at the Leaf gave me a better peek at the design, inside and out, and introduced me to a lot of cool features I want to share with you.

Appearances

Appearances aren’t everything, but nobody buys a new car without thinking about how it looks. This is not the most attractive car, but it’s not bad, either. One of the obvious challenges of an electric car is increasing its range and speed capabilities, which often means a smaller car. The shape is a little sporty and the interior is pretty nice as well. Over all, I think they did a decent job with it.

(image from nissanusa.com)

Benefits Of An Electric Car

By now, most people know that electric cars and hybrids cost a lot more money, and you may have also heard about government incentives and tax breaks given to people who buy these automobiles. There’s a reason you get these incentives. Hybrids are better for the environment, reducing emissions and an All-electric car like the Leaf has zero emissions. The environmental benefit is huge. As well, this car will not use fuel that we normally rely on and experts predict we’ll run out of. Instead, it uses electric power which can be harnessed from solar energy at your own home, if you want. Even if you just pay the electric company, the current rate works out to about $2.78 to fully charge the Leaf (100 miles on a full charge), compared to the $2.86 per gallon I paid to put gas in my car yesterday.

Nissan Leaf Specifications

There are a lot more specifications and features, but below are the ones I felt were worth mentioning here.

* zero tailpipe emissions/Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV)
* 100% electric – no gas required
* high response 80kW AC synchronous electric motor
* range – 100 miles/charge based upon US EPA LA4 City cycle2
* speeds up to 90 mph
* 5 passengers, 5 doors
* 120 V portable trickle charging cable3
* regenerative brakes
* vehicle-speed-sensitive electric power steering
* aerodynamic LED headlights
* partially recycled light gray cloth seat fabric
* Nissan Intelligent Key and Push Button Start
* Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System
* Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)
* trip computer
* remote keyless entry
* auto-dimming rearview mirror
* illuminated glove compartment
* auxiliary 12-volt DC power outlet
* AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with MP3/WMA playback capability
* XMÂ® Satellite Radio 4
* auxiliary audio input jack 5
* USB connection port for iPodÂ® interface and other compatible devices5
* Nissan Navigation System with 7.0â€ color display
* CARWINGS – allowing for remote connection to LEAF
o monitor battery state of charge/charging status
o start vehicle charging event
o activate heating and air conditioning systems
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
* Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
* Vehicle Security System

Built-In Technology

Beyond the simple fact that this car is all electric, Nissan included some pretty cool features I’d love to see in my own car. One of these features that makes me feel like we’re finally in 2010 is CARWINGS. CARWINGS is akin to OnStar in that it is a computer in your car, but you don’t talk to a person. Instead, you talk to your car. With CARWINGS, you can communicate with the car via a touch screen interface, a web site, or your iPhone. You don’t have to initiate the conversation, either. Suppose you come home and forget to plug in your Leaf after a long day. It’ll recognize that fact and email or text you to remind you to plug it in. If one of the batteries fails, it will email Nissan so someone can contact you to bring the car in. My tour guide explained that they aren’t sure about pricing after the free introductory period, but that introduction lasts a comfy 3 years.

You can also get the Leaf with a rear back-up camera so you can back up safely, and even a solar panel on the back to help keep a small charge in the car even while you’re in your office, working away. One of the unexpected features is the ability to program an audible pedestrian alert to let pedestrians know you’re driving a very quiet car in the vicinity. I’m told there’s even a third-party program to allow you to create and program in your own audio. I can only imagine the results. Along with all of this comes some of the more recognizable features like map-guided navigation, MP3 support, etc. Not a bad mix of technology.

Charging

Charging an electric vehicle is one of the concerns voiced most by consumers. How far will it drive on a single charge? Will there be charging stations like there are gas stations? How much will it cost? My visit to check out the Nissan Leaf answered all of these questions and a couple more.

How far will it go?
According to Nissan, the Leaf will go about 100 miles on a full charge. This is less than most cars get on a full tank of gas, so it may be less ideal for road trips unless there are charging stations along the way. The other side of that argument is that the fuel economy provided makes it much cheaper for long trips.

How much does it cost to charge?
Nissan’s 24 kWh battery can be charged at around 10 to 12 cents per kWh depending on where you live. At that rate, you’ll end up paying about as much to fully charge the Leaf as you would for a single gallon of gas. Estimates (based on 15,000 miles a year at 12 cents/kWh) have come out to about $561 a year to charge it.

Can it be charged it at home?
When you buy a leaf, they install a home charger with a $100 assessment fee. The charging station, itself, is said to be about $2,000.

What about charging while out?
Nissan says, “We are working with government and private corporations to grow infrastructure. You can help by supporting this growth in your own community.” The charging plug is a universal standard, so you wouldn’t have to rely on just Nissan to get these charging stations in place. Any station that pops up with the universally standard plug will work.

How long does it take to charge?
At home, on a 120 volt system, you’ll get a full charge in 18 hours. A 240 volt system will, of course, make this much faster, and a 440 volt commercial system will get you 80% charged in only about a half hour.

Conclusions

It’s no Ferrari, but it’s not ugly, either, and it’s very tech friendly while saving the planet from the nasty emissions my own car will be pumping into the atmosphere on my way home tonight. The cost can be offset by government tax credits and even more by the efficient costs of daily driving, but the initial sticker price might still scare some away. It’s an attractive package for those of us who want technology but also want to join the ranks of people driving smarter and more earth-friendly vehicles. The Prius is about to have its impressive sales numbers challenged, although I am very interested in seeing what the how other car companies answer the Leaf.

Tag: electric

Tesla Motors Model X – The Fast, Stylish, Electric SUV