The electric car is real—at least in prototype form. Tesla Motors yesterday unveiled a working prototype of its much-anticipated Model S, a fully-electric 5-door sedan, the LA Times reports. It’s actually Tesla’s second electric vehicle, but unlike the Roadster, which is produced in London and carries a $109,000 price tag, the Model S is intended as a mass-market vehicle. The first ones hit the road in 2011.
Of course, with prices starting at $57,400, the Model S is hardly a bargain-hunter’s dream, but the company stresses that it’s eligible for a $7,500 tax credit. The goal is to produce 20,000 a year in Southern California. The Model S can do zero to 60 in 5.6 seconds and has three battery options, ranging from 160 miles a charge to 300 miles. The smallest battery can be recharged in 45 minutes, much faster than current charge times.
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