Tesla Puts Model S Technology on Display

Electric car maker showcases sedan’s advanced electric powertrain at North American stores

November 23, 2011

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Tesla Motors (NASDAQ: TSLA) is showing off the advanced technology that powers Model S, the world’s first sedan built from the ground up as an electric vehicle, in its stores across North America. The tour rolls out starting this Friday, November 25th. Event listings can be found at www.teslamotors.com/events.

The displays highlight the innovative components that make up Model S’ drivetrain including the motor, battery pack, front suspension assembly, and rear drive unit. The tour is part of Tesla’s strategy to introduce the public to the advantages of electric vehicles. Visitors to Tesla’s North America showrooms [ http://www.teslamotors.com/buy/stores ] can see and touch the building blocks of Model S while learning about them through interactive touchscreen experiences.

Equipped with Tesla’s advanced electric powertrain, Model S [ http://www.teslamotors.com/models ] provides instant torque and smooth acceleration from 0-60 in less than six seconds. The aluminum body is engineered for superior handling, safety and efficiency. With the most energy dense battery pack in the industry, and best-in-class aerodynamics, Model S has the longest range of any electric car in the world, up to 300 miles on a single charge.

The components on display demonstrate the superiority and efficiency of Tesla’s electric vehicle architecture [ http://www.teslamotors.com/models/innovations ]. Customers will be able to see how Model S’ flat, lithium-ion cell battery improves rigidity and handling, how the rear drive unit is efficiently designed for maximum power, and how the lack of an internal combustion engine makes Model S stronger and safer.

“Tesla stores are designed to let people explore and learn about Tesla’s technology for themselves,” said VP of Sales and Ownership Experience George Blankenship. “You’ll never see a ‘Don’t Touch’ sign in a Tesla store. We want everyone -- from kindergartners to grandparents -- to come in and see for themselves why driving electric is the future.”

The Model S components are just one pillar of Tesla’s mission to reinvent the way people buy cars. Breaking from the traditional dealership model, Tesla stores entice, inform and engage prospective customers with innovative touch-screen interfaces, knowledgeable product specialists, and a virtual design studio where they can customize their own premium Model S sedans.

About Tesla

Tesla’s goal is to accelerate the world’s transition to electric mobility with a full range of increasingly affordable electric cars. Palo Alto, California-based Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. Tesla has delivered more than 2,000 Roadsters, the world’s first electric sports car, to customers worldwide. Model S, the first premium sedan to be built from the ground up as an electric vehicle, goes on the market in mid-2012.