Photo: original photo by autoevolution
The green automotive scene is heavily anticipating Tesla Motors' upcoming Model X crossover, which has been confirmed to come in the first months of 2015 with trick Falcon wing doors, two electric motors and four-wheel drive. However, eco-friendly auto enthusiasts are more interested in the EV manufacturer's future compact electric sedan, currently known as the Model E, which is a registered trademark of the Ford Motor Company.
According to present info, the Tesla Model E is expected to come in late 2016 and sport about 20 percent smaller dimensions than the Model S luxury electric saloon. Furthermore, Autocar was informed by Chris Porritt, the EV carmaker's VP of engineering, that the Model E will be priced "realistically" to steal attract buyers that would normally go for premium sedans such as the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
A vital part of the realistic price the yet unconfirmed Tesla Model E will command when it will hit dealer showrooms stands in the most important component of an electric vehicle - the battery pack. Porritt declared that "the Gigafactory will help make battery manufacturing more cost-effective." Additionally, the former Aston Martin man said that there will be little carry-over from the Model S, with aluminum not an option for most components.
That basically hints at a more conventional pressed steel construction to keep production costs as low as possible. Mr. Porritt also dropped some hints about the soon to be revealed Tesla Model X crossover. According to him, the skeleton of the SUV will adopt a mildly modified Model S chassis, featuring the same wheelbase as the luxury sedan but a different suspension setup.
All in all, the Model X has all the chances to be a hit as soon as it arrives in Tesla showrooms all over the world, while a $35,000 3 Series-rivaling electric sedan is that rare auto recipe certain to become an instant best-seller.
A vital part of the realistic price the yet unconfirmed Tesla Model E will command when it will hit dealer showrooms stands in the most important component of an electric vehicle - the battery pack. Porritt declared that "the Gigafactory will help make battery manufacturing more cost-effective." Additionally, the former Aston Martin man said that there will be little carry-over from the Model S, with aluminum not an option for most components.
That basically hints at a more conventional pressed steel construction to keep production costs as low as possible. Mr. Porritt also dropped some hints about the soon to be revealed Tesla Model X crossover. According to him, the skeleton of the SUV will adopt a mildly modified Model S chassis, featuring the same wheelbase as the luxury sedan but a different suspension setup.
All in all, the Model X has all the chances to be a hit as soon as it arrives in Tesla showrooms all over the world, while a $35,000 3 Series-rivaling electric sedan is that rare auto recipe certain to become an instant best-seller.
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