Tesla Model S Tops 3,000 Preorders

Although it's still a yet to be launched model, Tesla Model S manages to remain extremely appealing to lots of buyers who agree to pay a $5000 reservation for an electric sedan. Deliveries will begin in 2012 and according to a report by USA Today, more than 3,000 people have already reserved their car.

"The Model S is a better value than much cheaper conventional cars," said Tesla CEO, Chairman and Product Architect Elon Musk, back in 2009 when the company started receiving orders for the Model S. "Despite the enormous environmental benefits, lower total cost of ownership will soon become the primary motivation for consumers to evolve from gas guzzlers to EVs."

According to information revealed in March 2009, the Model S will be sold for only $49,900, after a federal tax credit of $7,500 is applied. As Elon Musk, Tesla CEO said: “Model S costs half as much as a Roadster, and it’s a better value than much cheaper cars.” It will be offered in two versions, Model S and Model S Signature, each equipped with more or less advanced features.

For example, infotainment is ensured via a 17-inch touchscreen with in-car 3G connectivity, which will allow its occupants access to Pandora Radio, Google Maps, or check their level of charge remotely from their iPhone or laptop. Tesla will provide three battery packs for the Model S, which will give customers ranges of 160 (257 km), 230 (370) or 300 (482 km) miles per charge.

Tesla will push the Roadster out of production in 2011, according to some papers revealed earlier this year, in order to prepare the assembly lines for manufacturing the Model S.