It doesn’t take a great memory to remember how difficult it was for the electric vehicles to start writing their history. Saturn EV1’s failure was never even equaled, but it used to take big optimism to expect a good future for these cars. It was possible to categorize their problems: inefficient batteries, huge prices for such small cars and distasteful styling. Having that in mind, how about knowing that this article’s car has the greatest range of the market, starts at only US$ 50,000 and looks as gorgeous as what this picture shows?
Model S resulted such a great car specially because Tesla’s attitude was to offer a good product even though costing more, rather than creating a low-cost vehicle which would still be expensive, due to the electric powertrain, but having worse characteristics even than cheaper gas cars. When it comes to design, the applause go to Franz von Holzhausen, a former Mazda designer. Working on a more expensive price range (the upmarket version goes to US$ 70,000) made it possible to create what looks like another four-door coupe, whose smooth silhouette is filled with very well-sculpted elements. Actually, the most interesting feature is that Model S doesn’t look any different from gas cars, proving that a good project can obtain efficient aerodynamics without appealing to unusual shapes and accessories. Cars like this help to destroy the “rule” that the electrics need to look so different to achieve reduced drag, which can actually work as a sales argument: it’s possible to sell the electric only as an alternative propulsion, no longer tied to questionable designs. It’s interesting to observe contrasts such as following most of the classic sedans with the chrome bar connecting both tail lights along with proximity sensor to the handles: they pop out when a hand approaches.
Entering the car definitely takes the entire attention to the central console, which is actually a 17” tablet designed by former Apple engineers. However, the overall sensation is of a really nice car once again because Model S proves it’s possible to create a high-quality interior without appealing to excesses. There’s a perfect combination of high-tech and classical elements, including several options of coating colors and materials, resulting on a room capable of pleasing a huge range of customers. Even better is knowing that each of them can actually bring a huge range of its family: the coupé body didn’t stop Model S’ 196-inch length and 116.5-inch wheelbase from seating five with plenty of space and including two additonal fold-up seats, these facing backwards and recommended for children. There are some optional items such as electric panoramic sunroof and air suspension, everything controlled by the vehicle’s screens: the other works as the dashboard, featuring a simplified version of the console. Weighing more than 4600 pounds and having a 26.3 cu-ft trunk (with additional front space of 5.3 cu-ft) could be taken as a problem, but Tesla surprises once again: Model S uses a 410-hp engine with two battery options, both placed at the center to increase stability and the stronger one offering 85 kWh: it’s possible to have a 310.6-mile range and 132 mph of top speed. But since this car is prone to please as any gas car, how about having a 0-60 mph done in 4s6?
