The Tesla all-electric roadster, on a cross country journey from New York to San Francisco to raise money for environmental charities, made a stop in Grand Rapids this morning, drawing about 20 car buffs and the local media out to cover the story. Seeing as how it was just a few blocks from my house, I had to go check it out. Short slideshow is above.
For those who think the Volt is a little too expensive - check out the price tag on this puppy.
San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla Motors inc. says the car can reach 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Tesla says its lithium-ion batteries give it a range of 244 miles on one charge.Tesla was one of the companies that received loans from the DOE for battery research and production, $465 million will go toward facilities to build their sedan version of this car.
Tesla says the roadster sells for $101,500 after a federal tax credit and says its sedan version will sell for about $50,000 starting in 2011.
Looks like it would be fun to drive - don't know about all the way across the country though, given its small size. A nice spin to the beach maybe. The car will be making a stop in Kalamazoo at WMU later today if you are in the area and want to check it out.