First with its pioneering Tesla Roadster and next with the upcoming Model S all-electric luxury sedan, Tesla Motors is on a roll. The California-based EV brand has just announced details on another hot upcoming electric car, the Model X all-electric luxury crossover SUV. Not only is the new model a stunning design, it could very well be the most usable EV yet.
Cars like the the Nissan LEAF, Ford Focus Electric and upcoming Honda Fit EV are proving that electric cars can be viable transportation, but their range is too low to fit the duties as a primary car, or only car. The Model X has enough space for families and all their stuff, and its extended-range batteries will put current EV models to shame.
The Model X will be available with either a 60 kWh or an extra-cost 85 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and while official range estimates are not yet released, expect it to at least equal the Model S sedan’s 300 miles of range in its top configuration.
That means the car will take you there and back again through any typical day, and will even do the job for shorter vacation trips. By contrast, the Nissan LEAF can only travel around 70-120 miles on a single charge.
As for power, Tesla says the new crossover will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds in its top-performing configuration. That’s quick enough to give the likes of the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5 M and other top luxury sport SUVs a run for their money.
Pricing details are being kept quiet, though the base price is confirmed to be right around the level of the Model S, which is set to run between $50,000 and $70,000 after factoring in Federal tax credits for new electric car buyers.
Tesla is now taking reservations at the level of $5,000 for the standard model or $40,000 for one of the initial production Model X Signature vehicles. With registration already valuing more than $40 million worth of vehicle sales, you might want to act quick to avoid waiting in a length line for delivery.
The first Model X Signature deliveries are promised by the end of 2013, with full production set to commence in 2014. The Model S sedan will be available from Tesla even earlier, with the first Signature cars promised by the end of 2012.