Tesla Model S pricing announced, no price increase this time!

This announcement comes after lots of speculation that Tesla and Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO and co-founder, might not be able to deliver the Model S at the promised starting price of $50,000.

Tesla might be a media darling and icon for Hollywood icons, but it still could not escape the immense cost of designing, building, and selling cars. Tesla ran into financial trouble when trying to deliver the Tesla Roadster to customers who had put down large deposits, forcing the company to increase prices. This caused quite a stir, and some unhappy customers that lost faith in Tesla.

It seems though the company will be able to make good on its price targets this time around.

On a blog post today on Tesla's website George Blankenship, Tesla's vice president of worldwide sales and ownership experience, said, “I'm happy to say that all Model S pricing remains unchanged, including the basic version with the 40 kWh battery at the price we announced in 2009 of $49,900 after federal tax credits $49,900 includes our game changing 17" Touchscreen, 19" Wheels and a Universal Mobile Connector with three adapters that will allow you to charge at home and on the road. This is an incredible car at an incredible price.”

The 40 kWh base Model S will have an estimated range of 160 miles and accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds. The top speed is estimated to be 110 mph by Tesla.

If you require a car with a bit more performance though, the seven-passenger all-electric sedan will set you back more green. The 60 kWh Tesla Model S with 230-mile-range will be $59,900, and the for the 85 kWh 300-mile-range version will cost $69,900. The 60 kWh will go from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, and has a top speed of 120 mph. The 85 kWh Model S will go from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds and has a top speed 125 mph.

The 85 kWh performance Model S, which comes with additional equipment like Nappa leather interior and performance wheels, will cost $79,900 after federal tax rebates. Tesla claims the performance 85 kWh Model S will go from 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds, which is quite impressive comparing it to gas-power rivals in the luxury sedan class. The top speed of the 85 kWh performance Model S is 130 mph.

All cars have a warranty on the batteries, which might alleviate some worries Tesla customers might have about battery longevity. It will vary on the Model S trim you choose though. The 40 kWh Model S comes with a 100,000 mile/8-year warranty and the 65 kWh has and 8-year warranty as well but a 125,000 mile warranty. The 85 kWh and performance variant Model S has a unlimited mile/8-year warranty on the batteries.

Tesla should be going into 2012 happy that it can deliver on it's pricing promises and goals. However, it still has not made any money selling cars. The real question Tesla faces when the Model S goes on sale in 2012; Will the Model S make $?

Please contact Adam Yamada-Hanff – [email protected] – for comments, questions, or topics. You can also follow him on Twitter @AdamsAutoAdvice

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