Tesla hints at new small model
Electric car brand set to add a new smaller model due in 2017.
Tesla's lineup looks set to see the inclusion of a new smaller model within four years.
Tesla head of design Franz von Holzhausen told Drive to expect something smaller for the the new model, which is aimed to be priced at US $30,000 when it launches in 2017.
"It'll be smaller than the Model S," says von Holzhausen. "Given the price point and the segment sizes, it's pretty easy to see that it could be a [rival to the] BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, VW Jetta type vehicle.
"It will have range performance and affordability," he says, stating that the $30K mark is what he sees as "the break-in point".
"We see that's where we can really move the needle and bring all this excitement to the average customer," he says.
When asked about what sort of battery range that car could potentially have, von Holzhausen says he expects the small model to have big battery life.
"We see about an eight per cent efficiency bump for battery technology year-to-year. As the battery technology and efficiency grows, and as we continue to work on being more efficient about charging and de-charging, as we're more aerodynamic with our vehicles ... weight is a small factor, low mass helps," he says.
"I think we'll see great range for that segment - we may not see 300 miles (482km), but that's OK," he says, going on to suggest that the brand's super-charging network may be developed enough that the question of range anxiety could possibly be far smaller by the time the car launches.
Tesla plans to launch the new Model S sedan in Australia towards the end of 2013 as right-hand-drive production is due to commence around that time.
The eye-catching Model X seven-seat SUV is still yet to commence production, but is likely to launch in the US in 2014 and locally sometime after that.
The company also stated at the Detroit motor show that it will set up fast-charge service station points in Australia, which can boost the Model S's tank with 240km of range in half an hour.