Tesla Model S P90D

Key facts

Year

2016
Country

United States
Capacity

2 x AC synchronous three phase electric motors
Output

total power output 525bhp
Maximum speed

155mph
Performance

0-60mph 2.8 seconds
Price new

From £70,180
Loaned by

Private Owner
Manufacturer

Tesla Inc, Fremont, California, USA & Tilburg, Netherlands

This rolling chassis illustrates much of the current thinking in automotive technology. The Tesla Model S was designed from the outset as an electric vehicle (EV), without the compromises involved in altering a car intended for an internal combustion engine to electric propulsion. Power comes from a floor-mounted 90KWh lithium ion battery pack.

Founded in 2003, Tesla adopted a different approach to electric vehicle design compared with other manufacturers. Their first vehicle, the Roadster, produced from 2008 – 2012, was a sports car. The Model S high performance, luxury saloon was launched in 2012, seeing continual development ever since and has consistently been among the top-selling plug-in electric cars. It has been offered in a number of single and twin motor configurations, offering high performance and, in some versions, a range of over 400 miles with zero emissions.