Tesla Model S Deliveries Set For June, Australian Debut Due In 2013

American electric-vehicle dynamo Tesla has confirmed the all-new Model S sedan will roll up to the driveways of its US customers on June 22. 

The news comes nearly four years since the new sedan - Tesla's second new model since the groundbreaking Roadster - was announced, and three years since its debut in concept form. 

Not one to pass up an opportunity for a media event, Tesla founder Elon Musk has confirmed that the first Model S deliveries will be broadcast online. 

As for local buyers, Tesla Australia's Jay McCormack has confirmed with TMR that the Model S will arrive in mid-2013, with pricing and specifications to be confirmed closer to launch.

In the US, the Model S starts at US$57,400, excluding a $7500 federal government tax incentive. Australian prices are expected to be in-line with the premium luxury sedan segment. 

Tesla's third new model, the upcoming Model X SUV, will enter production in late 2013.

About the Model S

Three versions of the all-electric Model S will be offered: the base Model S with a 40kWh battery pack, a mid-grade model with a 60kWh battery and finally the flagship with a 85kWh battery.

The entry-grade car has a maximum range of 250km and reaches 96km/h (60mph) in 6.5 seconds, while the mid-spec Model S can travel for 368km and hit triple-digit speeds in a little over 5.9 seconds.

The high-grade model gets to 96km/h in just 5.6 seconds, and can travel for an impressive 480km before needing a recharge.

A high-performance variant will also be offered, delivering a 0-96km/h time of 4.4 seconds.

“That’s quicker than a 911. Not bad for an electric luxury sedan," Tesla CEO Elon Musk said at the unveiling of the Model S last year.

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