Many people who are interested in the concept of the electric car are awaiting the release of the Tesla Model X – arguably the most anticipated electric car in history. Not only is the release being awaited keenly, but any concrete details about the vehicle have also not exactly been forthcoming, with Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) yet to confirm the release date or any significant details about their vehicle, despite releasing the concept car in 2012.
However, at last we have some news about the vehicle which would appear to be pretty solid. Back when the Tesla Model X first showed up, the concept model which was released featured doors akin to those featured in the iconic DeLorean car (featured infamously in the Back to the Future movies). Many were skeptical whether these would form part of the final production vehicle, but the answer now appears to be in the affirmative.
Tesla Model X: Falcon doors
The ‘Falcon doors’, as they are referred to, will make a massive impression should they definitely be included in the final vehicle, and will certainly make the Model X stand out from both its electric competitors and petrol cars too. There are obviously going to be technical issues to overcome in order to implement this feature, but it is quite obvious that Tesla is viewing the Model X as a vehicle that needs to excel physically as well as offering a practical motoring solution.
According to reports featured in Jalopnik.com, the double-hinged doors will definitely feature in this forthcoming vehicle, and will be equipped with sensors that will adjust the opening sequence to avoid hitting any nearby objects. In accordance with these reports, the CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk, has been discussing the rumors during a question and answer session in Norway.
Musk confirmed that the plans for ‘Falcon doors’ are solid, and also that the Model X will have the same wheelbase as the existing Model S. This is perhaps not too surprising, as the Model S has been a huge hit for Tesla and the biggest contributing factor to the tripling of their share price in just twelve months. However, it should be noted that the Model X will be significantly taller than the Model S.
Additionally, the Model X will have a lower drag coefficient than the extremely roadworthy Model S. But its increased frontal area will ensure that the total drag will be higher. Given that the Model X will also be heavier than the Model S due to its bigger size, this means that the energy consumption of the vehicle will be approximately 10 percent greater. There is no news yet on whether this means that the forthcoming vehicle will feature a larger battery.
Tesla is currently in the process of updating its charging station network to make signing up for the Model X even more attractive. Just a couple of months ago, Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) employees engaged in a unique publicity stunt in when they drove an existing Model S from Los Angeles to New York. While this currently involves a significant detour, Tesla believes that in the short to mid-term future such issues will steadily be negated as it builds up the number of charging stations littered around the United States.
Charging network upgrade
Additionally, their station network is about to get a boost in the amount of power that each charging point offers the motorist. Currently each charging station offers between 90 and 120 kilowatts of power, but Tesla is currently in the process of upgrading every charger in its network to 135 kilowatts, thus offering shorter recharge times for the existing Model S and the Model X in the future. (Of course, we hope that upcoming stations will offer 1.21 gigawatts for the Model X).
The city has responded extremely positively to the news released by Musk. Many analysts have been recommending short selling Tesla for quite some time, but the stock continues to defy the naysayers. Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA)’s share price was up over 5% on day trading on the news regarding the Model X, showing the degree to which the city is anticipating the release of this vehicle.
And the five day trading pattern for Tesla stock also shows a strong upward trend.
This market enthusiasm is reflected in the apparent enthusiasm that the public has for the Model X. The Tesla Motors Club reports that there have been 9,555 pre-orders worldwide, while about 1,432 pre-orders have been placed for the Signature Model X. For the motor company whose last twelve months have been a continual success story, the good news is seemingly continuing.
