Model X ‘the hardest car to build’
TESLA Motors delivered the first of its long-awaited Model X electric sportsutility vehicles (SUVs) on Tuesday‚ a product investors are counting on to make the pioneering company profitable after years of losses.
The launch of the Model X represents a milestone for the loss-making Silicon Valley car maker during a period of high spending and modest growth‚ because it can now boast a second model in production beyond its Model S sedan‚ launched in 2012.
“I think we got a little carried away with the X‚” CEO Elon Musk told reporters ahead of a launch event near the company’s Fremont factory‚ where luxury Model Xs have been moving down the production line in recent weeks‚ nearly two years behind the company’s original schedule.
Musk estimated that 25 000 customers had pre-ordered the crossover online or in its stores, and that it would take eight to 12 months for those ordering now to receive the SUV.
In retrospect‚ the company could have done less‚ Musk said.
“There is far more there really necessary to sell a car.
“And some of the things are so difficult‚ they make the car better but the difficulty of engineering those parts is so high.”
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Musk said the all-wheel drive Model X – with two electric motors‚ the ability to travel about 400km on a single charge and seating for seven people – was “the hardest car to build in the world”.
Priced as high as $144 000 (R1.9million)‚ it features so-called “falconwing” doors that open upward rather than to the side – controlled by sensors that can modulate the height to clear garage ceilings – seats that can be adjusted separately and a panoramic windshield that extends overhead.
Musk said the biggest challenges were making the doors open in a graceful “balletic” manner; the expansive windshield‚ which he said was the largest piece of glass ever used in a car; its sun visor; and the moveable seats‚ which were deceptively tricky.
“One of the hardest things to design is a good seat‚” he said.
Although global adoption of electric vehicles has been slow‚ Tesla has been the US pioneer in luxury electric cars charged by batteries.
It is betting that high-performance and stylish offerings will boost acceptance amid a sea of alternatives‚ such as hybrids or electric vehicles powered by hydrogen.
Tesla predicted its SUV would receive five-star safety ratings in all categories‚ based on data from its crash tests‚ due to its low centre of gravity‚ which helps reduce rollovers.
The Model X‚ like the Model S‚ would be continuously improved‚ Tesla said.
A highly anticipated update expected within the next month will allow for an autopilot function‚ in which cars can be driven hands-free on freeways.
Six new cars were delivered on Tuesday to a group made up of Tesla board members‚ investors and friends of Musk’s who had pre-ordered.
Tuesday’s unveiling showcased the top-of-the-line “Signature” Model X‚ priced between $132 000 and $144 000‚ with optional add-ons such as acceleration upgrades‚ packages for subzero weather or towing.
Musk said that in the future there would be a “lower-cost” Model X. — Reuters