SFGate: Tesla Motors coming of age

[Mycroft]

Finally some info on the new plant.

SFGate article July 3, 2011: Tesla Motors coming of age as an automaker

It's a daunting leap. At this point, one year after the company went public, Tesla appears to be midway across its own Valley of Death, trying to ensure a smooth landing.

In another building, construction crews have installed a press line - three stories tall and shipped from Michigan - that will stamp body panels from pieces of aluminum, using pistons the width of tree trunks. Workers had to rebuild the cement floor to support the towering machines.

"Maybe we won't be seen as super-elitist, but that's OK," Musk said. "What really matters is, are you delivering really high-quality products that amaze and delight people? A car may feel like it's inexpensive, but it should never feel cheap."

The place is so frickin humongous they built a test track inside one of the buildings!

Fantastic! It's starting to come together!

 

[mwg]

Tesla Motors coming of age as an automaker

San Francisco Chronicle:
Tesla Motors coming of age as an automaker

"We could afford to make our mistakes on a small scale, in order to avoid making them at a large scale," said Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk. "We've got all the lessons learned from the Roadster, so we're applying those to the Model S to make sure those mistakes are not repeated."

 

[DrComputer]

Let's hope they learn their lesson of poor customer service before they release the Model S.

 

[vfx]

Buried in the comments is "the Bike"

10:58 AM on July 4, 2011

You sure are ignorant about charging capabilities. The Model S can recharge 300 miles of range in 45 minutes. A gas powered car always stops for eats or a break
every 3 to 4 hours, enough time for the Model S to be recharged without requiring any extra travel time. Charlie Chan says "Best if one thinks before speaking."
Or posting comments. And now DBM-Energy claims recharges in 6 minutes for their batteries.

A level 2 charger can recharge 300 miles of range of the Tesla Model S in less than 4 hours, and less than 45 minutes when using
a public Level3 charger. Level 3 chargers are not meant (nor needed) at the home - they are for public charging stations.
Future Nissan Leafs can recharge in a fraction now required.

Is the EV lobby paying him now?