Tesla Confirms Model S Plug-in Hybrid Sedan

Earlier this month, Tesla confirmed that it has started work on a second model,

the follow

up to the long-awaited electric-powered Roadster. The car, a

family-sized four-door sedan previously known as "Whitstar" in rumors

now has a name: Model S.

Although

Tesla is best known for its work with electric cars, the new Model S

will be dramatically different than the vehicle that preceded it. The

key differentiator is, new sedan won't be a pure electric vehicle using battery power alone. Instead, Tesla is opting to make it a

plug-in hybrid, which will feature a standard internal combustion

engine (most likely gasoline-powered) as a method of recharging its

lithium-ion batteries, much like the Chevrolet Volt.

Tesla

also confirmed a couple of the Model S' key specifications, such as

that it would have a range of 224 miles, and that it

will sell for $60,000. Though Tesla hasn't

confirmed when the car will be

produced, it is expected to arrive in

late 2010, and will be assembled in the state of California.

California

isn't exactly known for producing automobiles, but Tesla opted to build

the Model S in the Golden State due to a tax rebate, which would allow

Tesla to obtain a tax exemption when purchasing equipment for building

electric vehicles. This is expected to save Tesla millions, and is sure

to come in handy for further research and development.