TESLA MOTORS PRESENTS SUPERCHARGING AT IAA AND ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR EUROPEAN NETWORK EXPANSION
“The focus of Model S on design, engineering and performance makes it very well suited for the European market,” said Elon Musk, Tesla co-founder and CEO. “This year has already been one of tremendous growth and expansion throughout Europe for Tesla and Model S. Before the end of this year, our European operations will expand even further, with new stores and service centres in locations including Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Berlin, Paris, Cote d’Azur/Provence, Stavanger, Vienna, Amsterdam, Basel, Geneva, Rotterdam, Arnhem, Stockholm and London.”
At the same time that Model S hit European roads, Tesla energized Superchargers in Europe, including one on-site at IAA. Tesla Superchargers represent the most advanced charging technology in the world, capable of charging Model S 20x faster than most common charging stations. Superchargers provide half a charge in about 20 minutes, delivering up to 120 kW DC (Direct Current) power directly to the Model S battery.
Tesla’s first network of European Supercharging stations opened in Norway at the end of August, allowing Model S owners to travel conveniently and for free across Norway’s most vital and commonly used roads and highways. More European routes will be energized in the coming months, providing coverage well within the Model S rated range of 480 km per charge. By the end of 2014, 100 percent of the population of Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, Denmark and Luxembourg will live within 320 km of a Supercharger station, with about 90 percent of the population in England, Wales and Sweden living within the same distance of a charging station.
“Tesla’s Supercharger network is a game changer for electric vehicles and will offer Model S owners free, fast charging for convenient long distance drives throughout Europe,” said JB Straubel, Chief Technical Officer at Tesla. “All our Superchargers are located near amenities like roadside restaurants, cafes and shopping centresso that road trippers can stop for a quick meal while their Model S charges for free.”
About Tesla
Tesla Motors’ (NASDAQ: TSLA) goal is to accelerate the world’s transition to electric mobility with a full range of increasingly affordable electric cars. California-based Tesla designs and manufactures EVs, as well as EV powertrain components for partners such as Toyota and Daimler. Tesla has delivered over 15,000 electric vehicles to customers in 31 countries. Deliveries of Model S in Europe started this summer.
About Model S
Model S is the world’s first premium sedan built from the ground up as an electric vehicle, meticulously designed and engineered to elevate the public’s expectations of what a car can be. At the heart of Model S is the proven Tesla powertrain, delivering both unprecedented range and a thrilling drive experience. With a rigid body structure, nearly 50/50 weight distribution and a remarkably low center of gravity, Model S offers the responsiveness and agility expected from world’s best sports cars while providing the ride quality of a premium sedan.
Setting the bar for electric driving range, Model S offers 60 kWh and 85 kWh battery options, delivering unprecedented range of up to 500 km (on the NEDC drive cycle) with the 85 kWh variant. Both batteries are contained within the same enclosure, integrating with the vehicle in the same way, providing structural, aerodynamic, and handling advantages. The batteries use automotive-grade lithium-ion cells arranged for optimum energy density, thermal management, and safety
Without an internal combustion engine or transmission tunnel, the interior of Model S has more cargo space than any other sedan in its class and includes a second trunk under the hood. The interior features a 17” in-dash touchscreen with Internet capabilities.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding expansion of European operations and future Tesla Supercharger locations, timing and capabilities, are “forward-looking statements” that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations, and as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those projected. Various important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including potential difficulties in finding suitable Tesla store, service centre and Supercharger sites, negotiating leases or obtaining required permits for such locations, as well as the risks and uncertainties identified under the sections captioned “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results Of Operations” in Tesla’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2013. Tesla disclaims any obligation to update information contained in these forward-looking statements.