Tesla Roadster to live another year as cash cow for Model S

There’s no doubt that the Tesla Roadster is a powerful and sexy vehicle in the electric car space, but with a price tag of $130,000 relatively few people can afford it. For the most part Tesla is ok with that because it primarily wanted to use the Roadster as a buzz and cash builder leading up to the manufacture of its Model S. Originally Tesla planned to stop production of the Roadster in early next year but a new deal with manufacturing partner Lotus has extended that plan out at least until the end of 2011.

That means Tesla has an opportunity to earn more cash from the Roadster, further smoothing the financial road forward. This extension may allow Tesla to keep inventories of the Roadster available for use in showrooms and seamlessly transition to the Model S in 2012 when it’s scheduled to launch.

Since the Model S is completely electric it will be in competition with the Nissan LEAF which will also enter mainstream production in 2012. Tesla’s Model S seems to have more details outlined though, including base price.

According to Tesla, the Model S will have these features:

• 300 mile range
• 45 minute QuickCharge
• 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds
• Seats 7 people
• More cargo space than sedans
• 2X as efficient as hybrids
• 17 inch infotainment touchscreen

The 45 minute QuickCharge would require access to a 480V outlet but that’s certainly something existing gas stations could outfit themselves to provide. However that means the architecture of gas stations would need to handle longer parking times instead of the momentary pause gasoline fill-ups require.

The kicker on the Model S is its price tag, which right now is set at $49,000 for a base unit. Tax incentives may knock that down a bit but compared to a $40,000 Chevy Volt which can utilize traditional gasoline as well as electricity (and also nets tax breaks), the choice may be a difficult one for consumers.