Tesla Model S on the road

Tesla has uploaded a video to Vimeo showing the upcoming Model S saloon being put through its paces on Californian roads.

Of course, being electric, it’s very quiet with the loudest noise coming from the tyres. The Tesla is also really striking, thanks to styling that’s good enough to rival other sleek saloons such as the Maserati Quattroporte or Jaguar XF.



Before series production begins in 2012, the Model S will complete ‘Alpha’ and ‘Beta’ test phases. Shown in the film is one of the ‘Alpha’ cars.

Model S Alpha Hits the Road from Tesla Motors on Vimeo.

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Tesla Model S due in 2012

Tesla Model S due in 2012

The 3,000 people across North America and Europe who have already reserved Tesla’s Model S saloon are going to have to wait a little longer for their new car.

Tesla has now confirmed that deliveries are set to begin in 2012, with annual production anticipated to be around 20,000 units.



That’s not a huge volume, but the Model S will be competing head-on with established premium saloons in concept and cost.



After applying the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit, Tesla is aiming for a base price in the US of $49,900 (about £31,370 or €37,550 at today’s rates). That’s directly comparable to the $53,375 Jaguar XF, $50,975 BMW 535i and $50,275 Mercedes-Benz E350, for example.



However, $49,900 only gets you a basic battery pack which offers a range of 160 miles (257 km). For those anticipating range anxiety, other packs that promise either 230 miles (370 km) or 300 miles (482 km) between charges will also be available. Both will be cost options, though, and Tesla has yet to say how much extra they’ll be. Given the price of batteries, it could be significant.

Regardless of which pack is chosen, the Model S accelerates from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.6 seconds, an unsurprising achievement given the ‘instant torque’ characteristics of an electric motor. Top speed is a fairly modest 120 mph (193 km/h), although that will probably be plenty for most drivers who want to keep their licences.



Recharging, which takes 45 minutes using a QuickCharge facility, will be possible via conventional 120 volt, 240 volt and some 480 volt sockets.



Apart from the advantages (or disadvantages, depending on your viewpoint) of purely electric propulsion, one thing that the Tesla should beat its rivals on is packaging.



Because the battery pack is placed below the floor and the electric motor sits between the rear wheels, there’s enough space inside for five adults plus two children in rear-facing jump seats. And with no petrol or diesel engine, the Model S has luggage compartments under both the bonnet and rear hatchback.

Electric car grants saved

The UK Plug-in Car Grant, which will cover up to 25% of the price of an electric car, has been saved. Originally announced back in March by the then Labour government, there had been fears the scheme would be scrapped by the Conservative / Liberal Democrat coalition to help reduce the public spending deficit.



A decision wasn’t expected until the completion of the government’s autumn spending review, but today the Department for Transport confirmed that the money would be ring fenced.



However, the rules of engagement have changed. Whereas the original proposal had £230 million set aside over five years, there’s now only £43 million allocated for the period January 2011 to March 2012. Any available budget beyond then won’t be confirmed until January 2012.



Among the reasons given for the reprieve, Business Minister Mark Prisk said, “The consumer incentive will help Britain become one of the leading centres for the design, development and manufacture of ultra-low carbon vehicles.  It sits alongside public and private sector investment in innovation and infrastructure, leading to the creation of new highly skilled low carbon jobs.”



With the maximum per car grant still capped at £5,000, there’ll be enough in the kitty for 8,600 electric car purchases. However, contrary to Mr Prisk’s comments, it’s unlikely that many of those will be manufactured in the UK.



Although Nissan has chosen Sunderland for European production of its electric Leaf, for example, production isn’t due to start until 2013. Until then, it’ll be importing cars from Japan.



Meanwhile, General Motors has yet to confirm where the Vauxhall / Opel Ampera versions of its Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid will be built. Ellesmere Port, in the UK, remains a contender though, and perhaps the government’s move is partly to influence the decision? Whatever, it’s doubtful the Ampera will be around in time to take advantage of the initial grants.



So that leaves buyers of cars such as the Turkish-built Renault Fluence Z.E., the Japanese Mitsubishi i-MiEV and the American Tesla Roadster to take advantage of the UK government’s money.

2011 Tesla Electric Sports Cars Roadster 2.5

2011 Tesla Electric Sports Cars Roadster 2.5

Tesla launched the new Roadster this week and is delivering to customers now. More than 1,200 current Tesla owners in at least 23 countries have logged over five million electric miles in their Roadsters. CHICHESTER, UK — Tesla Motors (TSLA) will unveil its next-generation sports car to the public this weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The latest version of revolutionary electric sports car, Tesla Roadster 2.5.

‘Goodwood is one of the most beloved motoring events in the world and a highlight of the English summer – so it’s only appropriate that this iconic celebration will be the public launch of the latest Roadster,’ said Cristiano Carlutti, Tesla’s Vice President of European Operations.

The Festival of Speed is the world's largest motoring garden party - a unique weekend that brings together a heady mix of cars, stars and motor sport 'royalty' to create the largest car culture festival worldwide. Held in the immaculate grounds of Goodwood House, this annual hill-climb extravaganza celebrates all things automotive.

Its two newest Tesla Stores–in Newport Beach, California, and Copenhagen, Denmark–will open with evening receptions. Both will have the Roadster 2.5 on display. The 2011 Tesla Roadster 2.5 features improvements in design and technology, including a new front fascia, rear diffuser, improved seat comfort, sound dampening and an optional large touch screen navigation system with back-up camera.

Inside, the most significant alteration is undoubtedly more comfortable seats, which have larger bolsters and now include a lumbar support system. Interior noise has been reduced in several ways, including new sound-suppressing front fender liners.

Finally, Tesla has further modified the Roadster’s power-control system, adding unspecified hardware to permit “spirited driving” (which we presume means maximum electric power) in exceptionally hot climates.
Prospective customers can see the Tesla Roadster 2.5 at Goodwood or at the London showroom at 49-51 Cheval Place in Knightsbridge, near Harrod’s. Tesla is now delivering this latest version of the car in all Tesla markets in Europe, Asia and North America.

2010 Tesla Electric Roadster TAG Heuer Sports Car Concept

With the 2010 Tesla Roadster TAG Heuer, on display at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, pioneering luxury Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer and electric carmaker Tesla Motors have teamed up in a worldwide partnership as the iconic Swiss brand celebrates its 150th anniversary.

2010 Tesla Electric Roadster TAG Heuer

This one-of-a-kind collector's car includes a unique interior by Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen, incorporating TAG Heuer avant-garde design elements and a specially designed center console due to host TAG Heuer's cutting edge concept watch.

2010 Tesla Electric Roadster TAG Heuer

This car also features a TAG Heuer Meridiist mobile phone as well as a one-fifth second Heuer Limited Edition Stopwatch. This Swiss-made timepiece with mechanical movement pays tribute to the 1860 founding of the company and evoques the mythic revival of the brand's vintage stopwatches.

2010 Tesla Electric Roadster TAG Heuer

The car's exterior color scheme is Foucault Field Gray, embodying the innovative spirit of both companies. The design was inspired by the new TAG Heuer concept watch, a technical milestone in mechanical movements, which brings technologically advanced art to life through motion.

2010 Tesla Electric Roadster TAG Heuer

Since its founding in an artisan's workshop in the Swiss Jura, TAG Heuer has become one of the world's best-known luxury brands - maker of avant-garde watches, eyewear and premium mobile phones for refined consumers around the globe.

2010 Tesla Electric Roadster TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer, a star brand from the luxury group and worldwide leader Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH), also has deep roots in the automotive sector. Company founder Edouard Heuer received in 1911 the patent for The Time of Trip, the first car dashboard chronograph, followed in 1933 by the Autavia - the first dashboard timekeeper for both automobiles and aviation. The benchmark in cutting-edge chronographs and timekeeping technology since 1860, TAG Heuer is the watch brand that can claim the longest and strongest association with motor sports and dream cars. Both watches and chronographs are inspired and driven by motor sports, from Formula One to GT cars.

 2010 Tesla Electric Roadster TAG Heuer

"TAG Heuer has a rich history and expertise with the world's most prestigious racing teams - but this is the first ever partnership we've forged with an electric sports car company," said Jean-Christophe Babin, President and CEO of TAG Heuer. "We believe that high-performance drivers are increasingly searching for products that are efficient, socially responsible and stylish. TAG Heuer and Tesla are two of the few companies arleady achieving these ideals today."

2010 Tesla Electric Roadster TAG Heuer

Tesla Motors began developing an electric sports car in 2004 and remains the only automaker selling highway-capable electric cars. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than nearly any other supercar yet is twice as energy efficient as a Toyota Prius - the only car that delivers supercar performance guilt-free, with zero tailpipe emissions and a carbon footprint dramatically lower than any comparable sports car.

2010 Tesla Electric Roadster TAG Heuer

Based in California's Silicon Valley, Tesla has delivered more than 1,000 cars to consumers in 21 countries. Advertising Age magazine recently named Tesla one of America's "hottest brands." The Tesla Roadster is quickly becoming the must-have car among Hollywood celebrities, European royalty and socially responsible trendsetters worldwide.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet includes AIRCAP® with AIRSCARF®

The highly appealing and emotionally charged Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is the latest addition to the successful E-Class line-up. The open-top two-door model, which went on sale on 11 January 2010, features a classic fabric soft top, making for a stylistically pure cabriolet feeling. Viewed from the side, the new model is an intriguing proposition - with its clear proportions and a flawless cabriolet silhouette.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

In keeping with the motto "four seasons, four personalities", all-year-round suitability was right at the top of the developers' list of priorities. With the new E-Class Cabriolet, the cabriolet season lasts the whole year because, while many cabriolets tend to disappear from the roads of Western Europe in the autumn, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (length/breadth/height: 4698/1786/1402 mm) provides driving pleasure and comfort whether the roof is open or closed.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

The soft top can be opened and closed fully automatically within 20 seconds - even when driving at speeds of up to 40 km/h. The cabriolet roof is stowed in a special compartment behind the rear panel. A retractable cover separates the soft top compartment from the boot area; it must be closed in order to close the soft top. If the roof is to remain closed, the cover can be slid rearwards, in which case the boot capacity is increased by 90 litres to 390 litres. A through-loading feature is included as standard for the new Cabriolet, as is EASY-ENTRY - a manually operated entry and exit aid for the rear passengers.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

The powerplants for the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet are equally innovative: the new direct-injection diesel and petrol models combine efficiency with effortlessly superior power delivery. The exemplary, low fuel consumption has not only been achieved because of the new engines, but also with a number of practical measures. These include on-demand activation of the steering and fuel pumps, the use of tyres with low rolling resistance and an alternator control system which takes account of the current driving situation and the vehicle's electrical power requirements, plus the crucial factor of outstanding aerodynamics. The Cabriolet's cd figure of 0.28 is the best in its class, marking a continuation of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class success story in the field of aerodynamics.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

In 1989, Mercedes-Benz introduced a world premiere in the shape of a draught-stop for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, followed in 2004 by the AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system to further enhance comfort in open-top models. Now comes another world-first: the AIRCAP® automatic draught-stop, which can be activated at the push of a button, greatly reduces turbulence in the interior of the new Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet, creating a sea of warm air. It is also much easier to implement and use than conventional draught-stops: there is no tricky installation, the two individual rear seats remain free and the Cabriolet's flowing side lines remain uninterrupted. AIRCAP® is therefore a classic Mercedes innovation: functional, comfort-enhancing, elegant and safe.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

AIRCAP® consists of two components: a wind deflector that can be extended by around six centimetres with a net in the windscreen frame and a draught-stop between the rear seats.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

As well as enhancing occupant comfort and wellbeing, the reduction in draught when AIRCAP® is activated (it can be activated at speeds of up to 160 km/h and remains in use right up to the car's top speed) reduces the interior noise level - so passengers in all seats find it far easier to communicate.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

The Cabriolet Comfort package includes AIRCAP® with AIRSCARF®. This patented system functions like an invisible scarf, which warms the occupants' head and neck areas. AIRSCARF® is integrated into the backrests of the front seats and provides warm air through outlets in the head restraints.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

The Mercedes engineers have modified this unique innovation specifically for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet: in this model, an adjustment wheel pivots the outlet nozzle upwards and downwards by a total of 36 degrees over and above the head restraint height adjustment, meaning that the driver and front passenger can enjoy the unique neck-level heating regardless of how short or tall they are.

2010 Tesla Roadster Sports Car UK-Version Electric Vehicle

Tesla Motors has announced production of the right-hand-drive version of its iconic Tesla Roadster sports car, the only highway-capable electric vehicle for sale worldwide. The 2010 Tesla Roadster UK-Version includes a suite of unique noise-reduction materials.

2010 Tesla Roadster Sports Car UK-Version Electric Vehicle

Prospective customers and media may test-drive right-hand-drive cars available at Tesla's showroom, 49-51 Cheval Place in London's Knightsbridge district (SW7 1EW). The 2010 Tesla Roadster UK-Version includes a suite of unique noise-reduction materials, an upgraded sound system and other enhancements that make it ideal for daily commuting or weekend drives.

2010 Tesla Roadster Sports Car UK-Version Electric Vehicle

The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than virtually any other car on the road, making it the only production car faster than a Porsche and twice as energy efficient as a Prius. It is quickly becoming the choice amongst discerning drivers who demand performance with a clean conscience.

2010 Tesla Roadster Sports Car UK-Version Electric Vehicle

The Tesla Roadster easily travels more than 200 miles per charge in mixed driving conditions, consumes no petroleum and plugs into conventional 220-volt sockets throughout Europe. It can be fully or partially recharged by solar or wind power. A customer's Tesla Roadster recently set a world distance record for EVs with 313 miles on a single charge.

2010 Tesla Roadster Sports Car UK-Version Electric Vehicle

"The right-hand-drive model is our response to growing demand from high-performance car buyers in the UK who are also interested in their impact on the environment," said Cristiano Carlutti, Tesla's Vice President for European Sales and Operations. "Tesla is dramatically expanding its retail footprint in Europe, we look forward to building our community of owners and fans throughout the continent."

2010 Tesla Roadster Sports Car UK-Version Electric Vehicle

UK companies that purchase a Tesla Roadster benefit from a 100 percent Writing Down Allowance, meaning they can deduct the price of the car from their taxable profits. The Tesla Roadster is the only sports car that has ever qualified for a such a tax incentive in the UK.

2010 Tesla Roadster Sports Car UK-Version Electric Vehicle

The Tesla Roadster starts at £86,950 and costs about 1.5p per mile, compared to as much as 32p per mile for petro-powered sports cars. Tesla Roadster drivers are do not have to pay the London congestion charge, saving up to nearly £1,700 annually. They can park for free and without time limits in various London boroughs, they get four hours of free charging at certain parking sites, and they are exempt from the forthcoming Showroom Tax of £950.

Tesla Roadster Electric Sports Car by Tesla Motors

Tesla Roadster Electric Sports Car by Tesla Motors

The first electric car manufactured by Tesla Motors, the high-performance, zero-emissions Tesla Roadster sports car, was unveiled before a crowd of car buffs and potential customers.
The electric Tesla Roadster has the equivalent of 135 mpg and a range of 250 miles on a single charge, a combination unseen until now in a mass-produced electric car. Its extended range is due to its state-of-the-art lithium-ion Energy Storage System.
The Tesla Roadster is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in four seconds.
Using a unique two-speed electrically activated manual transmission, the Tesla Roadster's power comes from a 3-phase, 4-pole AC induction motor. The motor is controlled by the Power Electronics Module (PEM) which also controls the inverting direct current to 3-phase alternating current, charging and braking systems.

Tesla Roadster Electric Sports Car by Tesla Motors

Tesla Motors's engineers have gone to great lengths to ensure that not only is the Tesla Roadster safe to drive, but also is safe when charging, at home or on the road.
The electric motor's efficiency rating is likely to be as high as 95 percent, while the internal combustion engine's efficiency is 20 percent or less. With this efficiency, the Tesla Roadster achieves the equivalent of 135 mpg.
That efficiency doesn't slow this sleek sports car down, either. Estimated 0-60 mph time is around four seconds, and with an electric motor
, the torque is instantaneous, throw-you-back-in-the-seat responsive.

The hybrid Utopia becomes a reality

Automobile hybrid technologies are accessible not only to the large companies like Toyota and General Motors, but also to small firms which, besides and have no experience of building of the car in general. But the automobile world promptly varies, and hybrid technologies become popular, so demand for such cars grows. While the big companies struggle with crisis, small represent the new models.

All are already familiar with autocompany Tesla and two models: Roadster and representation sedan Model S. Now one more new company tries to declare itself — Velozzi which is going to begin manufacture of hybrid cars loudly.

Velozzi the State of California — a place very successful for start of the hi-tech project is based in Los Angeles. We will remind, to California on emissions of exhaust gases the most rigid ecological standards are entered into environment.

In the young company there are scientists, engineers and designers who are engaged in working out of transport ecological technologies. The company purpose is the batch production and bulk selling of ecologically safe, powerful, beautiful and functional hybrid cars.

Today Velozzi shows the working out — crossover Solo. Unlike other hybrids is an easy and spacious car. The majority of modern electric and hybrid cars are under construction on the same a principle. As old kind cars with traditional petrol motors, using, by and large, the same design. The general director of new company Roberto Velozzi considers, that manufacture of new effective vehicles with use of out-of-date methods of building is impossible.

For effective, ecologically pure car it is necessary to use easy materials to improve the fuel expense, to reduce environmental contamination and to increase safety of passengers.
Velozzi now has developed modular technology with use of modern easy materials that allows engineers to think freely not adhering to technical restrictions traditional for automobile branch. Under statements of experts of the company the new technology allows to simplify assemblage of the car and to reduce industrial expenses. As a result, the end production will cost more cheaply, and in the car it will be possible to use more expensive and powerful engines.

Besides, cars Velozzi in the world will use for the first time high-strength hydrocarbon. At the heart of a new material carbon with cylindrical structure, so-called CNTs is used.

Velozzi mechanical durability of a material which on 40% is more effective, than used is necessary today, first of all. Besides hydrocarbon very easy also gives in to secondary processing.
Crossover Solo, will use still set of hi-tech decisions, including, come and from the Formula-1. But the principle of work of hybrid installation becomes the main feature of the car. For gymnastics of super condensers and lithium-ionic of batteries onboard Solo fuel microturbines will be used some.

That is cars Velozzi are the normal electromobiles which electromotors receive a food at the expense of a combination lithium-ionic of the battery and super condensers which, in turn, are charged from several onboard fuel microturbines or the usual city electric system.
Microturbines Velozzi can use fuel any kind, including, gasoline, diesel fuel, ethanol, biodiesel fuel and natural gas. If it is necessary, the car can work as a diesel engine-generator and to feed with the electric power the whole house with all house electrodevices.

By calculations, the car will be constructed only in 2011.

Solo it will be capable to reach speed in 210 km/hour, to be dispersed to hundred for fantastic for an off-road car of 6 seconds, and to spend 2,4 litres of fuel for 100 kilometres. Utopian for today figures, nevertheless, can define success of the new company in the future.

Except crossover Solo in plans at Velozzi building of the hybrid super car. For realisation of plans Velozzi already has now involved in working out of 17 future suppliers of components of the serial car.

Tesla Motors will present Model S in March, 2010

American company Tesla Motors plans to show for the first time to public new electromobile Model S on March, 26th, 2010, writes Internet edition Autobloggreen, referring to the former head of department of marketing and company Derrila Siri sales. The head of department of marketing to show a photo of the car has refused, but has declared, that Model S is very beautiful car, — writes the edition.

Photo by: autobloggreen.com

Tesla Roadster for Essen by BRABUS

If you're going to have a desirable performance car, you're going to have customized and personalized versions of it. That's the way of the industry. Even the electric Tesla sports roadster is no exception. The first modified Tesla (and, arguably, the first "official" modified electric car) has just been released by BRABUS and will debut at the Essen Motor Show.

The first vehicle in what BRABUS says will be an ongoing cooperation with the company, the BRABUS Tesla features a variety of appearance upgrades and personalization features. Tire and wheel options are naturally first on the list, with offset 18- and 19-inch BRABUS Monoblock S light-alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Nero rubber. The BRABUS show car also features a carbon-fiber front lip, rear diffuser and rear spoiler, as well as a striking matte white paint job.

Not so common is what BRABUS calls the "space sound generator." Taking advantage of the Tesla's near-silent electric operation, BRABUS offers a variety of on-board sound generators that can make the roadster emit V8 engine or race engine sounds, as well as "futuristic soundscapes" dubbed "Beam" and "Warp." The sound generators vary in volume based on the electric motor's output.

A leather and Alcantara interior with other BRABUS customization touches completes the show car. BRABUS is showing the modified Tesla to highlight the introduction of its Zero Emission division, which will offer upgrades and possibly limited-edition Tesla models in the future.

Tesla Roadster Receives U.S. FMVSS Certification

The green-minded enthusiasts who have put down deposits on Teslas have one less concern weighing on their minds today. In the wake of recent organizational upheaval, Tesla Motors released some good news for those eagerly awaiting the electric sports car's pending introduction. After a final round of crash tests, the Tesla now meets U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). With that hurdle cleared, the car officially meets DOT and EPA requirements to be sold in the United States. Production is scheduled to begin March 17 of this year.

According to Malcolm Powell, Vice President of Vehicle Integration with Tesla, crash testing was only part of the gauntlet of tests the Tesla had to pass: windshield defrosting, mirror coverage and EPA Clean Air Act requirements were also necessary. Specific details of how well the carbon-fiber-bodied Tesla crashed haven't been released, but the company announced that it did pass and that the car has been approved for U.S. sale, thereby keeping the company on track to begin delivering cars as scheduled. Currently, the only mechanical change to the Tesla is a one-speed transmission that will be used on early production models. Acceleration is limited, from the blistering 4.0 second 0-60mph time promised to a more sedate 5.7 seconds, but the single-speed gearbox is reportedly more durable than the two-speed transmission that was originally planned. Tesla is in the process of developing the faster transmission for production but plans to begin limited production on schedule with the interim transmission.

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Press Release

First production 2008 Tesla Roadster Imported – Series Production Begins in March

0. Tesla Motors has received all regulatory approvals to import the first production Tesla Roadster (“P1”) for sale. This includes all necessary EPA and DOT approvals, including completion of all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS.)
0. P1 will arrive at Tesla Motors headquarters next week for delivery to customer Elon Musk, Chairman of Tesla Motors.
0. Series production of the Tesla Roadster is scheduled to begin March 17th, 2008.
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND
0. As communicated previously, early production units will be equipped with an interim transmission that meets durability requirements but limits acceleration to 5.7 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.
0. Separately, Tesla Motors engineers have designed a permanent solution for mass production that supports the original specification of 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds.
0. The planned solution has some very positive benefits for our customers. Instead of a complex 2-speed transmission design, Tesla will achieve the original performance goals with a simpler one-speed unit mated to a higher rated Power Electronics Module (PEM.) The existing motor will be modified to have advanced cooling capabilities to handle the additional power. The permanent transmission unit will be engineered to handle the higher torque of the powertrain.
0. The planned solution reduces program risk, provides better efficiency, lower weight, equal or better range, better thermal performance and quicker quarter mile acceleration due to the elimination of the need to shift gears.
0. The planned solution incorporates the latest developments of our powertrain team which has been continually improving on Tesla’s core technology.
0. Early production will proceed at a limited rate and then ramp up to full production when the permanent powertrain solution is production ready later this year.
The upgrade from the interim solution to the higher power, permanent solution will be provided to our customers free of charge when available later this year.