Tesla set to reveal Model X electric SUV

Zero emissions SUV to join Roadster and Model S sedan in EV manufacturer's product range

EV specialist Tesla will unveil the third vehicle in its lineup, an SUV, on home turf in California next week. CEO Elon Musk has told US media the company expects the vehicle, dubbed Model X, to reach showrooms in late 2013.

At this point, little is known about the Model X past teaser shots with the strapline ‘utility meets performance’, and the likelihood that it will share its underpinnings with the Model S sedan platform set for launch later in 2012. Expectations are that the Model X will use Tesla-developed all-electric powertrain.

On lightening up the predominantly black teaser image with Photoshop, Automobile magazine found lines not inconsistent with the Model S, including a sloping roofline and curved bonnet with an oval front grille opening.

News on pricing is most likely the best part of two years off, although its anticipated high introductory price will be mitigated by the US government tax credits reserved for EVs.

Musk has told media only that he expects the SUV to be ‘very well received’ at reveal time. ‘Most cars are pretty blah. This is not,’ he tweeted recently, with characteristic modesty.

The Californian company isn’t without experience in the SUV sector. It helped Toyota work on the all-electric RAV4 (pictured), wheeled out at motor shows in the first half of 2011. By midyear the project expanded into a US$100m supply and services deal to provide complete powertrain packs for the production RAV4 EV – motor, battery pack, inverter, charging gear and software. The RAV4 EV will go to market in the US later this year.

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