27.6.2012 Official Tesla Model S figures released

Tesla's new battery-electric Model S officially went on sale last week in the US, and has been rated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as having a fuel economy of 107 mpg-equivalent and a 265 mile range.

A right hand drive version of the Model S is expected in the UK in mid-2013 and will then be tested on the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC) to determine its UK official figures.

The 85 kWh battery version, tested by the EPA, is the first of three proposed production variants – two smaller Model S versions will follow with 60 and 40 kWh battery packs. The 85 kWh Model S has a starting price in the US of $69,900 (equivalent to around £45,000), after the $7,500 federal tax credits. Compared to other EVs, it has one of the longest ranges on a full charge.

The official urban fuel economy figure is 106 mpg equivalent (UK gallon) and the extra-urban figure is 108 mpg equivalent – making a 'combined' value of 107 mpg. The tested version consumes power at 38 kWh/100 miles, which is actually not as efficient as several other EVs on the US market, including the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and Ford Focus Electric.

Although the 265 mile range is not as high as the 300 miles that Tesla expected, it is well ahead of any other EV on sale – the only other EV in Tesla's EPA size class is the Nissan LEAF with a 73 mile range. The Model S also beats competition in terms of performance; with 362 bhp and 325 lb/ft torque, it can accelerate to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds and tops out at 125 mph, which is impressive for even the most powerful sports cars.

Slow charging at 240V takes 12 hours, although faster charging options will be available – it is claimed that 62 miles worth of charge are achieved over one hour. The smallest battery pack version will be available in the US later in the year and it expected to start at $57,400 (equivalent to around £37,000), although the smaller battery pack will mean a shorter range.

Clearly intended for the premium market, the Model S will be one of the most expensive electric car available in the UK when it arrives next year, but is significantly lower in price than its predecessor, the Tesla Roadster. However, its impressive styling and range is likely to improve people's perception of the potential of electric power-trains.