Tesla Motors to build new electric sedan in California

Tesla Motors is best known for the sexy electric Roadster, its zero-emissions, two-seat sports car that can run from 0 to 60 in under four seconds. Performance cars with six-figure price tags certainly aren't for everyone, and the company has formally announced what it has planned as a follow-up. Code-named "Model S", the next Tesla Motors project is a five-seat electric sports sedan that's expected to carry a sticker price of around $60,000.

Listen, it's no secret that for many people, sixty grand is still a lot of scratch to part with for a car. So, what will that reportedly buy you? How about an operating range of 225 miles on a full battery charge? That's what the company told the media gathered at its San Carlos, CA headquarters on Monday, and that number sounds pretty sweet on paper, at least.

This new EV sedan will be built in California, where Tesla will take advantage of the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority's new program that exempts zero-emissions vehicle manufacturers from paying sales and use taxes on the equipment used in the production of said vehicles. Tesla wants to have the car on the market by late 2010.

So, if you don't have 60 grand lying around right now, you've got two years to fill up your piggy banks. Not only will you get what's likely to be a very stylish green car, you'll also be able to give OPEC the finger after you take delivery. That alone might be worth the sticker price.

Alex Nunez's blog posts are provided by LifeWire, a part of The New York Times Company.