Tesla Claims a Profit, Adjusts Model S Equipment

Tesla Motor Inc. says higher-than-expected demand for its $67,400 Model S electric sedan has produced an unspecified "full profit" the company's first in the first quarter of 2013.

The California startup says Model S sales have surpassed the 4,500-unit forecast it made in February by more than 250 units. Tesla predicted earlier that demand for the stylish rear-wheel-drive EV will reach 20,000 units this year.

Tesla says it has been producing Model S cars at a rate greater than 400 per week since early December at its plant in Freemont, Calif. The company delivered about 2,700 of the cars by year-end.

Separately, Tesla says it won't offer a 40-kWh battery option for the Model S because of low demand. The base battery is now a 60-kWh unit that offers stronger acceleration (zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds compared with 6.5 seconds) and a higher top speed (120 mph compared with 110 mph).

Customers who ordered a 40-kWh car will not be able to tap approximately 70 miles of additional range available with the 60-kWh unit battery unless they pay an unspecified fee to upgrade their vehicle's software, according to the company.

Tesla also says it is equipping all 60-kWh cars with its "Supercharger" fast-charge system. The company claims the system can recharge a Model S battery in one hour or give it enough power in 30 minutes to drive 150 miles.

Tesla announced plans last September to build more than 100 solar-powered Supercharger stations worldwide by 2015. The company has revealed no details about the technology involved.