The real story about the 135MPG Ferrari fighter from Tesla

Nice promotional material. It might be true under perfect conditions.

Also, the baseline that they used (the amount of electricity used per kilometer) is probably the best that they can use. Driving a car that gets EPA 30 mpg per gallon in highway at its best efficiency will probably yield about 40 mpg. Before the car is tested by the EPA by the under the same standard as gasoline cars and the amount of electricity is reported, I can't believe their claim.

Much truth to this article. A guy in Northern California is modifying Priuses with a Li-ion battery pack and is getting near double the mileage without any hits to performance or durability. He plans to charge $10,000 for that mod, but there's already a line waiting. Another company up there is doing something similar.

Li-ion battery is the way to go.

You actually trust EPA ratings? What is so hard to believe? They even dropped the rating to a 200 mile range (was 250) because they noted the additional weight for safety features & the use of real road going tires. I am confused with your comments about using the same standards as gas vehicles. The measuring standard they used (km/MJ) is distance per unit of energy - MPG is also distance per unit of energy. I think they did a fair job of comparing two entirely different technologies.

However, I think it's unfair to combine the the 0-60 in 4 sec claim with the 200 mile range claim. If the driver repeatedly taxed the batteries by doing consistent 4 second runs without consistently using the regenerative braking (coast to stop) - the 200 mile range goes out the door. I'm sure the usual parasitics will play a big part, too (i.e. A/C, stereo/navigation, heated seats, all other power options).

ElSparquito

Because, I can take my 30 mpg EPA highway rated car and drive at Highway speeds of 65-70 and get the 30 mpg. BUT I can drive like the Tesla people did (probably) under IDEAL conditions at a slower speed like 40-45 and get 40 mpg. That is why I don't believe them, no on has varified their consumption claims. Just as with the 1,005 hp supercar with rediculous (unlikely) numbers I don't believe promotional material. How about this, my car will get 50 mpg with 500 hp. I will give you explanations on how that is possible. Would you trust me?

chewy

How far off is the EPA rating for a Prius? You're also overlooking one big factor - regenerative braking. You can't reclaim energy from a gasoline vehicle, but it is possible from an electric one. Also, current draw for motors is usually LESS at higher speeds.