Tesla's Model S Sedan Receives Record Marks From Consumer Reports

PALO ALTO (KCBS) – Silicon Valley based electric car company Tesla Motors Inc. has received some good news as Consumer Reports has given the Model S sedan a score of 99 points out of 100 in the magazine's battery of tests.

Although Consumer Reports failed to give the Model S the "Recommended Buy" rating, the magazine said that's only because they don't have sufficient data to judge the reliability of the car.

"They've done a really outstanding job. It's a very impressive looking vehicle," said David Cole, former chairman of the Center for Automotive Research. "When you receive the kind of rating that Consumer Reports has given it, people pay attention."

Consumer Reports said the score would have been perfect but for the fact the electric vehicle does need to stop and recharge on long road trips.

The Model S starts at over $62,000 and for that reason, Cole said the luxury sedan will only appeal to select consumers.

"They might be environmentalists or they might be people that have a particular lifestyle that this really fits with," he said. "And they can afford another car for other things."

Palo Alto based Tesla said they have plans for a less expensive all-electric vehicle sometime down the road.

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