The Tesla Model S is running the first stage of development. Before it enters production it will have been thoroughly tested using both computer simulations and test vehicles. Tesla will complete two vehicle testing phases, Alpha and Beta. The Alpha phase began in 2010.
While test driving the first Alpha, Tesla Vehicle Dynamicist Graham Sutherland commented:
The first Alpha is amazingly agile for a car of its size. It has great handling balance and poised ride with communicative steering. Just goes to show what combining a low center of gravity with a very stiff body structure can achieve.
The Alphas will be tested extensively in the coming months in all climates.
