These pads would solve the major problem of other EV drivers unplugging your car while it is getting charged. For home use, I really don't think it makes much of a difference, but there have been times that I forgot to plug in.

The 69 KW Electric motor isn't going to get you on a freeway. Note that top speed in all electric mode was not mentioned.

One must first crawl before you walk and walk before you run. Testing cars is critical to rolling out new technology. At least the lease is 3 years and is very inexpensive. No excuse to not get one if you live in the test market.

I saw one of these in Hermosa Beach, CA, a few weeks ago. It already had white HOV stickers. I was a bit shocked and did a major double-take. Very nice car. I hope it does well in its limited production run.

The high rate charging stations will be especially needed on interstate highways. I expect that the local power grids in some of the small towns along the way will need upgrades. I'm talking about you, Lone Pine, CA!

My experience is that I can charge from home for nearly all of my BMW Active E needs. But today, my wife really needs a charge at dinner for extra range and would be willing to pay $20 for the privilege. It's not always about economics, it's also about convenience.

The posts so far do not consider the challenges of ramping up production, not just for Tesla, but also the EV component supplier base. The demand is there for EVs at relatively luxury prices - and several companies are launching new products and ramping up production volumes. If BMW, Audi, Infinity, etc all push hard on their EV plans in 2013-2014, suppliers will be challenged.

Standard battery types, similar to small AA, AAA, C, D cell batteries for consumer electronics with standard size, interfaces and voltages.

Take that primative gas engine out and I'd buy one.

Level 3 chargers open the door to long distance travel by EV. Most people would only need to use this high rate of charge on rare occasions and probably would not be upset by spending $9 or more for a full quick charge at a retail station.