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Tesla reveals the next step in its plan to kill gas-guzzling cars for good

Published Dec 19th, 2014 6:15PM EST
Tesla Model S Battery Swap
Image: Tesla

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Tesla has been on a roll lately and now the company has unveiled the next step in its long-term plan to make electric cars the way of the future: A battery swap pilot program that Tesla promises will let you replace your Model S’s battery “in less time than it takes to fill a gas tank.”

RELATED: This is what it’s like driving Tesla’s incredible new Model S P85D

“Starting next week, we will pilot a pack swap program with invited Model S owners,” Tesla writes. “They will be given the opportunity to swap their car’s battery at a custom-built facility located across the street from the Tesla Superchargers at Harris Ranch, CA. This pilot program is intended to test technology and assess demand.”

The downside of this for Model S owners is that they’ll have to make appointments to get their batteries replaced, at least for a little bit. The upside, though, is that Tesla says the cost of the swap “will cost slightly less than a full tank of gasoline for a premium sedan.” Tesla says its eventual goal is to become so proficient at battery swapping that the entire process will take less than a minute.

To learn more about Tesla’s battery swap pilot program, check out the company’s official blog at the source link below.

Brad Reed
Brad Reed Staff Writer

Brad Reed has written about technology for over eight years at BGR.com and Network World. Prior to that, he wrote freelance stories for political publications such as AlterNet and the American Prospect. He has a Master's Degree in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University.