Electric cars are an important step on the road to saving the planet, but they’re sufficiently expensive that they’re still the province of ” yuppies .” The problem with Tesla’s entry-level Model S 60 is that its shorter range was sure to deter some who could just about make the switch, but couldn’t afford an 85D . The company clearly realized that it wasn’t doing enough to coax prospective customers, which is why it’s now revealed a new entry level Model S in the form of the 70D. If there’s a catch, it’s that the 70D is $5, 000 more expensive than the S 60 it was designed to replace, but that extra cash buys you a lot more car than it could a few days ago. The headline feature here, of course, is that the 70D comes with a range of around 240 miles, thanks to that 70kWh battery that’s replaced the 60kWh unit on its predecessor. Speed-wise, the dual motor all-wheel drive whip will go from 0-60 in just over five seconds and the car has a top speed of 140mph. If you’re considering colors other than black or hot-rod red, you can also pick up the 70D in Warm Silver or Ocean Blue. Previously, Model S customers would have been tempted to peruse the options menu looking at cheap-ish upgrades for their new ride. With the 70D, a lot of that technology has been absorbed into the price, specifically to banish customer worries about performance and range. Those looking to boast that their ride can drive itself can also let slip that the 70D comes with Autopilot , Tesla’s assisted steering hardware, pre-installed. A series of cameras and sensors around the car will keep you in a lane on the highway, maintaining a safe speed and distance from other cars. It may not be the tech that Google is promising, but it’s as close to a self-driving car you’re likely to find in 2015. Of course, someone should have really named it ” Cruise Control , ” but that name had already been taken. As previously mentioned, US customers will be asked to pay $75, 000 for the new Model S, although that’s before various state and federal EV incentives kick in. Meanwhile, drivers in the UK who are eligible for the £5, 000 plug-in grant will be asked to kick in £54, 500 of their own money when it launches there in the near future. Filed under: Transportation Comments

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Tesla’s entry-level Model S delivers a lot more bang for a little extra buck

Lithium-ion batteries have been a boon for the modern world — they’ve replaced the heavier, single-use alkaline type in everything from wristwatches to jumbo jets. Unfortunately, these rechargeable cells are already struggling to keep up with our ever-increasing energy needs. But a new type of aluminum-ion battery developed at Stanford University is not only less explode-y than lithium, it can also be built at fraction of the price and recharges completely in just over a minute . Best of all, “our new battery won’t catch fire, even if you drill through it, ” Stanford chemistry professor Dai Hongjie boasted in a recent release . Unlike earlier aluminum batteries, which generally failed after only about 100 recharge cycles, Stanford’s prototype can cycle more than 7, 500 times without any capacity loss — 7.5 times longer than your average li-ion. The aluminum-ion cell isn’t perfect (yet) as it can only produce about 2 volts, far less than the 3.6V that lithium-ion an muster. Plus aluminum cells only carry 40 watts of electricity per kilogram compared to lithium’s 100 to 206 W/kg energy density. “Improving the cathode material could eventually increase the voltage and energy density, ” said Dai. “Otherwise, our battery has everything else you’d dream that a battery should have: inexpensive electrodes, good safety, high-speed charging, flexibility and long cycle life. I see this as a new battery in its early days. It’s quite exciting.” Filed under: Science Comments Via: PC World Source: Stanford University

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Stanford’s aluminum battery fully charges in just one minute

Disney apparently doesn’t think it’s enough to offer sports coverage through ESPN… it wants to fuel your fantasy leagues, too. Wall Street Journal sources report that the House that Walt Built is investing $250 million into DraftKings, a fantasy sports website that lets you play for real cash. The deal is believed to be all about complementing ESPN’s various platforms with ads and services are that both relevant and, of course, profitable. DraftKings is expected to spend $500 million on ESPN ads in the “coming years” — that’s a lot of money to reap from friendly rivalries and office pools. The pact wouldn’t completely lock out competitors like the Comcast-backed FanDuel, but they’d undoubtedly be left reeling by losing exposure on one of the largest sports networks. [Image credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images] Filed under: Internet Comments Source: Wall Street Journal

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Disney is pouring $250 million into a fantasy sports site

Google may not have grand ambitions for its upcoming cellular network , but the company could still have a few clever tricks up its sleeve. The Telegraph claims that Google is talking to wireless giant Hutchison Whampoa, the owner of Three ( and soon O2 ), about letting American customers roam at no extra cost on the foreign carrier’s networks. In other words, you could go on Instagram photo tours of places like Hong Kong or the UK without facing an outrageous phone bill when you get home. Neither of the companies are commenting, but Hutchison Whampoa would be a very logical partner. It already lets its customers roam in other countries (including the US) as if they were at home — in a way, a Google deal would simply be returning the favor. Filed under: Cellphones , Wireless , Mobile , Google Comments Via: CNET Source: The Telegraph

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Google wants no-cost international roaming for its phone service