Tesla Motors

Tesla says its Model S is the world's first electric car engineered from the ground up.

The company says it's rethought every aspect of what a car is, and every aspect of the production cycle. The result is that everything in the factory was developed in-house.

The first 1,000 cars off the line this month will be the North American Model S Signature Series. Those vehicles will have an 85 kWh battery pack, unique badging, and an extensive complement of options, Tesla says.

By the end of 2012, Tesla plans to produce about 5,000 Model S sedans before ramping up to 20,000 units per year. After the Signature Series, deliveries in North America will continue with 85 kWh cars, followed by the 60 kWh, and 40 kWh battery pack options.