How a Tesla Model S gets made (video)

Tesla's behind-the-scenes video shows the Model S being assembled in the Fremont, Calif., manufacturing facility.

June 20, 2012 3:54 PM PDT Follow @faildater

The Tesla Model S electric sedan.

(Credit: Tesla)

You may not be one of the lucky ones picking up keys to a Tesla Model S this week, but at least you can watch how each of the electric sedans gets made.

Tesla Model S Beta 1 (photos)

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Tesla uploaded to YouTube a "behind-the-scenes" video of the Model S assembly process in advance of the vehicle's delivery start date. The 2-minute video shows the electric sedan being built by uniformed plant workers at the company's Fremont, Calif., manufacturing facility.

Customer deliveries of the electric vehicle will begin on Friday, as will customer test-drives. So far, two are in the hands of customers. That is, if you count the CEO and board member Steve Jurvetson as customers.

The first 1,200 vehicles will go to buyers of the $97,900 limited-edition Signature model. This one has the 85 kWh battery pack, which provides a range of 300 miles on a full charge (or 265 miles, if you believe the EPA). Orders for the more affordable $49,900 base model (after the $7,500 federal rebate) won't be filled until late this year.