Less than 9 weeks ago, Tesla unveiled its ultra-slick luxury electric sedan, the Model S. Since then they have accepted more than 1,000 orders for the Models S which is a great indicator that there is indeed a market for electric cars.

The basic version of the Model S is expected to cost $57,400 but would make purchasers eligible for a $7,500 tax rebate giving it an actual valuation of $49,900. Tesla Motors has also claimed that after calculating savings for gas that it would have an equivalent cost of $35,000 assuming gas prices of $4/gallon.

The basic version of the Model S comes with a 160-mile range battery pack. It’s interesting design allows it to seat seven people with luggage (assuming two are children). It has a 17-inch display screen that is fully Internet and 3G capable. It can be recharged in 4 hours and accelerates from 0 – 60mph in 5.5 to 6.0 seconds.

The Tesla Model S will begin production in the Fall of 2011.