http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/alternative/1208_2012_tesla_model_s_test_and_range_verification/Synopsis:
MT does a track test, recharges the S in range mode, and then blasts off (okay, 65 mph without AC) for a destination around 240 miles away.
They just barely miss it, detouring to charge briefly at 233.7 miles, with the car showing 4 miles remaining.
MT pegs the competition for the Model S as the bg German performance sedans. The Euro sedans pack around 100-150 more peak hp, similar 0-60 stats, around half a second better quarter mile ETs, and 5-10 mph better trap speeds.
Porsche Panamera Turbo: 3.5s 0-60, 11.9 @ 114.7 mph, 4486 lbs, 500 hp, $136,275
MB CLS63 AMG: 3.9s 0-60, 12.1s @ 121.3 mph, 4256 lbs, 550 hp, $95775
BMW M5: 3.7s 0-60, 11.9s @ 120.3 mph, 4384 lbs, 560 hp, $95000 (est)
Tesla S P85: 3.9s 0-60, 12.5s @ 110.9 mph, 4766 lbs, 416 hp, $84900 (after $7500 federal credit)
Porsche Panamera 4S: 4.2s 0-60, 12.8s @ 108 mph, 4247 lbs, 400 hp, $96175
MB CLS550: 4.3s 0-60, 12.8s @ 110.6 mph, 4183 lbs, 402 hp, $72175
BMW 550i: 4.8s 0-60, 13.3s @ 106.9 mph, 4354 lbs, 400 hp, $62400
Considering performance and price, the S P85 splits the difference between the performance sedans and their slightly lower versions. Considering power/weight ratios, the S is convincingly superior to its gas competition.
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So what's different when the Tesla S is compared to its gas counterparts and the Zero S is compared to its gas counterparts?
I think much of it comes down to power and performance goals. The Model S has a top speed around 130 mph, much lower than the top Euro sedans which are bumping up against 200 mph. For operation on the street, 130 mph is overkill. For operation on a track, or a quarter mile strip.. 130 mph is still overkill. It's only on perhaps the German autobahn, or a miles-long test strip, where the transmission allows the gas cars to hit their top speeds. The Model S has enough power for very fast performance at street-legal speeds, while still allowing it to be geared well for track use.
The Zero S has a very similar top speed to 250cc gas bikes like the CBR250R and the Ninja 250R .. 85-90 mph, which is occasionally useful for passing maneuvers on the freeway. Despite making as much or a bit more power as the gas bikes, though, the Zero is a bit slower in the 0-60 and quarter mile metrics.
If the Zero was geared for (say) 60 mph, roughly 2/3 of the top speed of the gas bikes? It would crush them. Just as the Tesla does.
I think the moral of this story is that while a transmission has significant performance advantages for 25-40 kW class bikes when they're geared for similar top speeds for their gas counterparts, I think we'll see the performance benefit from a transmission disappear as we move beyond the Empulse in power.
