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Tesla Motors announced what most in the industry probably saw coming: their in-house platform for the Model S sedan will be in later models too.  Using a platform to create a series of vehicle models is nothing new and is, in fact, standard practice in the industry.  The new models planned include a minivan, a crossover SUV, and a utility van.

Some of the R&D to accomplish these new models will likely be funded with the newly-secured Department of Energy loan that Tesla received.  Given that the Model S doesn’t debut until 2011, however, don’t expect to see these new offerings from Tesla anytime soon either.

Tesla also announced two specific projects that the DoE money will go towards now. Those include the planned Model S production facility in Southern California (likely in the LA-area where Tesla has been shopping for real estate).  It also includes their new facility to be built in Northern California for powertrain components and manufacture to be used for both the Tesla in-house models as well as supply to other manufacturers including as part of their deal with Daimler.

Source: Tesla Blog