Electric Dreams: First Tesla Model S Rolls Out of Factory [PICS]

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The mood was nothing short of jubilant Friday at the Tesla Factory in Fremont, Calif. Despite naysayers, electric car haters and the discontinuation of its predecessor the Tesla Roadster, the Tesla Model S -- Elon Musk's first crack at an electric sedan -- was rolling off the factory floor and out for delivery to its first customers.

The Model S has been basking in some stellar reviews from auto experts this weekend. It isn't cheap, ultimately selling for between $57,400 and $77,400 before electric car rebates. But if you have that kind of dough, you're getting something quite special, as considered in every detail as an Apple iPad. (Indeed, the car itself bears something that looks like an iPad, only larger: a 17-inch touchscreen map display on the dashboard.)

Tesla aims to make 5,000 cars this year, 20,000 next year. The first 1,200 are the deluxe Signature Series Model S, which sell for as much as $105,400 before rebates. The company plans to offer the Model X sport-utility vehicle in early 2014.

Perhaps one of its neatest features: The car key is a miniature version of the Model S. It's like carrying a Hot Wheels in your pocket. Walk into the car with it, and you're ready to go (no need for ignition, or inserting any keys). Touch the trunk on the model, and the sedan's trunk pops open.