Mainstream automakers see all-electric vehicles in a limited role -- as commuter cars -- but Tesla Motors has wider sights for its roadster and sedan models. 

To prove its point, the company recently dispatched one of its roadster models on what it deemed a historic road trip: from its retail store in sunny Los Angeles to the North American International Auto Show in snowy, slushy Detroit. The 2,700-mile journey was designed to raise awareness about electric cars, greet fans and owners nationwide and prove that the Roadster is "four-season rugged." The car arrived at its final destination, Detroit's Cobo Hall, a bit dirtier for the journey but otherwise unscathed.

The "arctic white" Tesla decorated with special decals, made nearly two dozen stops, including customer appreciation events, recruitment initiatives on college campuses and "tech talks" with engineers. Tesla employees drove through nine states, three time zones and two blizzards, with one stop to install snow tires.

In perhaps more substantive news, Tesla Motors announced that it is teaming up with Panasonic to develop next-generation battery cells for electric vehicles. Tesla will use Panasonic battery cells in their newest battery packs. The cells are comprised of nickel-based lithium ion chemistry, and Tesla claims they are the highest energy-density battery cells in production today.

"Our collaboration with Panasonic will accelerate the development of next-generation EV cells, enabling Tesla to further improve our battery pack performance," said JB Straubel, Tesla's chief technology officer. "Combining Tesla's rigorous cell testing and understanding of EV requirements with Panasonic's cutting-edge battery technology will result in custom cells optimized for use in EVs."

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