Deliveries of the Tesla Model S are scheduled to begin in mid-2012. While the most frequently quoted price tag for this second more practical EV from Tesla is $57,000. But the innovative electric car company is also innovating with a three-tier pricing structure based on three different battery packs (offering three different ranges).

The base 160-mile range Tesla Model S will indeed start at $57,000—minus the $7,500 tax credit to bring the price just under 50 clams. Take one step up, by adding $10,000, for the 230-mile range Model S. And go all the way to $77,000 pre-incentive for a 300-mile range sedan.

Something to consider: The first set of 1,0000 vehicles represent the “Signature Series” fitted with the most expensive 300-mile range battery pack. That starts rolling off the line sometime in 2012. If past experience is any indication, there will be delays and therefore the 300-mile version might be the only one available for most of 2012—even though the company is promising a total of 5,000 units in 2012, and a full production run of 2,000 in 2013. Also keep in mind that Tesla will be producing vehicles for Europe as well in 2012, and for worldwide markets in 2013.

No details on leasing packages yet.

As with all cars running on electricity and an electric motor, the Model S’s operating cost per mile can be several times lower than a comparable gas-powered vehicle. Using the U.S. average electricity price of 12 cents per kilowatt-hour, the Model S will cost approximately 3-4 cents per mile to operate. Electricity prices are incredibly variable around the country and world, so you'll want to do your own calculations depending on where you live. The Model S also benefits from having a relative handful of moving parts compared to a car with a combustion engine and drivetrain, and also lacks emissions equipment, which can add up to significant service savings over time—no oil changes or catastrophic mechanical failures.

The Model S’s closest all-electric competition will be the Fisker Karma—which is not a perfect match considering the Karma’s higher price tag and that it’s a plug-in hybrid—as well as an Infiniti EV not fully unveiled by Nissan. Eventually, we’ll have luxury EVs from BMW and Audi, but those are likely to be smaller cars—and about a year or two behind the Model S.