



PALO ALTO (CBS SF) — A person captured what appears to be Tesla’s pure electric SUV cruising a Bay Area freeway for a test drive.

Video shows the camouflaged Model X with bits of trim likely not yet finalized covered as it makes an exit at an unspecified freeway near Palo Alto.

Road testing vehicles is standard practice for automakers before market release. Last month in Alameda, a man happened upon Tesla testing the yet-to-be-released Model X hybrid SUV. The man behind the camera was on his way to the nearby skate park when he was able to capture photos and video of Tesla’s Model X in action.

In the video, the Model X speeds up, brakes and takes sharp turns appearing to be testing the car’s handling. According to Juan del Real, who shot the video, it was pure happenstance and he is neither a Tesla employee or part of any marketing for the vehicle.

Tesla Motors has described this next generation of all-electric vehicle to be manufactured at its Fremont plant as part mini-van, part SUV. The Model X is expected to have 3 battery ranges, a design feature that addresses what has been a significant limitation for all-electric cars.

Customers paid $40 million in deposits when the design was revealed two years ago, and Tesla has been taking reservations since then.

After several delayed launch dates, the Model X is finally expected to be available at dealerships by the end of this year.