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Tesla's Model S electric car on display during the second press preview day at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.

Tesla Motors is set to release its new all-electric sedan this Friday.

The Model S is the second car to be released by the Silicon Valley auto company. It's billed as a slightly more affordable alternative to their ultra-sleek, but ultra-expensive electric sports car — the Tesla Roadster. But there's more riding on the success of this new sedan than just the fortunes of a single auto company.

The California Report's Alison van Diggelen says they hope to revolutionize the electric car market.