Tesla didn't want enough to start with.
Tesla last year applied for a loan which the government said wasn't enough, so they doubled the number, re-applied and now the government says OK.
Tesla now working with Daimlier Mercedes has a good future and some real car people running it.
The money will be primarily used to get the S into production likely in Southern California.
The $49,000.00 dollar price tag looks to be very average when you start looking at true electrics.
Nissan will supposedly have their electric available in 2010 which for the first two years the car will come from Japan then after that will be built in the US.
Ford has at least been trying on their own and making good progress in doing things right which will pay off big time as they have a building support with the American Public as the one American auto maker that stood on its own two feet without its hand out.
I guess in the big scheme, the money being "loaned" is chicken feed and will get the US headed in the right direction.