One correction to my original posting. I found more up-to-date data that puts the cost of the Tesla battery pack at $20K. I believe the $45K number that I had seen before may have included some amortized R&D for the cooling/safety systems required for the Li-Ion batteries. The $20K price is the apparently the cost with the R&D amortization removed, which better represents the "production" cost.

I also found that Tesla is licensing its battery pack to Th!nk in Norway for use in their electric cars for the European market. An alternative revenue stream licensing key technology to a European manufacturer (where EVs will be practical sooner) is a good way to help bring more revenue closer in, which is the key concern of electric car manufacturers.

1. Tesla Roadster Battery Pack
Battery pack technology: Standard Lithium Ion
Used in: Tesla Motors Tesla Roadster, licensed to Th!nk Norway.
Battery pack storage (kWH): 56
Battery pack cost: $20,000