Electric Car Industry Updates

Dansk

Automaker’s 13th regional sales and service center will serve Scandinavia

COPENHAGEN, Denmark -- (BUSINESS WIRE) — Electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla Motors will open its newest showroom this week in Denmark’s largest city.

Tesla’s 13th worldwide store is at Bredgade 35, in the heart of Copenhagen, recognized internationally as one of the world’s most environmentally friendly places. Copenhagen, which hosted the most recent UN Conference on Climate Change, generates a growing percentage of its grid’s energy from the famous offshore wind farm at Middelgrunden. The city is working to reduce CO2 emissions by 20 percent by 2015.

“People in Denmark believe in social responsibility, and the Tesla Roadster is the only electric vehicle that combines a world-class sports car with their values of environmental stewardship,” said Cristiano Carlutti, Tesla’s Vice President for European Sales and Operations. “We are thrilled that customers in Denmark and throughout Scandinavia have embraced not only the Roadster but the core business philosophy of Tesla Motors.”

The US Ambassador to Denmark, Laurie S. Fulton, will kick off festivities at 2 p.m. July 1. Tesla is hosting a media open house from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., including test drives, executive interviews and surprise guests. An invitation-only VIP gala will follow in the evening, and the store will be open for prospective customers to test-drive the Roadster throughout the weekend.

The zero-emission Roadster does not pay traditional vehicle taxes in Denmark. By contrast, people who buy conventional petroleum-burning cars pay up to 180 percent car tax on top of the manufacturers’ sales price. Tax waivers combined with expensive gasoline prices mean that the Tesla Roadster is a tremendous value relative to comparable cars in Denmark.

Tesla’s founding goal is to produce energy-efficient cars for mass-market, mainstream consumers. Tesla deliberately started with the Roadster, a premium sports car aimed at affluent “thought leaders,” in order to establish a proof of technology and shatter the prevailing stereotype that electric cars are underpowered an unfashionable. Based in California’s Silicon Valley, Tesla has already been delivered more than 1,000 cars in at least 25 countries, and has forged strategic alliances with Daimler and Toyota to produce zero-emission cars.

The Roadster accelerates faster than other sports car in its price class yet has zero tailpipe emissions. It consumes no petroleum and plugs into conventional sockets – at owners’ garages or offices, hotels, parking decks or at a growing number of charging stations throughout Scandinavia. It’s the only sports car that can be fully or partially recharged by renewable energy – and several regional customers charge on 100 percent solar power from their photovoltaic panels or wind power from turbines.

About Tesla

Tesla has already delivered more than 1,000 zero-emission cars in at least 25 countries. With a relentless focus on customer service, Tesla sells cars directly to clients, both online and at four showrooms in Europe: Zurich, Munich, Monaco and London, and in Copenhagen starting July 1. Tesla has eight additional showrooms in North America.

Next stop for world’s only electric sports car: QuFu, the hometown of philosopher Confucius.

BEIJING – A Tesla Roadster traveling around the world has arrived at the Great Wall of China, the most iconic cultural landmark of the eight-month road trip.

During the Roadster’s stop last week at one section of the 8,852-kilometer Great Wall, one of China’s most respected actors took a spin. Chen Dao Ming is best known for his role in "Hero,” and he stars in "Aftershock," which debuts this summer.



Beijing was the eighth stop in the “Odyssey of Pioneers ,” the first round-the-world tour by a zero-emission car. The 37,000-kilometer voyage by Tesla Motors and Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer includes public and VIP events in 15 cities on three continents.

In May, the Roadster appeared for the first time in India and was hosted in Jaipur by His Royal Highness Sawai Bhawani Singh Bahadur, the last maharaja of Jaipur -- Rajasthan’s most significant political, cultural and religious figure. Before that, the Roadster became the first non-Russian car to get official clearance to park in Moscow’s Red Square .

Throughout  India, Russia, China and other countries en route, the Roadster charges from conventional outlets using existing infrastructure. The TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster has charged from standard outlets at hotels, a solar panel array in Italy and even at a barn in rural Switzerland , demonstrating the versatility and ease of charging. Fans can follow the Odyssey online and on Facebook .

About Tesla
Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

 

Español

Award-winning Roadster is the only zero-emission car already on sale and will be doing test drives during Europe’s premier business innovation conference.

BARCELONA – Tesla Motors is debuting at the World Innovation Summit, and the world’s leading electric vehicle company will be offering test drives for the media and prospective customers throughout the June 15-17 conference.

The summit focuses on revolutionary ideas and great business opportunities, with up to 10,000 venture capitalists, executives and entrepreneurs expected to converge in Barcelona. Cristiano Carlutti, Tesla’s Vice President for European Sales and Operations, will keynote an opening VIP gala June 15 and participate in a June 17 panel discussion on alternative fuel and energy efficiency.

Tesla is offering test drives to local media throughout the event. Tesla is also offering test drives with qualified prospective customers – including those who reserved the Tesla Model S and those eager to “go electric” as soon as possible.

“It’s a huge honor to be part of the summit – proof that the paradigm is shifting to energy efficiency even in the traditional automotive sector,” said Carlutti, formerly a vice president at Fiat before joining Tesla.  

¡Viva la energía solar!

Tesla’s Barcelona debut comes weeks after Tesla delivered its first car to a customer in Spain. The new owner, Amsterdam native Otto Poldermans, charges his twilight blue Roadster exclusively with renewable energy and lives “off the grid” in a remote valley of the Sierra Nevada.

 

The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. The Roadster, which consumes no oil whatsoever and plugs into conventional 220-volt sockets throughout Europe, can be recharged from renewable energy.

Spain, a leader in the development of solar energy, expects to derive 12 percent of the nation’s primary energy from renewable resources by the end of this year. That means Roadster owners in Spain get to drive world’s hottest sports car – and charge it from one of Europe’s cleanest energy grids.

The Roadster qualifies for a national rebate of at least €6,000 and a provincial rebates of €3,000 or more. Spanish owners get 75 percent off the yearly car tax. Roadsters get free metered parking and free use of the high-occupancy vehicle and bus lanes – a priceless advantage in the dense traffic of Madrid and Barcelona.

The Roadster can be recharged at millions of conventional power outlets throughout Europe. In addition, “Project Movele” is building free charging stations in Seville, Barcelona and Madrid.

About Tesla

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

 

Toronto, Canada --- Tesla Motors, producer of the Roadster, the only electric highway-capable high performance vehicle announces the delivery of the first Roadsters to Canada.

Customers from Toronto to British Columbia took delivery of their Roadsters this week. New owners Vincent and Maggie Argiro rave about their first few days with their Roadster, "It is both a personal and collective statement of optimism for a better future, as well as fun and actually practical transportation."

This weekend Tesla will host a public test drive event in Waterloo, Ontario at Channer’s Waterloo from 10am to 4pm. You can find more information on the event here. Later this year Tesla will open its first Canadian store in downtown Toronto. Tesla Canada will be a sales center as well as a service and parts hub – all under one roof.

Tesla is revolutionizing the customer experience with its house-call approach to service. Tesla’s pioneering mobile service technicians, the Tesla Rangers, travel to customers’ homes and perform annual inspections, firmware upgrades and other services. Customers can enjoy service from their home or office wherever they live.

The Roadster Sport consumes no gasoline. With an acceleration of 0-100km in less than four seconds, it is the only car that delivers supercar performance guilt-free, with zero tailpipe emissions and a carbon footprint dramatically lower than any comparable sports car.

To charge the Roadster, owners simply plug it in to any conventional outlet. A full charge provides over 380 kms of driving range. It is the only sports car in the world that can be charged with solar, hydro or wind energy.

The Roadster requires less routine maintenance than conventional cars. It does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace.

About Tesla

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

Automaker’s 12th regional sales and service center will serve Tesla’s largest per-capita market.

ZURICH, Switzerland -- (BUSINESS WIRE) — Leading electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla Motors will open its newest showroom June 10 in Switzerland’s largest city.

The store – located at Pelikanstrasse 10, in the heart of Zurich -- will host a media preview with Roadster test drives and executive interviews June 10th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

An invitation-only VIP gala with celebrity guests and other surprises will follow, including the delivery of a one-of-a-kind car – an Arctic white 2010 Roadster that recently stole worldwide headlines as the record-setting winner of the Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally, piloted by motorsport star Erik Comas.

Steps away from the city’s famous Bahnhofstrasse, the high-profile Zurich store will allow prospective customers to test drive the Roadster, the only all-electric car on sale and in production now. Tesla, which has already delivered more than 1,000 cars in at least 25 countries, sells its own vehicles and has forged strategic alliances with Daimler and Toyota to produce zero-emission cars.

 

Epicenter of Tesla’s fast-growing Swiss community

 

Tesla has already delivered about 50 Roadsters throughout Switzerland, the company’s largest per-capita market. The Zurich store will serve as the epicenter for Tesla's fast-growing Swiss community, and it will be the base for more zero-emission Alpine road rallies, owner-appreciation parties and other exclusive events.

"Tesla’s remarkable success in Switzerland makes perfect sense – testimony not only to Swiss consumers' longstanding focus on innovative technology but also to the Roadster's all-weather durability," said Cristiano Carlutti, Vice President of Tesla’s European sales and operations. "We certainly share their passion for both the environment and high-performance sports cars, and we look forward to becoming even closer to our community of customers and fans when we open the new showroom."

The Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. It consumes no petroleum and plugs into conventional sockets – at owners' garages or offices, hotels, parking decks or at a growing number of charging stations throughout Switzerland – and several Swiss customers charge on 100 percent solar power from their photovoltaic panels.

Unlike petrol-powered vehicles, the single-speed Roadster does not require oxygen and therefore does not lose efficiency at altitude. Roadster drivers can drive with utmost confidence on Alpine passes, enjoying the car’s legendary torque without lag or downshifting. Regenerative braking allows the Roadster to recover energy on downhill stretches. Sophisticated power management software means the Roadster's revolutionary traction control is almost instantaneous.

The Roadster qualifies for numerous incentives in Switzerland, a hydroelectricity-dominated country with one of the cleanest grids in Europe. In some cantons, EVs get a 100 percent waiver of the annual road tax. Some cities, including Zermatt, ban internal combustion engine cars from the city center and only allow EVs to drive and park there.

 

About Tesla

 

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

Test Drives Throughout the Country of the World's Only Highway-Capable Electric Super Car

Palo Alto, CA - Tesla Motors today kicked off its Electric Summer Roadster Tour. The only electric convertible that accelerates from 0-60 in 3.7 seconds will appear from Omaha to Buffalo, Seattle to Dallas, answering questions and offering test drives all over the country.

Customers interested in learning more about it can find the tour schedule here.

"Driving a Roadster from Los Angeles to Detroit proved to us that there is pent-up demand for the Roadster all over the country," said Ricardo Reyes, VP of Communications Tesla. "With this tour we hope to show that electric cars are here today, and better than traditional cars in so many ways."

The Roadster Sport consumes no gasoline. Owners simply charge the Roadster overnight and wake up to the equivalent of a full tank – over 200 miles of driving range. The Roadster requires less routine maintenance than conventional cars. It does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace. Zero tailpipe emission means no smog checks.

Tesla is revolutionizing the customer experience with its house-call approach to service. Tesla’s pioneering mobile service squad, the Tesla Rangers, travel to customers’ homes and perform annual inspections, firmware upgrades and other services. Customers can enjoy service from their home or office whether they live in Minneapolis, Dallas, or Eugene.

About Tesla

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

Silicon Valley factory will become the home of the Model S sedan

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Tesla Motors has purchased the former NUMMI factory in Fremont, California, where it will build the Model S sedan and future Tesla vehicles. As recently as April of 2010, the NUMMI factory was used by Toyota to produce the Corolla and Tacoma vehicles using the industry-leading Toyota production system. It is one of the largest, most advanced and cleanest automotive production plants in the world.

It is capable of producing half a million vehicles per year or approximately 1 percent of total worldwide car production. The award-winning plant was the first in North America to demonstrate Toyota Production System, a widely copied system that lead to dramatic quality improvements and unprecedented manufacturing flexibility and worker satisfaction.

The Model S is expected to be the first pure electric premium sedan and is designed from the ground up to take full advantage of the electric vehicle architecture. The sedan, which Tesla unveiled in March 2009, has an anticipated base price of $49,900, including a federal tax credit, and is intended to deliver the foremost design and technology in the automotive world. With an optional extended-range battery pack, the Model S will travel over 300 miles per charge.

The factory is located in the city of Fremont near Northern California’s Silicon Valley, very near Tesla’s Palo Alto headquarters. The location means Tesla can hire best-in-class engineers in Silicon Valley. The short distance also ensures a tight feedback loop between engineering, manufacturing and other divisions within the company.

"The Tesla Factory effectively leverages an ideal combination of hardcore Silicon Valley engineering talent, traditional automotive engineering talent and the proven Toyota production system," said Tesla CEO Elon Musk. "The new Tesla Factory will give us plenty of room to grow."

Toyota produced its last car there just last month. Tesla began discussions to acquire the site this spring, when it was also evaluating opportunities in Downey and Long Beach. The turnkey nature of the facility with its recent production of top quality vehicles and its considerable room for expansion made it stand out from other sites.

 

About Tesla

 

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A. – TESLA MOTORS, INC. (Tesla) and TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) today announced that they intend to cooperate on the development of electric vehicles, parts, and production system and engineering support.

The two companies intend to form a specialist team to further those efforts. TMC has agreed to purchase $50 million of Tesla’s common stock issued in a private placement to close immediately subsequent to the closing of Tesla’s currently planned initial public offering.

"I’ve felt an infinite possibility about Tesla’s technology and its dedication to monozukuri (Toyota’s approach to manufacturing)," said TMC President Akio Toyoda. "Through this partnership, by working together with a venture business such as Tesla, Toyota would like to learn from the challenging spirit, quick decision-making, and flexibility that Tesla has. Decades ago, Toyota was also born as a venture business. By partnering with Tesla, my hope is that all Toyota employees will recall that ‘venture business spirit,’ and take on the challenges of the future."

"Toyota is a company founded on innovation, quality, and commitment to sustainable mobility. It is an honor and a powerful endorsement of our technology that Toyota would choose to invest in and partner with Tesla,” said Tesla CEO and cofounder Elon Musk. “We look forward to learning and benefiting from Toyota’s legendary engineering, manufacturing, and production expertise."

TMC has, since its foundation in 1937, operated under the philosophy of “contributing to the society through the manufacture of automobiles,” and made cars that satisfy its many customers around the world. TMC introduced the first-generation Prius hybrid vehicle in 1997, and produced approximately 2.5 million hybrids in the twelve years since. Late last year, TMC started lease of Prius Plug-in Hybrids, which can be charged using an external power source such as a household electric outlet. The company also plans to introduce EVs into the market by 2012.

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla service rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

Test-drives of the electric Roadster available starting May 19th at Tesla’s Newport Beach Store

NEWPORT BEACH, CA – Tesla Motors, producer of the Roadster, the only electric highway-capable high performance vehicle will open its Newport Beach store on Wednesday. Customers are welcome to visit the store for test drives of the world’s most exciting electric vehicle.

"Orange County is an important market and strategic base for Tesla," said Tesla General Manager Southwest Region Jeremy Snyder. "We are excited to join the community."

US Roadster customers get a $7,500 federal tax credit and California customers receive a CARB rebate of $5,000 for electric vehicles purchased/leased. Customers also benefit from High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane exemption and reduced charging rates from Southern California Edison.

Tesla's Newport Beach store, located at 1100 West Coast Highway, will also be the newest regional hub for Tesla’s pioneering mobile service squad. Professional technicians known as Tesla Rangers will travel to customers’ homes and perform annual inspections, firmware upgrades and other services. Tesla uniquely offers “house calls” so all customers can enjoy service from their home or office.

Tesla is revolutionizing the customer experience with its house-call approach to service. The innovative initiative gives customers peace of mind whether they live in Newport Beach or Albuquerque, NM. The Newport facility will be the service hub for customers throughout the Southwest United States.

The Roadster Sport, with an acceleration of 0-60 in 3.7 seconds, consumes no gasoline. Owners simply charge the Roadster overnight and wake up to the equivalent of a full tank – over 200 miles of driving. The Roadster requires less routine maintenance than conventional cars. It does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace. Zero tailpipe emission means no smog checks.

About Tesla

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA based Tesla sells cars online and has delivered over 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla has showrooms in California’s Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Boulder, South Florida, Chicago, London, Munich and Monaco. The Tesla Roadster is faster than many sports cars yet more efficient than a hybrid.

Award-winning Roadster is the only zero-emission car already on sale at world’s biggest sustainable transportation expo.

En Español

MADRID, SPAIN, Wednesday, May 19th - Tesla Motors is making its first appearance this week at Spain’s premier auto show, and the company is hosting test drives all week.

The Madrid Motor Show, a top venue highlighting fuel-efficient cars, is May 20-23. Among hundreds of prototypes and concept cars on display at la Feria de Madrid, the Tesla Roadster stands out as the only highway-capable electric car already on sale.

In fact, Tesla will have an additional Roadster outside the expo available for test drives with qualified prospective customers – including those who reserved the Tesla Model S and those eager to "go electric" as soon as possible.

"More and more people want to start accumulating zero-emission miles today, and the Roadster lets them do just that in one of the fastest and most stylish cars in the world,” said Cristiano Carlutti, Tesla Vice President of European Sales and Operations. "Why wait when you can be part of the green revolution today?"

¡Viva la energía solar!

The Madrid debut comes weeks after Tesla delivered its first car to a customer in Spain. The new owner charges his twilight blue Roadster exclusively with renewable energy and lives “off the grid” in a remote valley of the Sierra Nevada.

The Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars, yet it produces no emissions. The Roadster, which consumes no oil whatsoever and plugs into conventional 220-volt sockets throughout Europe, can be charged with solar, hydro or wind energy.

Spain, a leader in the development of solar energy, expects to derive 12 percent of the nation’s primary energy from renewable resources by the end of this year. That means Roadster owners in Spain get to drive world's hottest sports car – and charge it from one of Europe’s cleanest energy grids.

The Roadster qualifies for a national rebate of at least €6,000 and a provincial rebates of €3,000 or more. Spanish owners get 75 percent off the yearly car tax. Roadsters get free metered parking and free use of the high-occupancy vehicle and bus lanes – a priceless advantage in the dense traffic of Madrid and Barcelona.

The Roadster can be recharged at millions of conventional power outlets throughout Europe. In addition, "Project Movele" is building free charging stations in Seville, Barcelona and Madrid.

 

About Tesla

 

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

Knockhill debut comes weeks after Tesla’s official entry in the UK racing circuit and the first Roadster delivery in Scotland.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND, Wednesday, May 19th - Tesla Motors will debut this weekend at the Scottish Motorfair, where the award-wining Roadster will keep pace with a Formula 1 car and other supercars.

Held May 22-23 in Fife, the seventh annual Knockhill show in comes a month after the UK Motor Sport Association permitted electric vehicles to race in official competitions. The Tesla Roadster has already begun collecting trophies at prestigious UK circuits – and it will be the only zero-emission car at Knockhill that is already on sale and in production.

Tesla, which has delivered cars to customers in 25 countries so far, is providing test drives to the media and to qualified prospective customers this weekend in Scotland – including those who reserved the Tesla Model S and those eager to "go electric" as soon as possible.

"We hear every day from people who want to start accumulating zero-emission miles – but they don’t want to sacrifice performance and fun,” said Tesla UK sales manager and race car aficionado Gian Avignone, an Aberdeen native. "The Roadster is truly the only car that meets their needs, and they can start driving it today."

The Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars, yet it produces no emissions. The Roadster, which consumes no oil whatsoever and plugs into conventional 220-volt sockets throughout Europe, can be charged with solar, hydro or wind energy.

Scotland is now home to its first Roadster!

Tesla’s first appearance in Knockhill comes only weeks after Tesla delivered its first car to a customer in Scotland.

Scotland is an extraordinary model for renewable energy and a great place to demonstrate the environmental benefits of electric vehicles. Scotland has an abundance of hydro-electric schemes and already generates substantial wind power. It’s expected to be a 21st century leader of tidal and wave power development.

Local companies that purchase a Roadster benefit from a 100 percent Writing Down Allowance, meaning they can deduct the price of the car from their taxable profits. The Roadster is the only sports car that has ever qualified for a such a tax incentive throughout the UK.

 

About Tesla

 

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

World’s only electric sports car has already logged more than 3,000 miles through Europe and has about 19,000 to go.

DELHI – A Tesla Roadster traveling around the world is expected to arrive in India later this month – the first time that the iconic sports car has ever appeared in South Asia.

The Roadster, which runs on electricity and can be fully or partially recharged from renewables such as solar or wind energy, will spend about two weeks in India. The car will take center stage at a variety of VIP and public events.

The Roadster is expected to arrive in India the week of May 17 and will be at Ambience Mall in Gurgaon, in suburban Delhi. The country’s multinational business hub prides itself on the fact that every household has available electric power connections.

In Jaipur, the car will be hosted by His Royal Highness Sawai Bhawani Singh Bahadur, the last maharaja of Jaipur -- considered Rajasthan’s most significant political, cultural and religious figure.

“It will be a huge honor to meet His Royal Highness, said Tesla technician Luke McClure, who drove the Roadster more than 3,000 miles throughout Europe and will log an additional 19,000 or more miles in Asia and North America before returning to his native England. “In more ways than one, Tesla is pushing the boundaries and blazing a new path for EVs. India is going to be an adventure every day -- for me and thousands of people following me online.”

 

Odyssey of Pioneers

 

Delhi is the seventh major stop in the “Odyssey of Pioneers,” the first round-the-world tour by a zero-emission GT car. The 22,000-mile voyage, sponsored by Tesla Motors and Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer, includes displays, owner appreciation gatherings, and VIP events in 15 cities and more than 150 towns on three continents.

Future stops include Japan, where Tesla recently began selling cars, and the United States. The tour concludes in Paris in October. 

Last week, the Roadster made history as the first car without Russian components to receive official clearance to park in Moscow’s Red Square – a hallowed venue considered the epicenter of Moscow and Russia itself.

Before that, the Tesla Roadster paid homage to its namesake in Budapest, where Nikola Tesla came up with the design for his revolutionary alternating-current induction motor in 1882. The Roadster – the only electric car for sale in Europe or North America -- uses an AC induction motor descended from the scientist’s original vision.

Throughout  Slovenia, Russia, India and elsewhere, the Roadster recharges from conventional outlets using existing infrastructure. The Roadster has charged from standard outlets at hotels, a solar panel array in Italy and even at a barn in rural Switzerland, demonstrating the versatility and ease of charging. Fans are following the Odyssey online and watching weekly video updates on YouTube and Facebook.

About Tesla

 

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

World’s only electric sports car receives clearance to park in front of iconic Russian landmark.

MOSCOW – A Tesla Roadster traveling around the world made history Friday as the first car without Russian components to receive official clearance to park in Moscow’s Red Square.

Red Square is the country’s former royal citadel and the president’s residence – an iconic venue considered the epicenter of Moscow and Russia itself. On Thursday, the Roadster was the center of a VIP celebration with more than 250 guests at Moscow’s Autoville Museum, where the car is on display all weekend. 

Moscow is the sixth stop in the “Odyssey of Pioneers,” the first round-the-world tour by a zero-emission GT car. The 37,000-kilometer voyage, sponsored by Tesla Motors and Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer, includes displays, owner appreciation gatherings, and VIP events in 15 cities and more than 150 towns on three continents. 

Previous stops have included Monaco, Milan and Budapest, where Nikola Tesla came up with the design for his revolutionary alternating-current induction motor in 1882. The Tesla Roadster – the only electric car for sale in Europe or North America -- uses an AC induction motor descended from the scientist’s original vision.

“The Roadster is an iconic and ground-breaking car, so it’s appropriate that it made history in such a poignant way,” said Tesla technician Luke McClure, who is driving the Roadster across three continents. “It was humbling to be granted the honor of parking in Russia’s most hallowed ground – and at the same time we have been mobbed by fans excited to see the Roadster in person.”

Throughout  Slovenia, Hungary, Russia and other countries, the Roadster has been recharging from conventional outlets using existing infrastructure. The TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster has charged from standard outlets at hotels, a solar panel array in Italy and even at a barn in rural Switzerland, demonstrating the versatility and ease of charging. Fans can follow the Odyssey online and become part of the tour’s social media experiments on Facebook.

SUMINOE, JAPAN, Thursday, April 22nd - Tesla officials today visited Panasonic's new Lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing facility in Suminoe, Japan. Panasonic Energy Company President Naoto Noguchi presented Tesla Chief Technology Officer JB Straubel with the first production Lithium-ion cells manufactured at the new facility.

The Suminoe factory will start producing 3.1Ah battery cells, the highest energy density cells available in the market. The facility will produce more than 300 million cells per year.

"These cutting-edge Panasonic batteries will combine with Tesla's battery pack technology to produce the highest-energy density EV battery packs in the world," said Straubel.

Yesterday, Tesla announced that for the first time Tesla Roadsters will be delivered to select customers in Japan.

Tesla has already delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America and Europe. Tesla battery packs power the Roadster, the only highway-capable EV currently in mass production. Tesla is also in production of battery packs for the Daimler Smart EV's and in battery development programs with other vehicle and stationary customers. For next generation battery packs, Tesla and Panasonic continue to deepen their relationship to optimize EV cells initially announced in January.

Panasonic Energy Company President Naoto Noguchi hands Tesla CTO JB Straubel an 18650 Lithium-ion cell at the Suminoe factory

 

About Tesla

 

Tesla’s goal is to produce increasingly affordable cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla sells cars online and has delivered nearly 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America and Europe. Tesla has showrooms in California’s Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Boulder, South Florida, Chicago, London, Munich and Monaco. The Tesla Roadster is faster than many sports cars yet more efficient than a hybrid.

Roadsters set sail for from California to Yokohama

Port Hueneme, CA -- Responding to growing demand, Tesla Motors the Silicon Valley-based automaker of the world’s fastest highway-capable electric vehicle today shipped a dozen Japan Signature Series Roadsters from Port Hueneme, California. The well-appointed right-hand drive Roadsters will arrive in Yokohama in early May for delivery to select customers throughout Japan.

The hand-built, carbon fiber electric Roadster accelerates from 0-100 km in 3.7 seconds. In January, Tesla announced a partnership with Panasonic to accelerate the development of next generation EV cells.

“With its combination of high-level car enthusiasts and interest and appreciation of cutting edge technology, Japan is a natural market for the Roadster," said Tesla CEO Elon Musk. "The Tesla Roadster is a no-compromise (dakyo no nai) vehicle that makes no sacrifices on performance, design, or engineering."

The national government of Japan is currently pushing a full-scale electric vehicle roll-out and is working with regions around the country to install power outlets for charging. Japan also offers perks for energy-efficient vehicles including zero or lower taxes and green subsidies. It hopes to reduce carbon emissions 25% by 2020.

The Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars, yet it produces no emissions. The Roadster, which consumes no oil whatsoever and plugs into conventional 220-volt sockets throughout Europe, can be charged with solar, hydro or wind energy.

The Roadster requires less routine maintenance than conventional cars. It does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace.

Visit www.teslamotors.com/japan for more information.

 

About Tesla

 

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

 

Tesla Roadster world tour heads for hallowed grounds of Nikola Tesla

In Budapest, physicist invented the motor that inspired world’s only electric sports car.

BUDAPEST, Hungary – A round-the-world tour by a Tesla Roadster will wind through southeastern Europe this week, the most historically significant leg of the 37,000-kilometer journey.

On April 13, the car will arrive in Budapest, where Nikola Tesla came up with the design for his revolutionary alternating-current induction motor in 1882, during a feverish hallucination along the banks of the Danube River. The Tesla Roadster – the only electric car for sale in Europe or North America -- uses an AC induction motor descended from the scientist’s original vision. Tesla Motors unveiled the Roadster in 2006, which UNESCO declared the Year of Nikola Tesla in celebration of the 150th anniversary of his birth.

For the first time, Silicon Valley-based carmaker Tesla Motors will pay homage to its namesake, hosting a VIP celebration and prospective customer test drives April 15-16 at the TAG Heuer Boutique in Budapest.

“Nikola held more than 700 patents and remains an inspiration to me personally and to many entrepreneurs and inventors – both in Silicon Valley and around the world,” said Tesla CEO Elon Musk. “Without his vision and brilliance, our car wouldn't be possible. If he were alive today, I’m sure Nikola Tesla would be a very happy Roadster customer and a passionate advocate of electric vehicles.”

Roadster uses existing infrastructure

Budapest is the fourth stop in the eight-month “Odyssey of Pioneers,” the first round-the-world tour by a zero-emission GT car. The voyage, sponsored by Tesla Motors and Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer, includes displays, owner appreciation gatherings, and VIP events in 15 cities and more than 150 towns on three continents. The tour will conclude in Paris in October. 

Throughout  Slovenia, Hungary and numerous other countries en route, the Roadster is recharging from conventional outlets using existing infrastructure. Tesla’s driver, Luke McClure, has charged from standard outlets at hotels, a solar panel array and even at a barn in rural Switzerland, demonstrating the versatility and ease of charging. Fans can watch Luke online and follow his travels through Facebook and Twitter.

All Teslas can be refueled from conventional electrical outlets, enabling owners to charge in the peace and security of their garages, at hotels, charging stations, parking lots or nearly anyplace with electricity. The Roadster’s charger is on board, so owners simply plug in the car – similar to an iPhone, no special equipment required. About Tesla

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

Owners charge electric sports car from wind energy at their home near Cork

CORK, Ireland – The first Tesla Roadster has arrived in Ireland, and the new owners are charging it with the country’s abundant wind energy.

Peter Harte and Celine McInerney shipped their electric blue, right-hand-drive Roadster from Swansea, UK, to Cork last weekend, and have already clocked 200 miles of zero-emissions motoring on the roads around their home south of Cork.
The Roadster is the first sports car the couple has owned. They charge it with wind energy from their utility company and store it in their garage next to a Subaru and Volvo.

“We have two responsible cars. We wanted one that was fun,” said McInerney, a finance lecturer at University College Cork. She plans to use the Roadster to commute to campus. UCC recently won the prestigious “Green Flag” environmental award and is exploring the option of installing an electric vehicle charge point on campus.

Harte is technical director of SWS Energy, Ireland’s second largest wind developer. He paints a future where electric vehicles will automatically match their charging to windy periods to help the national grid, but admits that his true motivation for buying the car was more emotional than professional. “It’s absolutely just for the crack,” Harte said.

The Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars, yet it produces no emissions. It consumes no petroleum and plugs into conventional 220-volt sockets throughout Europe.

Tesla has delivered about 1,000 Roadsters to customers in 23 countries, including the first arrivals this month in Ireland and Spain, where an owner near Granada charges exclusively from solar and hydro power.

Eire: One of the world’s leading wind energy providers

More Roadsters will soon come to Ireland, a country extremely well suited to the Tesla Roadster – the only sports car that can be charged fully or partially with renewable energy.

Ireland has become a world leader in wind power generation. The country recently set a daily record when 39 percent of Ireland’s demand for electricity came from wind alone. Ireland has a target of getting 40 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. That means Roadster owners in Ireland get to drive world’s hottest sports car – and charge it from one of Europe’s most progressive grids.


Peter Harte powers his Roadster with Ireland’s abundant wind energy.

In addition, the Roadster gets a full waiver of Ireland’s vehicle registration tax – a savings of more than 20 percent compared to a similar petrol sports car. Roadsters also get free metered parking, free road tax and free use of the high-occupancy vehicle and bus lanes in some places.

“People in Ireland have been following Tesla for years, but interest has grown exponentially since this year’s introduction of our right-hand-drive model,” said Cristiano Carlutti, Vice President of European Sales and Operations for Tesla. “This is truly the only choice for people who want one of the fastest production cars on the road today – without the guilt or carbon footprint of internal combustion engine cars.”

The first Roadster in Ireland comes as Tesla representatives plan a week of test drives in June in Dublin. Prospective customers may book slots in advance by e-mailing the regional sales representative anytime.

About Tesla

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

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Owner charges electric sports car from solar panels on his home near Granada.

GRANADA, Spain -- Tesla Motors has delivered its first car to a customer in Spain, and the new owner charges his Roadster exclusively with renewable energy.

Amsterdam native Otto Poldermans is a founding investor in Solar Hydro Solutions, which builds and installs solar equipment to private and commercial customers in Andalusia. Poldermans, whose twilight blue Roadster is powered by a combination of solar and hydroelectric energy, joins a growing community of Tesla owners worldwide who power their cars entirely “off the grid.”

The retired plastic surgeon moved to a remote valley in the foothills of the Spanish Sierra Nevada in 2001. For nearly a decade he has powered his home with photovoltaic panels and turbines on the Rio Chico. His equipment will now also power his Roadster, which he received this weekend.

“I hope that my Tesla catches people’s eye. I want it to teach people that energy all around us and extremely abundant -- more than enough to power our homes and our cars,” said Poldermans.

The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. It consumes no petroleum and plugs into conventional 220-volt sockets throughout Europe.

Tesla has delivered about 1,000 Roadsters to customers in 23 countries, including the first deliveries this month in Spain and Ireland.

The first delivery in Spain comes as Tesla representatives host test drives throughout the Easter holiday in Marbella. Prospective customers may book test drives in advance for slots March 28 to April 2 at hotels including the Hotel Villa Padierna, Marriott's Marbella Beach Resort and Hotel Don Carlos.

 

¡Viva la energía solar!

Tesla will deliver more cars this spring in Spain, which is uniquely positioned to demonstrate the attributes of the Tesla Roadster – the only sports car that can be charged fully or partially with renewable energy.

Solar energy satisfied 3 percent of Spain’s electricity demand in 2009, and the government expects to derive 12 percent of the nation’s primary energy from renewable energy by the end of this year. That means Roadster owners in Spain get to drive world’s hottest sports car – and charge it from one of Europe’s cleanest energy grids.
The Roadster qualifies for a national rebate of at least €10,000 and a provincial rebates of €5,000 or more. Spanish owners get 75 percent off the yearly car tax. Roadsters also get free metered parking and free use of the high-occupancy vehicle and bus lanes – a priceless advantage in the dense traffic of Madrid and Barcelona.

Spain’s €8 million “Project Movele” will also fund installation of charge stations in Seville, Barcelona and Madrid. The government aims to have 1 million electric vehicles in Spain by 2014.

“The Roadster highlights Spain’s 21st century energy technology like no other car,” said Cristiano Carlutti, Vice President of European Sales and Operations for Tesla. “But ultimately, when you come to a stop light next to an idling Porsche or Audi, you will discover the Roadster’s killer app: You will leave other supercars in the dust -- without a shred of guilt.”

About Tesla

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

Deutsch

Tesla Sweeps Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally

 

Driven by Formula One driver Erik Comas, Tesla Roadster becomes first electric vehicle to win three-day rally and first victory for an EV in an FIA-sanctioned competition.

MONACO — A Tesla Roadster has become the first electric vehicle to win the Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally and the first to win any FIA-sanctioned championship. Driven by Formula One driver Erik Comas, the Arctic White Roadster beat 96 competitors in range, efficiency and performance. The Roadster’s victory in the three-day, nearly 1,000-kilometer challenge also marks the first time an electric vehicle has dominated a Federation Internationale de l'Automobile competition worldwide.

The Roadster scored definitive victories in two additional categories, including the Efficiency Cup and the Electric Vehicles Cup. The course, which ended Sunday, covers highways, two-lane back roads, mountain passes and sprints on the Monaco F1 track.

"This is the first time ever that a 1,000-kilometer rally required only €24 worth of fuel – proof that the electric Roadster is definitively revolutionizing the car industry," said Comas, who has participated in 63 Grands Prix and dozens of other top races. "The Roadster is just as fast as some other supercars I’ve piloted – and it’s astoundingly more efficient than any rival. This was truly a team effort over the past days, and continued efforts like this will be vital in conquering the challenges of the future of motorsport."

Clean Sweep for World’s Greenest Carmaker

The victory comes a year after Tesla set a world EV range record while competing in last year's rally. In 2009, an electric blue Roadster traveled the full 387-kilometer Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally from Valence, France, through the mountains to Monaco, finishing with 61 kilometers of remaining range. Although a world range record at the time, Simon Hackett subsequently drove his Roadster 501 kilometers in Australia, setting a new record.

In this year’s rally, which is certified by the Automobile Club de Monaco, a second Tesla Roadster was driven by Rudi Tuisk, Tesla's Australia general manager and former chief European technician. Tuisk successfully completed the range segment on this year’s slightly longer course, driving 390 km on one charge – with 66 kilometers remaining.

Tuisk compared the Roadsters' victories this weekend with the 24 Hours of LeMans of 2005, when an Audi prototype became the first diesel-powered car to win that world-famous event.

"In a humble way, I felt like I had the privilege of witnessing history today," Tuisk said.

In all, Tesla took home three prizes in the following categories:

• FIA Cup – Overall Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally
• Efficiency Cup
• Electric Vehicles Cup (IIIA)

About Tesla

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

For more photos, click here

Deutsch | Français

Course through famed French countryside this weekend coincides with Tesla’s 37,000-kilometer “Odyssey of Pioneers.”

MONACO — Tesla Motors will return to the Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally this weekend. Tesla was a category winner last year and set a new world record for an electric vehicle. The Monte Carlo Rally is a three-day challenge to test range and performance of more than 100 alternative-fuel vehicles.

In 2009, an electric blue Roadster traveled 387 kilometers from Valence, France, through the mountains to Monaco, finishing the set course with 61 kilometers of remaining range. Although a world range record at the time, a Simon Hackett subsequently drove his Roadster 501 kilometers in Australia, setting a new record.

The driver of Tesla’s first team will be by Rudi Tuisk, Tesla’s Australia general manager and former chief European technician. Tuisk’s copilot will be retired French navigator Colette Neri, a Rallye de France star.

"It’s a great honor to be participating something that has deep historical roots yet is simultaneously pushing the rally culture into the future,” Tuisk said in Annecy, France, his starting point.

The driver of Tesla’s second team is former Formula One driver Érik Comas. He was French Formula 3 champion in 1988, and then Formula 3000 champion in 1990. Comas participated in 63 Grands Prix and scored a total of 7 championship points. He then moved to Japan, where he won titles in the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship, Asia’s premiere racing series.

More than 100 competitors have so far entered the 2010 rally, which covers highways, two-lane back roads, mountain passes and the Monaco F1 track. The challenge ends Sunday at Ever Monaco, a consumer and scientific expo focusing on renewable energy at Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum. Prospective customers may test drive Roadster at the Tesla booth throughout the conference. After the Monte Carlo Rally, Tesla will host VIPs and customers at its regional sales and service center at 4 Boulevard des Moulins, Monaco. Tesla opened the store in November in a regal ceremony hosted by H.S.H. Prince Albert II.

 

Odyssey of Pioneers arrives in Monaco

 

The rally coincides with the Monaco leg of the "Odyssey of Pioneers", a 24,000-mile tour sponsored by Tesla and TAG Heuer.

This epic journey is the first round-the-world tour by a zero-emission GT car. The special-edition, one-of-a-kind Roadster will travel to 15 major cities and more than 150 smaller towns on three continents before concluding in Paris in October.

The TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster will recharge throughout the Odyssey using existing infrastructure. Roadsters can be refueled from conventional electrical outlets, enabling owners to recharge from garages, or at hotels, charging stations, parking lots or nearly anyplace with electricity.

 

About Tesla

 

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.