Tesla to build all-electric saloon by 2010
Tesla's saloon will have an increased range over the Roadster
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 02 July 2008
Tesla Motors has announced that it will launch an all-electric saloon by 2010.
The announcement that the vehicle will be manufactured in California was made by Tesla CEO Ze'ev Drori and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Batteries for the vehicles are already made in California, and both parties made it clear that the state was their favoured location for building the vehicles.
Zero-emissions vehicles such as Tesla cars will be exempt from sales and use tax on the purchase of manufacturing equipment in California, making the manufacture of such vehicles in the west-coast state an attractive proposition.
The four-door saloon will sacrifice some of the blistering performance of the Tesla Roadster, which clears 62mph in under four seconds, to increase range per charge, though Tesla has not yet confirmed the rage of the saloon.
“Today’s announcement is incredible news for California’s economy and its environment. If California was a baseball team this would be like winning the first round draft pick and recruiting a player who is a perfect fit on our roster because Tesla Motors and its all-electric cars belong in California,” enthused the Governor.
Ze’ev Drori, President and CEO of Tesla Motors, remarked, “Tesla has achieved an extraordinary accomplishment. We are the only automobile company today delivering full performance battery-electric vehicles to our customers.
"Make no mistake - we are not a niche player with a car only for the rich and famous. As our agreement with the state so clearly demonstrates, we are building a high-volume Zero-Emission Vehicles, manufactured in California for mid-range family use. And we aren’t going to stop there. We will continue on and build even more affordable cars.
"You are witnessing the debut of a new car company, a company unlike all others, a company with a disruptive technology, a company dedicated for the exclusive production of Zero Emission Vehicles.”
We all want to do our bit and buying a green car is increasingly important to car buyers. But what exactly constitutes an eco-friendly car?
With climate change awareness growing and governments determined to cut CO2 emissions from transport, the hunt is on for greener cars. Our rundown presents the least polluting vehicles by emissions.
Tesla confirms UK prices for electric Roadster, and outlines plans to sell all-electric saloons and hatches in Europe and US by 2010.
Tesla snaps up Mazda design wizard as its projected electric sports car future begins to take even more impressive shape.
Ex F1 champ Damon Hill charged with keeping all-new Tesla Roadster in public eye, as Europe’s inaugural two-seater electric sports car put to public test at this week’s GreenFleet Capital Arrive ‘n’ Drive event.
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