Quick Guide 1 – Intro to Tesla

Never heard of Tesla? Our quick guide tells you what you need to know.

Tesla Motors is a Silicon-valley company founded specifically to create desirable electric cars.

Founded 2003, first product launched 2006, first deliveries 2008.
Public company, quoted on the NASDAQ. IPO in 2010.
Now manufactures all its cars at a factory in Fremont, California (early models had bodies assembled on a subcontract basis by Lotus in the UK).
Sells direct to the end customer through online ordering supported by company-owned ‘stores’ and service centres – does not use conventional dealerships.
Only makes electric cars – has never made a model powered by anything other than electricity.
Does not advertise – has achieved exposure through PR buzz created by their unique products, and social media following.
Sells in most major markets – USA, Canada, EU (including RHD models for the UK), Japan, China, Australia.
Has installed its own charging infrastructure – Superchargers – in all the parts of the world where it operates.

2-seater sports car with a 0-60mph time of sub 4 seconds.
In production 2008-2011, approx 2500 built.
Range 245 miles (as measured in the old EPA 2-cycle test).
Retrofit upgrade option – Roadster 3.0 – announced in 2014 (but not yet available) offering improved battery and other modifications to boost range by 40-50%.

Large 5-door sports saloon car seating up to 5 adults (plus 2 children in optional folding third row seats).
First deliveries in the USA 2012, spreading to Europe in 2013 and other markets 2014. Over 100,000 built by mid-2015.
Range of 85kWh model: 265 miles (as measured in the stricter EPA 5-cycle test). 302 miles range (as measured by the NEDC test), about 30% greater than Roadster tested like-for-like.
Originally launched with a $50,000 base model, although the base model was never produced and early customers ordering that model received a special deal.
Range of powertrain options with different performance levels – exact line-up has changed over time.
Frequent design improvements introduced throughout production, but major new features announced in mid-2014: ‘Autopilot’ driver aids and ‘D’ models with dual motor all-wheel drive.
Winner of numerous awards – notably Motor Trend car of the year and Consumer Reports best car 2014, 2015.
Enormous touch-screen display (far bigger than any other car) replaces all minor switchgear.
Many ‘connected’ features, including remote control from mobile phone app.
All-aluminium body (for lighter weight) and auto-retracting door handles for better aerodynamics.

Due in 2017
No concrete details have yet been officially confirmed although the project has long been featured in published corporate plans.
20% smaller than a Model S – has been described as similar in size to a BMW 3-series.
USA pricing of base model claimed to be $35,000 (in numerous press interviews).

For more background on Tesla’s philosophy and why Tesla drivers like their cars so much, read our longer article: Tesla: what and why?.

Alternatively, if you are ready to think about ordering, see: Quick Guide 2 – Thinking of ordering a Tesla?.