Tesla Motors, Inc. is a designer and manufacturer of electric cars and electric vehicle powertrain components based in Palo Alto, California. It is named after the famous electric engineer Nikola Tesla. Their goal is to introduce fully electric vehicles that are affordable, energy efficient and environmentally friendly to a wider audience.
Founded in 2003, Tesla Motors gained fame in 2006, following the introduction of the Tesla Roadster, the first electric sports car. They started production in 2008 and sold over 2.300 units until early 2012, when production ended. It was the first one of its kind and it brought about a revolution in the sports car industry. The Roadster drives on lithium-ion batteries, producing zero emissions. It can go from 0 to 60 in 4 seconds and reaches an average speed of 125 mph. According to the manufacturer, it can travel an average 245 miles per charge.
After the huge success they had with the Roadster, Tesla Motors began working on their next design, the Model S. It’s a four-door sedan, able to go up to 300 miles on one charge. Their plan is to manufacture 20,000 units per year.
Aside from these two vehicles, Tesla unveiled yet another model in February 2012. This time around, they’re having a go at making an SUV. It will be called Model X and is planned to go into production in 2013. Needless to say, the Model X will be a fully electric vehicle. Unlike the Roadster and the Model S, it will be provided with a four-wheel drive and another very distinctive feature, the “falcon-wing” doors. It will also be a comfortable and spacious SUV with two trunks and 7 seats.
Furthermore, Tesla intends to start designing and manufacturing electric minivans. In the near future, Tesla has plans to make another sedan that will be more affordable than the Model S. In addition, CEO Elon Musk has said that they are looking to make an electric super car that will be among the lines of what Ferrari, Lamborghini or Aston Martin offer to the market.
As far as it’s financial situation is concerned, Tesla expects to start turning in profit in 2013.