Tesla Motors is to start its Drive Change Electric Roadster Tour across the US in May, offering people the chance to get behind the wheel of the Roadster and discover what the all-electric vehicle has to offer for themselves.
Tesla will kick off its US tour in Colorado Springs on 14 May, and prospective customers will be able to get behind the wheel of the all-electric Roadster at test-drive events in cities ranging from Tucson, Arizona, to Seattle, Washington, and Naples, Florida.
The Roadster, which accelerates from 0 to 96.5km/h in just 3.7 seconds, can travel for 394km on a single battery charge. According to Tesla, it costs less than US$8 to fully charge. So far, more than 1,600 Roadsters have been delivered to more than 30 countries globally. But to purchase one of these cars it will cost you from US$101,500, which includes the US$7,500 tax incentive.
US customers receive a US$7,500 tax credit, in addition to individual state incentives like US$5,000 tax credits and sales tax waivers, when purchasing the car.
“The Roadster served as the catalyst that made driving electric a reality, and has helped us refine electric technology for future models – Roadster owners are part of this important piece of history,” said Tesla vice-president of sales, John Walker. “Demand for the Roadster is strong as more people realise the benefits of EVs and see them outperform conventional cars without the emissions.”
Tesla, which is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, is also bringing the Model S, the first mass-production, all-electric family sedan, to market by mid-2012. This car will come at a base price of US$49,900, with a reservation payment of US$5,000.
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