Washington D.C.: Tesla - Stylish Electric Vehicles

On Memorial Day, my friend Carlene (who lives in the upcoming neighborhood of Eckington in North East, DC) had me follow her to 1050 K. Street, N.W., Washington DC.  We planned to see the Memorial Day Parade, have lunch in Union Station, visit a couple of museums and shops.  Just so happens the on the street parking was free (due the holiday) and this area on K Street looked clean and safe.

 

Tesla Showroom, Washington, D.C.

After I parallel parked my car, I looked up and see a sign posted on the building reading “Tesla”. We serendipitously parked in front of a sports car showroom! When I see cars with great design, I have to learn more.  Sally (Tesla's Store Coordinator) graciously greeted us.  I told Sally I am writing this blog and she provided a couple facts about the patriotically painted roadster pictured in my blog's post.  Sally also mentioned that Elon Musk founded the company.  Around Christmas time, Elon Musk’s name came up in a conversation with a Naval pilot seated next to me on a commercial plane ride.  During that conversation, Musk was associated with a company called Space X.  After speaking with Sally, I also discovered that Elon Musk created Pay Pal too.  Innovation has always intrigued me.

Tesla Electric Roadster

Per advice of Sally, I contacted Camille Ricketts, Tesla’s Communications Manager based in Palo Alto, who shared these facts on Tesla. 

Tesla Roadster, Washington, D.C.

Camille states:

ABOUT TESLA

Tesla's goal is to produce a full range of electric cars, from sports cars to mass-market vehicles - relentlessly driving down the costs of electric vehicles.  It is currently the only U.S. automaker that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production.  Palo Alto, California-based Tesla designs and manufacturers EVs and EV powertrain components.  Tesla has delivered more than 1,600 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific Region.  Model S, the first premium sedan to be built from the ground up as an electric vehicle, goes on the market in the mid-2012.

More interesting facts on Tesla:

• Founded in 2003, Tesla's mission is to produce increasingly affordable, mass-market electric vehicles. The first to enter the EV market, Tesla has catalyzed the global automotive industry and is still leading the revolution toward a zero-emissions future.
• Tesla is currently selling the Tesla Roadster, an electric supercar, and is developing the model S, a premium four-door sedan that will be massed produced.
• Tesla has strong partnerships with other automotive manufacturers. It builds the electric powertrain systems for Daimier's electric Smart car and Mercedes A-Class, and is working with Toyota and develop an electric RAV 4.
• Last year, Tesla acquired 350,000 square foot automotive factory in Fremont, California to produce the Model S sedan.  The facility is currently being set up for production next year and it's expected to create as many as 1,000 Bay Area jobs in the near term.
• The Tesla Roadster, the world's first and only electric supercar, accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and travels 245 miles on a single battery charge.  It can be plugged into any conventional outlet, costs less than $8.00 to change from empty, and allows owners to wake up to the equivalent of a fresh tank of gas every day.
• The Roadster is credited with the kicking off the new wave of EVs.  It proved to the world that driving electric can be sexy, practical and extremely efficient.
• The Model S will be the first vehicle ever built from the ground up as an electric car.  A premium four-door sedan boasting superior vehicle engineering.  It will have a top range of 300 miles, include a groundbreaking touchscreen interface, and be able to quick-charge in 45 minutes.

Tesla Roadster

I believe that creating a electric car with great design has mass appeal.  I look forward to seeing how the price point will be managed so many can afford this option of stylish transportation.

In the DC Area, see a Tesla for yourself:

Tesla Washington, DC

1050 K. Street, N.W. 

Washington, D.C. 20001

(202) 737-0024

Want to know more about Tesla:
http://www.teslamotors.com/