Electric Teslas Japan-bound
Asia-Pacific region to get its first taste of all-electric motoring as US EV manufacturer farewells its first shipment to JapanHigh-voltage electric motoring edges closer to Australia as US electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Tesla announces it has shipped 12 of its two-seat, Lotus Elise-based Roadsters to Japan.
The cars were "loaded onto a ship in Port Hueneme north of Los Angeles, CA, bound for Japan," and are the first part of a total shipment of 20. They come "complete with charging solutions and a signed letter of thanks from (Tesla) CEO Elon Musk."
The Japan event brings Australian introduction of the long-range, high-performance electric vehicle in sight of the manufacturer's statement that it intends to have Teslas on sale locally by Spring this year. Tesla spokeswoman Rachel Konrad told the Carsales Network in March that homologation of the Roadster is already well under way. The company intends to spark off its local operations out of Sydney.
Until recently, the sticking point concerning the Tesla's introduction in Australia has been the concentration (if you can call 220 cars delivered worldwide at the time of the 2010 Geneva motor show a concentration) on the US and European markets.
But with the shipment to Japan, Tesla says it has begun its foray into the Asia-Pacific, where Australia sits in eager anticipation.
Tesla also says it is ramping up production. According to a statement issued recently, it has "negotiated agreements with key suppliers that will increase total Roadster production by 40 per cent and extend sales into 2012. In the coming year, you'll find Roadsters in more countries as we expand to Australia and Asia. Customers in 23 countries have now taken delivery of their Roadster -- last month we delivered the first Roadsters to Spain and Ireland."
The little lightweight sports car (pictured in red) is endowed with Porsche-like acceleration -- claimed zero to 100km/h acceleration in less than four seconds -- with a practical cruising range of close to 400km. All this with absolutely no emissions other than those spewed out by the powerplant producing the electricity used to charge it. Tesla says the charging operation in Australia will take something like eight hours.
Not so eagerly anticipated is the EV Roadster's price, which has only attracted speculation so far, but can reasonably be expected to close in on $200,000. The cost of being seen as keen and green.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
