Tesla Unveils New Electric Right-Hand-Drive Roadster In London

Tesla Motors has announced the production of new right-hand-drive version of its Roadster sports car, a highway-capable electric vehicle for sale globally.

The 2010 Tesla right-hand-drive Roadster incorporates a suite of noise-reduction materials, an upgraded sound system and other enhancements.

According to Tesla, the Roadster travels around 200 miles per charge in mixed driving conditions, consumes no petroleum and plugs into conventional 220-volt sockets throughout Europe. It can be fully or partially recharged by solar or wind power.

Cristiano Carlutti, vice president of European sales and operations at Tesla, said: “The right-hand-drive model is our response to growing demand from high-performance car buyers in the UK who are also interested in their impact on the environment. Tesla is dramatically expanding its retail footprint in Europe, we look forward to building our community of owners and fans throughout the continent.”

In addition, the UK companies that purchase a Roadster benefit from a 100% writing down allowance, meaning they can deduct the price of car from their taxable profits, said the company.

The Roadster starts at £86,950 and costs about 1.5p per miles. The company said that Roadster drivers do not require to pay the London congestion charge, saving up to nearly £1,700 annually. They can park for free and without time limits in various London boroughs, can get four hours of free charging at certain parking sites and are also exempted from forthcoming showroom tax of £950.