More details have emerged about the proposed new entry-level Tesla, which would potentially vie with the likes of the Nissan Leaf and Vauxhall Ampera for low-emission sales.
Primary shareholder Elon Musk confirmed to investors that the company is developing a smaller battery-powered model, known as the Gen III.
Musk is quoted as saying: "It will probably arrive at the end of 2016 I would say - the third-generation vehicle, or the vehicle that is in a lot of ways a smaller version of the Tesla Model S at about half the price."
Although UK pricing of the Tesla Model S has yet to be confirmed, that means a likely entry price for the Gen III model of around £30,000 if government grants are ongoing.
Musk also revealed more details about the Tesla Model X crossover, which is scheduled to be launched later this year. The Model X is all-electric and uses the same running gear as the Model S. It seats seven and is notable for the 'falcon' door arrangement of its concept.
Musk said: "Because the battery is in the floor-pan, it should have the lowest centre gravity of any SUV and as a result, extremely good handling. We want to have something that has the handling of a sports car and also looks great, but has more functionality than a minivan. We're aiming to have initial cars in customer hands at the end of next year."
Musk also confirmed that the company is preparing a China-specific version of the Model S as well as another version of the car for the rest of Asia.
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200-mile plus
After reading so much negativity in the motoring press - including the Autocar - towards the electric powertrains, it was refreshing to read Steve Cropley's reportage of his drive to Paris and back in an imported Tesla Model S - more than 200 miles in one charge. Promising.
MOST FUTURE CARS WILL BE ELECTRIC
Unlimited range is coming. When it arrives most future cars are likely to be electric. The reason is that such cars will be mobile power plants.
They will be able to sell substantial electricity to utilities when suitably parked. Such cars and trucks may pay for themselves as investments.
See www.aesopinstitute.org for a few examples of breakthrough technologies now being born that will make that possible.
Imagine the positive impact on the economy!
Tesla
If Tesla can actually pull this off, it could be a game changer.