Tesla launches right-hand-drive Roadster

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So far Tesla’s all electric Roadster has been available only with left-hand-drive, now Tesla Motors has announced production of the right-hand-drive version of its iconic Roadster sports car.

First cars are on display at Tesla’s showroom in London where prospective customers and media may test-drive it. The 2010 right-hand-drive Roadster includes a suite of unique noise-reduction materials, an upgraded sound system and other enhancements that make it ideal for daily commuting or weekend drives.

The Roadster easily travels more than 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. A customer’s Roadster recently set a world distance record for EVs with 313 miles on a single charge.

UK companies that purchase a Roadster benefit from a 100 percent Writing Down Allowance, meaning they can deduct the price of the car from their taxable profits. The Roadster is the only sports car that has ever qualified for a such a tax incentive in the UK.

The Roadster starts at £86,950 and costs about 1.5p per mile, compared to as much as 32p per mile for petro-powered sports cars. Roadster drivers do not have 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, they get four hours of free charging at certain parking sites, and they are exempt from the forthcoming Showroom Tax of £950.