Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, was born in South Africa, but he has quickly risen to the top of the alternative energy vehicle industry, dominating the global electric vehicle market. South Africans can now order the long-awaited Tesla Model 3, which, like Henry Ford’s Model T before it, aims to democratise access to motoring by making affordable electric vehicles.
The History of Tesla
Tesla (TSLA), Inc. was founded in 2003 in San Carlos, California, by engineers Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning. It was originally known as Tesla Motors, but it changed its name in 2017.
The company is named after Nikola Tesla, a 19th-century inventor known for discovering rotating electromagnetic fields’ properties. His work resulted in “alternating current,” the form of electrical transmission still used today. (This contrasts Thomas Edison’s far less efficient “direct current” system.) Tesla is famous for his contributions to electrical engineering and science, and he has become a pop culture icon among engineers in recent decades.
Musk joined Tesla in 2004, even though he has been the face of the company for a long time. He gave the business a $30 million investment and rose to the position of board chairman. Notably, Musk would assist Google (GOOGL) – Get Alphabet Inc. Report founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page in 2006 in raising money.
With over 200 000 units sold globally during the second quarter of 2021, Tesla has dominated its market due to the Model 3’s enormous popularity with buyers.
Tesla South Africa: Purchasing a Tesla
Last year, the South African renewable energy company Rubicon announced that it would bring the first Tesla Model X electric vehicle (EV) to the country.
There have been several instances of desired vehicles not being sold locally and imported into the country from abroad, particularly by wealthy businessmen and automotive enthusiasts.
Despite the South African-born CEO’s local popularity and the fact that Tesla is now the world’s most valuable car brand, there are no other instances of Tesla cars making their way to Tesla South Africa via individual imports.
The Best-Selling Tesla Models
Tesla is always trying to increase the range of its products. The Model S, one of the first fully electric vehicles, had a significant market impact on this disruptive company.
Tesla Model S
- Tesla Model S price: $99,990 – $135,990 / £55,935 – £137,885 / R1,690,790 – R2,859,0592
The 2022 Tesla Model S remains among the most compelling and desirable electric vehicles on the market. The S is ideal for long-distance driving, with a driving range of up to 652km, depending on the model. The 1020-hp Plaid model can accelerate like a supercar while accommodating four adults. The Model S is also practical with a sizable rear cargo area and an additional front trunk for storage.
- Tesla Model S Long Range: Driving range, 652 km and 0-100 km/h in 3.2s
- Tesla Model S Plaid: Driving range, 637 km and 0-100 km/h in 2.1s
Tesla Model 3
- Tesla Model 3 price: $48,190 – $63,190 / £48,490 – £61,490 / R814,873 – R1,068,517
The Tesla Model 3, 2022 is a high-performance electric vehicle that lives up to the hype. It’s fast and agile, especially in the Performance trim, meaning the Model 3 is an EV-driving enthusiast who can get behind. In addition, the mid-level Long Range trim has a driving range of 358 miles per charge, so charging the Model 3 daily is unnecessary.
- Tesla Model 3 Performance: Driving range, 507 km and 0-100 km/h in 3.3s
- Tesla Model 3 Long Range: Driving range, 576 km and 0-100 km/h in 4.4s
- Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive: Driving range, 438 km and 0-100 km/h in 6.1s
Tesla Model X
- Tesla Model X price: $122,440 – $140,440 / £73,135 – £148,405 / R2,070,411 – R2,374,784
The “soccer mom’s” solution to the electric car is Tesla’s Model X. It’s an SUV-style electric vehicle with seats for seven passengers. Still, a lot of its look is reminiscent of the first Model S, particularly with the interior. Along with the enormous touchscreen inside, its distinctive rear Falcon Wing doors will give your kids the impression that you purchased a futuristic vehicle.
- Tesla Model X Long Range: Driving range, 560 km and 0-100 km/h in 3.9s
- Tesla Model X Plaid: Driving range, 536 km and 0-100 km/h in 2.6s
Tesla Model Y
- Tesla Model Y price: $67,190 – $71,190 / £57,990 – £67,990 / R1,136,155 – R1,203,794
The “soccer mom’s” solution to the electric car is Tesla’s Model X. It’s an SUV-style electric vehicle with seats for seven passengers. Still, a lot of its look is reminiscent of the first Model S, particularly with the interior. Along with the enormous touchscreen inside, its distinctive rear Falcon Wing doors will give your kids the impression that you purchased a futuristic vehicle and leave them in awe.
- Tesla Model Y Long Range: Driving range, 531 km and 0-100 km/h in 5.0s
- Tesla Model Y Performance: Driving range, 488 km and 0-100 km/h in 3.7s
Sources: Tesla.com, Pocket-Lint.com, AutoTrader.co.uk
Information provided for informational purposes to inform users about Tesla South Africa
