Tesla launches Model S in UK, says Euro factory could be upcoming [w/video]

Thu, 12 Jun 2014

With the first UK deliveries of the 49,900-pound (about $84,000 at today's rates) Tesla Model S completed, it's time for the company to get back to business. For CEO Elon Musk that means discussing a long-anticipated rumor – a dedicated European production facility to build the luxurious EVs from the ground up.

Obviously, though, such a hefty investment would need to be worth the company's while, which is why Musk told Automotive News Europe that sales will need to hit 160,000 units before a factory is considered. The company has recorded over 3,400 sales in Europe during the first four months of 2014, which actually surpasses the 2,000 cars sold in the US.

Tesla currently maintains a factory in the Netherlands, although it only installs batteries in cars shipped from Tesla's Fremont, CA facility, rather than building cars from scratch. The factory, in Tilburg, is set to expand, while a new research and development facility is set to open in the UK in 2015 or 2016, according to Musk.

Take a look below for the official press release from Tesla's first British delivery, as well as a video of the proceedings.

New Model S Has A British Accent

We broke out the champagne on a sunny Saturday in London over the weekend to deliver the first right hand drive Model S's to customers in the United Kingdom. Tesla CEO Elon Musk was on hand at The Crystal in East London to pass the keys to the first five owners (including Fifty Shades of Grey author E.L. James).

The event also marked the unveiling of the UK's first Superchargers, located at the same site. We're just beginning a rapid rollout of Superchargers in the country, but by the end of next year Model S owners will be able to drive the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland relying only on the free-to-use Superchargers for energy, which means they can pack a lunch for the trip and leave their wallets at home.

By the time the majority of our first UK customers get their Model S delivered this year, they'll already be able to drive from Exeter in the south west of England to Edinburgh in Scotland just on Superchargers. We are also making sure that central London and other large metro areas are well served with conveniently located inner-city Superchargers

Not everyone could make it to London for the special occasion, so we put together this video of a large group of folks looking forward to a future without petrol.

By Brandon Turkus