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The History of Tesla Cars

by carla October 13, 2023, 5:54 pm 0 Votes

In just over 15 years, Tesla has risen from a little-known startup to the world’s most valuable automaker and a leader in electric vehicle technology. The company’s succession of groundbreaking models has helped revolutionize the public image of EVs.

Tesla has achieved success by following an unconventional path that defied the traditional auto industry. Let’s look back at the key milestones that compose the brief but impactful history of Tesla cars so far.

Roadster – 2006

Tesla announced its first product, the Roadster, in 2006. The all-electric 2-seater sports car was based on a Lotus Elise chassis and featured lithium-ion battery tech. With a 0-60 mph time under 4 seconds and a range of 245 miles, the Roadster set new benchmarks for EV performance. Around 2,500 Roadsters were sold through 2012 when production ended.

The car’s combination of stunning acceleration, sleek looks and environmental credentials made the Roadster a hit. It demonstrated EVs could provide supercar-rivaling performance while producing zero tailpipe emissions. The Roadster established Tesla as a pioneer in the EV space.

Model S – 2012

Tesla followed its niche Roadster with the hugely important Model S sedan. Unveiled in 2012, the 7-seat Model S target a much broader luxury market. Its contemporary design and 217-mile range helped change public perceptions around EV practicality.

Offered with up to a 285 mile range, autopilot-enabled driving, and access to Tesla’s new Supercharger network, the Model S showed EVs could handle family and highway driving. The Model S won multiple car of the year awards and vaulted Tesla into the public spotlight.

Brief history of the Tesla Model S:

The Model S is Tesla’s first fully electric sedan. It was unveiled as a concept car in 2009, with production beginning in 2012.
In June 2012, the first Model S sedans were delivered to customers. Initial models included the Performance, Signature, and base versions, with pricing ranging from $50,000 to $100,000.
In 2014, Tesla introduced dual-motor all-wheel drive and “Autopilot” advanced driver assistance systems to the Model S. This improved performance and added semi-autonomous driving capabilities.
By 2015, Model S sales surpassed 100,000 units worldwide. Tesla launched refreshed versions with upgraded battery packs providing longer range.
In 2016, Tesla unveiled the Model S P100D with faster acceleration and 100kWh battery packs. A facelift was introduced with new front/rear styling.
In 2019, Tesla debuted a new Raven version of the Model S with upgraded suspension, motors, and a new adaptive air suspension system.
In late 2020, Tesla introduced the Model S Plaid, boasting 1,100+ horsepower, less than 2 seconds 0-60mph time, and 390 mile range.
As of 2022, over 500,000 Model S vehicles have been sold globally. It remains Tesla’s flagship sedan, selling at $100,000+ price points with leading performance and tech.

Model S pioneered the transition to long-range premium electric vehicles and has been Tesla’s signature sedan model since the company’s start.

Model X – 2015

In 2015, Tesla expanded its portfolio again with its first SUV, the Model X. This 7-seat crossover impressed with unique features like falcon wing rear doors and a 17-inch touchscreen. While the complex doors led to some quality issues, the Model X set new standards for performance EVs.

Its headline specs of 289 mile range and 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds proved EVs could embarrass high-end gas SUVs. The Model X also introduced Tesla’s advanced Autopilot system with semi-autonomous driving capability.

Brief overview of the history of the Tesla Model X:

The Model X is Tesla’s luxury all-electric SUV. It was first unveiled as a concept car in 2012.
Production and deliveries of the Model X began in September 2015, after years of development delays. Initially, only the high-end Signature series was available, starting at $132,000.
In 2016, Tesla rapidly ramped up Model X production at its Fremont factory, delivering over 25,000 vehicles that year. New versions like the more affordable 75D were introduced.
In 2017, Tesla rolled out its second generation of the Model X, featuring new 100kWh battery packs, updated styling, and new features like Smart Air Suspension.
By 2018, all Model X vehicles came equipped with Tesla’s new Autopilot hardware for semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Over 50,000 Model X SUVs were sold globally that year.
In 2019 and 2020, only minor updates were made to the Model X while Tesla focused on ramping up Model 3 production. Sales remained fairly stable at around 50,000 per year.
In 2021, a refreshed Model X was unveiled, bringing revamped exteriors, a new Plaid version with ultra-fast acceleration, updated interiors, and a new yoke steering wheel option.
As of late 2022, over 250,000 Model X vehicles have been sold worldwide since its market debut. It remains Tesla’s premium SUV offering with high performance and luxury features.

Model 3 – 2017

Tesla’s goal was always mass-market affordability, and in 2017 they leapfrogged the major automakers with the launch of the disruptive Model 3 sedan. Priced from just $35,000, the Model 3 boasted 220 miles of range and access to the Supercharger network.

The Model 3’s tech-forward interior minimized buttons in favor of a central touchscreen interface. This pared-down design language improved manufacturing efficiency. The Model 3 quickly became the world’s best-selling plug-in electric vehicle, elevating Tesla to a mass-market brand.

Brief history of the Tesla Model 3:

The Model 3 was unveiled by Tesla in March 2016 as their first mass-market, affordable electric vehicle. Pricing started at $35,000 before incentives.
In March 2016, pre-orders opened for the Model 3. Within 24 hours, over 325,000 reservations were made, highlighting strong demand.
Production began in July 2017 at Tesla’s Fremont factory, but early production was plagued by manufacturing issues and delays. Only 1,550 units were delivered in 2017.
2018 saw improved production rates and deliveries rapidly increased. By December 2018, over 140,000 Model 3s had been delivered. New versions like the Mid-Range and Standard Range Plus were introduced.
In 2019, Tesla began Model 3 deliveries outside the US, including Europe and China. Total global deliveries reached over 300,000 units. New features were added via over-the-air software updates.
By 2020, Tesla was producing thousands of Model 3s per week. They sold over 442,000 units globally that year, making the Model 3 the world’s best-selling luxury sedan.
In 2021, Tesla began producing Model 3s at its new Gigafactories in Shanghai and Berlin. Over half a million Model 3s were delivered as sales continued to surge.
As of late 2022, over 3 million Model 3 vehicles have been sold worldwide since its introduction, making it one of the best selling electric cars globally. New upgrades like heat pumps and AMD processors continue to enhance the Model 3.

So in summary, the Model 3 represented Tesla’s breakthrough into the mass market and has been hugely successful, driving the company’s growth since its launch.

Model Y – 2020

In 2020, Tesla supplemented its sedan lineup with its second SUV, the eagerly anticipated Model Y compact crossover. Sharing underpinnings with the Model 3, the Model Y delivered up to 326 miles of range and seating for 7.

The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact crossover SUV manufactured by Tesla. It was unveiled by Tesla in March 2019 and production began in January 2020 at Tesla’s Fremont factory in California.

Key events for the Model Y in 2020:

In January, Tesla began production of the Model Y Performance and Long Range versions ahead of schedule. However, volume production was limited as Tesla focused on ramping up Model 3 production.
In March, Tesla delivered its first Model Y vehicles to customers on the US West Coast. Initial deliveries were of the Long Range Dual Motor and Performance versions.
Throughout 2020, Tesla gradually expanded Model Y deliveries to new regions of the US as production increased. By the end of the year, the Model Y was available for delivery in all 50 US states.
In October, Tesla began exporting Model Y vehicles made in Fremont to Europe and China to meet demand in those markets.
By December, Tesla had sold just over 19,000 Model Y vehicles, despite limited production volumes. The Model Y quickly became Tesla’s second best-selling vehicle behind the Model 3.
In 2020, Tesla offered the Model Y in Long Range Dual Motor and Performance versions only, with pricing starting at around $50,000. The Standard Range version was not yet available.

So in summary, 2020 was the first year of production and initial deliveries for Tesla’s Model Y electric SUV, with the company gradually increasing output through the year to meet growing demand.

With a starting price around $60,000, the Model Y brought Tesla’s revered technology suite to a more affordable midsize SUV package. Customer response was enormously positive, with the Model Y helping drive Tesla past 1 million lifetime vehicle sales by 2021. It rapidly became Tesla’s best seller behind the Model 3.

Future Directions

Tesla continues expanding its lineup. The second-generation Roadster promises insane performance from SpaceX-derived rocket tech. The Cybertruck aims to disrupt the pickup market. Tesla also plans mass production of a more affordable $25,000 model.

In just over 15 years, Tesla has transformed itself from a niche EV maker into the world’s most valuable automotive brand. It promises even more innovations in sustainable transportation as it works towards its mission of accelerating the world’s transition to renewable energy. Though Tesla’s history is brief, its impact has already been massive.