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Right-hook Tesla
5 Feb 2010
Tesla for SA now more plausible as company launches RHD Roadster in the UK |
Tesla Motors, of California, has announced production of the right-hand-drive version of its iconic Roadster sports car, the only freeway-capable electric vehicle for sale in the world. This opens up the possibility of it being sold in South Africa, although no word on that matter has been forthcoming as yet.
The Roadster accelerates faster than virtually any other car on the road, making it the only production car faster than a Porsche and twice as energy efficient as a Prius. It is quickly becoming the choice amongst discerning drivers who demand performance with a clean conscience.
The Roadster easily travels more than 320km per charge in mixed driving conditions, consumes no petrol 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 500.8km on a single charge.
But would the Roadster really make sparks here in SA? First you’d have to get past fears of more Eishkom load shedding and then there’s the constant price hikes we’re being threatened with, although it should still work out a lot cheaper than filling with petrol. Just a pity that our government does not incentivise low-emission cars.
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.
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