Good way to annoy Ken Livingstone?
Tesla Motors plans to begin selling its Lotus Elise-esque electric car in Europe next year, it has been reported.
The move would take advantage of a weak dollar and chief executive Ze-ev Drori said the car will be priced at just under £80,000 on the continent by the third quarter.
The company began US production last month.
‘There are many compelling reasons for us to be in Europe,’ Mr Drori told the FT.
He cited the shortage average distance Europeans drive and favourable tax treatment for electric or zero-emissions cars in some countries.
To begin with Tesla would target big markets such as Germany and France, and in the beginning the UK would miss out because there is no right-hand drive option.
However this could all change depending on how successful the cars are in key markets, and the car would be easier to import from Europe.
Tesla’s order book in the US stands at about 1,000 following delays launching.
The Tesla Roadster accelerates to 60mph in 3.9 seconds.