Tesla Motors, maker of the Tesla Roadster, the only electric supercar on the road, opens its Washington, D.C. showroom today. Prospective customers are now welcome to visit the location for test drives of the vehicle that is leading the automotive industry toward a zero-emission future.
“Roadsters have driven more than 9 million miles around the world, saving close to 25,000 barrels of oil, and are truly leading the charge in electric vehicle technology,” said Tesla’s Vice President for Business Development Diarmuid O’Connell. “We’re excited to bring this spirit of innovation to the nation’s capital.”
The D.C. showroom, located at 1050 K St. N.W. – just blocks from the White House – is Tesla’s 16th store worldwide. It demonstrates the company’s goal to revolutionize the automotive retail experience with showrooms designed to invite customers to both purchase cars and learn about Tesla’s advanced electric powertrain technology.
The K Street location will also serve as a service station and regional hub for Tesla’s mobile service squad. Technicians, known as Tesla Rangers, travel to customers’ homes to perform annual inspections, firmware upgrades and other services. Tesla’s innovative “house call” approach allows customers peace of mind no matter where they are located.
In addition to the $7,500 federal tax credit all U.S. customers receive when they purchase or lease a Roadster, D.C. residents are also exempt from vehicle excise taxes and get a $36 discount on their registration. In neighboring Maryland, buyers receive an additional tax credit of $2,000 for buying an electric vehicle, and both Maryland and Virginia Roadster owners have free access to HOV lanes.
Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds without using a drop of gasoline, the Tesla Roadster is the only automobile that offers supercar performance without supercar emissions. It travels 245 miles on a single charge and can be plugged into nearly any outlet in the world. With no spark plugs, pistons, hoses or belts, the Roadster requires less maintenance than conventional cars. No tailpipe also means no more smog checks, oil changes – and of course no more stops at the gas station.