In 2003, Tesla Motors was founded by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning. Initially, the company aimed to produce a luxury electric sports car, the Roadster, which eventually launched in 2008. With impressive performance and zero greenhouse gas emissions, the Roadster attracted a lot of attention and built the foundation for Tesla’s upcoming models.
Elon Musk joined the company in 2004 as Chairman of the Board, and became CEO in 2008. With Musk’s vision and leadership, Tesla moved to change the way the world looked at electric cars. Musk saw the potential to develop more affordable and practical electric cars for ordinary consumers2.
In 2010, Tesla held its initial public offering (IPO) and became the first American automotive company to IPO since Ford Motor Company in 1956. This marked an important turning point in Tesla’s history.
In 2012, Tesla introduced the Model S, a luxury electric sedan that combines outstanding performance, efficiency and safety. The Model S was Tesla’s first major step towards electric cars that were more affordable and accessible to ordinary consumers.
Tesla continued its innovation with the launch of Model X, a high-performance electric SUV in 2015, and Model 3, a mass electric sedan in 2017. The Model 3, in particular, has been instrumental in bringing Tesla to the mass market and changing people’s perception of the capabilities and feasibility of electric cars.
In addition to cars, Tesla is also entering the sustainable energy market with the introduction of products such as the Powerwall and Solar Roof. The launch of these products signals Tesla’s efforts to become more than just a car manufacturer and move towards their vision of accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy.
