New Jersey Slams the Door on U.S. Automaker, Tesla

Tesla Store (Credit: NewspressUSA)

Despite the dogged determination of one cutting edge U.S. automaker in developing and marketing a long-range electric vehicle that is actually attractive to the masses the Garden State has established a road block. Backed by the support of Republican Governor Chris Christie, the state’s Motor Vehicle Commission announced earlier this week that Tesla Motors will not be allowed to operate under their current business guidelines. Direct motor vehicle sales to consumers are at the root of Tesla’s problems with the state of New Jersey and the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers. The law currently in effect requires that automakers sell cars through franchised dealers. New Jersey is actually the fifth state to date to ban Tesla’s direct sales practices but other states will potentially follow suit. Tesla has until the first of April to cease and desist from selling vehicles out of their two showrooms in the state.

Tesla Motors initially gained worldwide recognition with the Tesla Roadster. As the world’s first electrically powered sports car, the Roadster can accelerate at a mind numbing rate; going from 0 to 60 mph in just under 4-seconds and it has a top speed of 125 mph. In addition, tesla automobiles are widely known for their extended range capabilities. Using lithium-ion batteries Tesla was the first to manufacture an electric vehicle with a range of over 200 miles.

In 2009 Tesla unveiled the Model S. It is a luxury sport sedan powered totally by electricity that features many of the characteristics that made the Roadster so popular.

Tesla also produces powertrain components for other automakers, including Toyota and Daimler. They specialize in high-powered lithium-ion battery packs.