Tesla Motors, maker of the Tesla Roadster an electric car, announced on Feb. 10 that is has opened a showroom in Washington, D.C.
"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.
The D.C. showroom, located just blocks from the White House, is Teslas 16th store worldwide. The 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.
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 travels 245 miles on a single charge.
The company has s delivered more than 1,500 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia.
