Tesla Model S launches in UK as Elon Musk announces opening of patents to encourage progress on EVs
Sun 15 June 2014
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Californian electric vehicle maker Tesla Motors has launched its right-hand drive Model S in the UK and also confirmed speculation that it will open up its patents to allow other companies to make use of its electric vehicle technology. Meanwhile, Nissan has launched a new all-electric van in Europe.
Tesla has begun deliveries of the Model S - the follow-up to Tesla Motor's Roadster electric sports car- to UK customers, two years after going on sale in the United States, marking the first time the car has been available in right-hand drive. The launch, in London's docklands, was hosted by the Slicon Valley entrepreneur and chief executive Elon Musk, who is also the UK Government's adviser on low carbon vehicles.
Commenting on the opening up of Tesla patents, Elon Musk said on the company's website: “Tesla Motors was created to accelerate the advent of sustainable transport.
“If we clear a path to the creation of compelling electric vehicles, but then lay intellectual property landmines behind us to inhibit others, we are acting in a manner contrary to that goal. Tesla will not initiate patent lawsuits against anyone who, in good faith, wants to use our technology.”
As with US, mainland Europe and China, Tesla plans to implement a Supercharging network across the UK allowing for rapid charging at five sites at South Mimms services on the M25, the M20 near to Folkstone and Dover, the M4 near Bath and Bristol, the M5 near Birmingham and the M6 near Manchester. Tesla claim this will make it possible to drive almost anywhere in the UK in a Tesla Model S purely on supercharging alone, with the only exception being the far north of Scotland. Tesla says it hopes the Model S will seek to revolutionise the perceptions of electric cars in the UK by elminating 'range anxiety'.
Meanwhile, Nissan has launched an all-electric version of the NV200, called the e-NV200. The van has the same drivetrain as Nissan's electric passenger car, the Leaf, although it has a new battery pack and higher capacity regenerative braking which should extend the range. Its stated range is 170km and a top speed of 112kph and is being sold as a light commercial vehicle or a five-seat passenger car. The van is being manufactured at Nissan's Barcelona plant.
The e-NV200 was been successfully trialled in the UK by the British Gas fleet which has now pre-ordered 100 vehicle units.
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