Love him or loathe him, Elon Musk single-handedly changed the reality of electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide.

He’s quite a clever chap, but he also has an immense bank balance (thanks in large part to his joint PayPal venture).

Along with his obsession with science fiction, he bankrolled the world’s drive to zero-emission roads.

Foot down

This month, Tesla reached the milestone of 200,000 vehicles delivered to UK customers, just ten years after it launched here with the Model S.

In January, the UK celebrated the registration of its one-millionth battery electric vehicle (BEV). Tesla is responsible for one-fifth of all BEVs on UK roads.

The first deliveries of the Tesla Model S in the UK began in 2014, with Elon Musk handing over the first cars to customers.

Since then, Tesla has helped transform the electric car market and installed over 1,400 Superchargers at 140 locations.

Popular appeal

In 2009, the Tesla Roadster was the first EV to use a lithium battery. A small, silent sports car, it was heralded by the industry and taken up by celebrities, so the show began.

Model S, Model X, Model Y, Model 3….. Next year, there will be a low-cost model (estimated at £23k) and a supersport roadster promising 0-60mph in under 2 seconds!

Model Y has become a clear favourite among company car drivers, achieving the most significant number of registrations in the true fleet market during 2023.

The Model Y was also the fifth best-selling car overall and the UK’s most popular electric vehicle (EV).

Country sales and delivery manager for Tesla, Michael Oates, said: “Reaching this milestone of 200,000 deliveries shows how far Tesla has contributed to the UK’s transition to sustainable energy.

“More and more customers are not just looking towards Tesla as an option for sustainability, but also for safety and affordability.”

The network

Tesla says it has established a “robust” direct-to-customer sales and service model across 40 locations in the UK.

It also services 50% of its vehicles using mobile servicing, allowing customers to arrange for a vehicle service at home or at the office.

The company is also building its second Tesla body repair centre in the UK. In addition to its 65-plus Tesla-approved body repair centres, it aims to build a greater parts and repair network.

With low-cost Chinese models beginning to flood the market, as well as stiff competition from traditional manufacturers, Tesla has undoubtedly ‘poked the beast’, but in a good way for the world and the environment.

 

Tesla timeline

  • 2014 – Model S launched in the UK in June 2014 at a launch event hosted by Elon Musk.
  • 2014 – The first Supercharger was energised at Royal Victoria Docks.
  • 2016 – Model X orders began in the UK, the first electric SUV with falcon wing doors.
  • 2019 – Model 3 launched in 2019 in the UK.
  • 2022 – Model Y launched in the UK.
  • 2023 – Tesla opens its V4 Supercharger in the UK, designed from the ground-up for all EVs.
  • 2023 – Tesla launches its certified pre-owned vehicle programme.
  • 2024 – Tesla launches the upgraded Model 3 in the UK.