Right-hand-drive Tesla Roadsters ready to roll

If you consider yourself a right proper gent or madam in Britain or Ireland who has the means and desire to possess a Tesla Roadster, not being able to pop down to the London dealership and pick one out with right-hand-drive is no longer a reason to put off this pleasurable purchase. As you can see in the photo above, the Lotus-built bodies are now available with the steering wheel located on the appropriate side, and if you happen to be nigh to Knightsbridge, you can take one for a test-drive.

If you are seriously serious about it, we suggest you don't dawdle. Considering this configuration also allows them to be sold in Japan, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong may mean they'll all be snapped up sooner than might be suspected. They aren't going to make them forever, you know, and it may be a long wait before an electric sports car with similar range or performance comes along. Go on, check out the gallery below and tell us what other green machine shines so bright on a cloudy London day. Press release after the break.

[Source: Tesla Motors]


PRESS RELEASE

Tesla launches right-hand-drive Roadster in London showroom

World's greenest super car qualifies for hassle-free parking and significant UK incentives.

LONDON -- (BUSINESS WIRE) - Tesla Motors has announced production of the right-hand-drive version of its iconic Roadster sports car, the only highway-capable electric vehicle for sale worldwide.

Prospective customers and media may test-drive right-hand-drive cars available at Tesla's showroom, 49-51 Cheval Place in London's Knightsbridge district (SW7 1EW). The 2010 right-hand-drive Roadster includes a suite of unique noise-reduction materials, an upgraded sound system and other enhancements that make it ideal for daily commuting or weekend drives.

The Roadster accelerates faster than virtually any other car on the road, making it the only production car faster than a Porsche and twice as energy efficient as a Prius. It is quickly becoming the choice amongst discerning drivers who demand performance with a clean conscience.

The Roadster easily travels more than 200 miles per charge in mixed driving conditions, consumes no petroleum and plugs into conventional 220-volt sockets throughout Europe. It can be fully or partially recharged by solar or wind power. A customer's Roadster recently set a world distance record for EVs with 313 miles on a single charge.

"The right-hand-drive model is our response to growing demand from high-performance car buyers in the UK who are also interested in their impact on the environment," said Cristiano Carlutti, Tesla's Vice President for European Sales and Operations. "Tesla is dramatically expanding its retail footprint in Europe, we look forward to building our community of owners and fans throughout the continent."

UK companies that purchase a Roadster benefit from a 100 percent Writing Down Allowance, meaning they can deduct the price of the car from their taxable profits. The Roadster is the only sports car that has ever qualified for a such a tax incentive in the UK.

The Roadster starts at £86,950 and costs about 1.5p per mile, compared to as much as 32p per mile for petro-powered sports cars. Roadster drivers are do not have to pay the London congestion charge, saving up to nearly £1,700 annually. They can park for free and without time limits in various London boroughs, they get four hours of free charging at certain parking sites, and they are exempt from the forthcoming Showroom Tax of £950.

Tesla has delivered about 1,000 Roadsters to customers in 43 states and 21 countries.

About Tesla Motors

Tesla is the world's only automaker selling highway-capable electric vehicles. Tesla sells cars online and operates showrooms and galleries in London, Munich, Monaco, California's Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, Colorado, New York, Seattle, Chicago and South Florida.

The Roadster accelerates faster than nearly any car in its price class and is twice as energy efficient as leading hybrids. It is the only highway-capable electric vehicle for sale in Europe or North America. The Roadster does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace. Tesla recommends a standard service and diagnostic inspection once a year – and Tesla can perform this service at customers' homes or offices.