THE NEW Tesla electric supercar is now on sale in Europe, and Irish buyers willing to pay in the region of €99,000 plus taxes are being invited to submit their orders for delivery next year, according to Aaron Platshon, European marketing manager for the new car brand.
"The Roadster has been approved for sale across the EU and an Irish buyer placing a deposit now will receive their car in May 2009," says Platshon.
The Tesla has become something of an icon for the future of electric cars in recent years, but much of that hype was prior to its production. Now it is here, and on sale.
The viability of electric cars is still in question, given the carbon-emitting nature of electricity generation.
However, the Tesla's launch coincides with promising news from Japan, who pledged at this year's G8 summit to cut overall carbon dioxide emissions by 60-80 per cent by 2050.
To assist with such ambitious targets, the Japanese government has joined forces with national electricity supply companies and carmakers, with plans to build hundreds of "quick-recharge" power stations and other infrastructure to accommodate electric vehicles.
This is part of a programme that will involve installing power outlets at car parks, supermarkets and restaurants for drivers to use, free of charge.
The Japanese also plan to encourage private enterprise to offer discounted rates to electric vehicle drivers on everything from parking to insurance and loans. It is also encouraging Japan Post, the recently privatised postal service, to convert its fleet of 21,000 delivery vehicles to electric propulsion.
In terms of vehicles, both Mitsubishi and Subaru will launch small, electric city cars in Japan next year, with Nissan known to have a new electric car under development with Renault for sale globally, while the next Toyota Prius is expected to have a plug-in charging feature.
It's likely that many of these vehicles will be sold in Europe, though until the Irish Government shows the level of commitment exemplified by the Japanese, cars such as the Tesla Roadster will remain insignificant curiosities on Ireland's shores.