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TRANSPORTATION TUESDAY: First Tesla Store Open in LA!

We get all revved up whenever we hear new developments on the fabulously sexy electric Tesla Roadster. We were floored when we caught our first glimpse of this ultra-sleek sports car, and beside ourselves when this amazing electric vehicle started into production. You can be sure that the latest news announcing that Tesla has just opened its first dealership in Los Angeles has got our green vehicle radar on overdrive. Built close to the 405 freeway (11163 Santa Monica Blvd. for those of you living in Los Angeles), the Tesla Store is the first of five stores currently planned to open up in the United States.

We might be a tad bit obsessed with the Tesla Roadster, but what can we say, green roadsters are cool. The pilot store is the first step in what we are sure will end up being the overall world domination by electric vehicles, of all shapes and sizes. We would hope, however, that most REVs perform as well, and look as distinctly cool, as the Roadster.

Tesla production is still ramping up to meet their current demand (with about a year and a half waiting list), so don’t expect to be able to walk into the store and buy one on the spot. But, if you do happen to visit the new LA store you’ll at least be able to see one in person. And, there’s always the dream of the test drive.

+ Tesla Motors
+ Tesla Motors Opens first Dealership in Los Angeles @ Autoweek

6 Responses to “TRANSPORTATION TUESDAY: First Tesla Store Open in LA!”

REpreneur Says:

May 7th, 2008 at 6:58 am

No Mention of Green Building?

The launch of the Tesla Roadster is certainly an exciting event in the automotive industry. This car is by far one of the greenest, offering the equivalent of 130+ mpg in a sexy removable hardtop. Lead investor Elon Musk also owns the innovative solar installer SolarCity. The car is the envy of most affluent greens around the world.

So why isn\’t the store built using green standards? From what I’ve read so far, I have heard no mention of locally sourced building materials, LED lighting, sustainable forestry products, reduced water usage, or any of that.

The only design considerations I have read have focused on following the Apple Store formula. While this is important for building a strong, desirable brand and positive atmosphere for customers, let’s not forget that Apple has come under significant scrutiny lately for being anything but green.

I’m not sure who was involved in this decision, possibly VP of Marketing Daryll Siry, but it seems like quite a big oversight to me. Am I missing something?

- REpreneur: One entrepreneurship student’s adventures in renewable energy, green building, and sustainability — http://www.repreneur.typepad.com

palmharbor Says:

May 7th, 2008 at 3:11 pm

This is where judgement is better than experience. (Obama v. McBush) GM, Ford are very experienced at the car business but all they produce is gas guzzling SUV’s MiniVans, V-8 Camaro for next year and gas hog trucks. This company with small resources came up with this car that does it all..
If they had resources like GM it could be made for $40K.
This is why Mc Bush will give us more of the same as its all he knows just like GM and Ford

Eric G. Says:

May 7th, 2008 at 4:37 pm

I would dispute the 130+ mpg rating due to the fact that the Tesla Roadster did not qualify for the 100 mpg Automotive Xprize. It all depends on how you calculate carbon equivalents. Yes the roadster is \\\”sexy\\\”, but it is hardly energy efficient. I am a little dissapointed by all the green yuppies drooling over this car. It shows that electric cars can be cool, but it also shows that electric doesn\\\’t necessarily equate with efficient.

mechamat Says:

May 8th, 2008 at 10:37 am

RE: REprenuer, I thought the Tesla Roadster does not qualify due to the numbers that will be produced and the carbon emissions from creating the electricty in their area? So should we abandon the concept of EV’s because SUNRGI’s arrays haven’t hit the market ;) or should we applaud this company for doing what everyone else couldn’t? This is a huge step for clean cars and lets not forget the Whitestar, which will qualify for the XPrize. I would rather have the problem of cleaning up the electricity supply than the problem of millions of CO2 emitting combustion cars. Shouldn’t we support any contribution to cleaner world, rather than poo-poo them because there not perfect?

I’m sure when Tesla proves its business model you will see more green initiatives from this company, well done Telsa.