Government to offer grants for sports car
The Tesla high performance electric sports car is to attract a government subsidy of £5,000 for car buyers of the luxury make.
The Times reports that the government is to subsidise the purchase of the eco-friendly car, in a £230 million scheme to address environmental concerns.
Assembled by Lotus in the UK, the Tesla Roadster runs on electric power but manages 0-60 in just 3.7 seconds. Its manufacturers claim that despite its fun handling and sheer speed, the car is more fuel efficient than the en vogue Toyota Prius.
Tesla claim that its roadster offers ''double the efficiency of popular hybrid cars, while generating one-third of the carbon dioxide.'' Compared to similar performance sports cars, Tesla is around six times more energy efficient, yet still delivers the same levels of performance and acceleration.
Due to its green credentials, the car will qualify for a £5,000 grant under the government's electric car scheme. With this grant, the Tesla's on the road price will be reduced to around £82,000.
It seems the Tesla's 'eco' label has also impressed the US government, as BBC news reports that Barack Obama's Washington-based energy department is lending the company £291 million to develop an electric luxury saloon, the Model S - hotly tipped to launch next year, as well as create an assembly plant in California.
The UK government scheme, dubbed 'the plug-in car grant', will also be placed on other cars that pass tests such as ultra low tailpipe emissions and stringent safety examinations. Car commentators expect that in the coming year, more electric or hybrid vehicles will be produced, to be compatible with the grant.
Hybrid models are set to be launched from Porsche, Lotus, Fisker and Ferrari, reinforcing the belief that electric cars are becoming more important to clients.
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