Electric car maker Tesla Motors plans to build a four-door, five-passenger sedan in California from 2010.
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The company had previously decided to locate the sedan factory in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but decided it would be better close to the engineering and research and development facilities in San Carlos. It will choose the exact location “soon”.
Tesla makes the battery pack for its current roadstermodel in California and final assembly is also done in the state.
“Tesla Motors and its all-electric cars belong in California,” enthused said state governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority (CAEATFA), last week approved a new programme that exempts new zero emission vehicle manufacturers from paying sales and use tax on the purchase of manufacturing equipment and will encourage ZEV manufacturing in California.
Tesla will also be eligible for at least US$1m in employment training panel workforce development funds to train employees.
“These vehicles can play a big part in helping California successfully implement its ground-breaking laws to fight climate change,” said state treasurer Bill Lockyer, who chairs CAEATFA.
“By offering this financial incentive, our goal is to ensure zero-emission vehicles realise their full potential in our state.”
