Electric charge for Tesla

Tesla Motors has confirmed its next launch in 2010 will be a sports saloon to compete with the BMW 5-Series and Jaguar’s XF.

The US firm behind the electric Lotus Elise-based Tesla Roadster is planning a whole range of affordable battery-powered models which will be sold globally over the next few years.

The saloon will use a new rear-wheel-drive chassis, feature the firm’s patented lithium-ion power pack and electric motor, and carry a price tag of around £40,000 by the time it reaches the UK. The car will have a range of 160 miles and accelerate from 0-60mph in six seconds. Tesla aims to sell 20,000 a year.

It also has plans for a coupé, crossover estate and an SUV using the same platform. All are likely to get carbon-fibre bodies created by ex-Mazda designer Franz von Holzhausen. Tesla is also working with a host of major car firms to provide drivetrains for future electric vehicles, including a city car to rival models such as the VW up! and Toyota iQ.