Headquarters: Austin, Texas, USA
Established: July 1, 2003
Founder(s): Elon Musk

Tesla Motors began in 2003 in California’s Silicon Valley. The company’s long-term vision was to reduce oil consumption by creating affordable, mass-market, emission-free electric vehicles. Their first model, the Tesla Roadster, arrived in 2008 and featured a range of 245 miles per charge. On October 27, 2009, Tesla proved this range when Simon Hackett drove a 313-mile segment of Australia’s annual Global Green Challenge on a single charge.

By 2010, over 1,500 Roadsters were on the streets of more than 30 countries. The critically acclaimed car, which can go from 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds, also won many green vehicle awards. Tesla has also partnered with Toyota to develop an electric Rav4, and has developed a second Tesla vehicle, the Model S sedan.