Tesla Motors Speaks Out Against CARB Proposal to Weaken Zero Emissions Mandate

SAN CARLOS, Calif.--On March 27, 2008 the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will meet in Sacramento to review the recently proposed changes to the California Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Regulation as reflected in the staff’s Initial Statement of Reasons (ISOR) dated February 8, 2008.

If adopted as proposed, key provisions of the ISOR would needlessly weaken the intended purpose of the ZEV Regulation, rather than “strengthen the overall objective of the program” and “maintain pressure on the commercialization of PURE ZEV technologies,” as CARB has publicly committed to doing.

Furthermore, many of the recommendations in the ISOR are misguided; for example, concluding that “given the current state of battery technology staff doesn’t anticipate that manufacturers will produce any battery powered EV prior to 2012.” On the contrary, on March 17, 2008, Tesla Motors began production of the Tesla Roadster, an EPA, DOT, NHTSA and CARB certified zero emission, full performance, battery-powered electric vehicle.

Tesla Motors president and CEO, Ze’ev Drori, addressed these issues in a detailed letter to CARB Chairman, Mary Nichols. This letter can be read on the Tesla blog at http://www.teslamotors.com/blog2/?p=58.

In anticipation of the CARBs decisive hearing on the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Program, Tesla Motors will demonstrate the all-electric Tesla Roadster in Sacramento on Wednesday March 26, 2008. Elected officials and select media will be offered rides from 11:30AM-2:00PM outside the north steps of the Capitol, on L Street. Media interested in covering this event can contact Colette Niazmand at colette@teslamotors.com.

About Tesla Motors

Tesla Motors develops and manufactures electric vehicles with exceptional design, performance and efficiency, while conforming to all U.S. safety, environmental and durability standards. The Tesla Roadster is the only highway capable production electric car of any kind for sale in the United States.

With a 0 to 60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds, a 13,000 rpm redline, and the fastest top gear acceleration of any production car tested by Car & Driver magazine in 2007, combined with an EPA rating of 135 MPG equivalent, the Tesla Roadster is unique in providing super car performance at twice the energy efficiency of the best hybrids. For more information, visit www.teslamotors.com.