Tesla Timeline

2020

Model Y

In March 2020, Tesla began deliveries of its fifth vehicle model, the Model Y crossover.

2017–2018

Model 3

Tesla began selling its fourth vehicle model, the Model 3 sedan, in July 2017. The Model 3 was a cheaper vehicle compared to previous Tesla vehicles, and was intended for the mass market.

June 2012

Model S

In June the company launched its second car, the Model S luxury sedan.


In May 2010, Tesla purchased what would later become the Tesla Factory in Fremont, California, from Toyota for $42 million

2005–2009

Roadster

Prototypes of Tesla's first car, the Roadster, were officially revealed to the public on July 19, 2006, in Santa Monica, California.

Tesla began production of the Roadster in 2008.

By January 2009, Tesla had raised $187 million and delivered 147 cars. Musk had contributed $70 million of his own money to the company.

2003–2004

Founding

The company was incorporated as Tesla Motors, Inc. on July 1, 2003.

In February 2004, the company raised $7.5 million in series A funding, including $6.5 million from Elon Musk, who had received $100 million from the sale of his interest in PayPal two years earlier.