When it comes to electric vehicles, no one can outmatch the popularity of Tesla. Founded in 2003, the company started small but became a global sensation after Elon Musk joined the company in 2004 and eventually became its CEO. Their incredible innovation, backed up by actual production, as well as the cult-like status of the company, has made it one of the top car manufacturers in the world - EV or Non-EV.
Who Owns Tesla
Tesla, Inc. is a publicly-traded company, so it doesn't have a single owner. However, the largest shareholder is Elon Musk, who is the company's CEO and also serves as Product Architect.
The Tesla Journey
Tesla Roadster - The First Of The Pack
The best way to describe Tesla's success in the car industry is like accelerating from 0-60 mph in record time. Their first production vehicle was the Tesla Roadster, which boasted a relatively small size (155.4 inches length/72.9 inches width) but an already promising electric motor and capability. It came with a single electric motor and a 53 kWh battery pack, enabling a top speed of 125 mph. The Tesla Roadster was designed to be sleek and aerodynamic, contributing to its impressive 0-60 mph acceleration in 3.9 seconds.
The first-gen Tesla Roadster was also a dream machine for those who enjoy the road, with an estimated range of up to 245 miles on a single charge. Inside, it seats two with a simplistic design featuring touch screen controls.
The speed and specs of the first-gen Tesla Roadster were impressive, making it a speed demon that can deliver good mileage for road trips. However, the vehicle's price tag was steep, with the Roadster costing $98,000, which made it difficult to convince people to buy a brand-new Tesla, given the company's relatively unknown status at the time.
Tesla Model S - A Serious Contender
Tesla became part of the general conversion when they launched the Model S in 2012. Compared to the Tesla Roadster it's relatively slower since it used a single AC electric motor with 416 horsepower. Its top speed was only 130 mph and its rear wheel drive engine can get you 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. A single charge could get you up to 265 miles.
Even with the downgrade in engine, speed, and mileage, it's more than enough for would-be owners of vehicles - EV or not - to consider the Model S. Priced starting at around $69,900 for its base version, the vehicle is a lot more accessible. Tax breaks for EV vehicles were also in full swing, which was an added value. As a sedan for daily use, the Model S is bigger in size, measuring 196 inches in length and 77.3 inches in width.
Iconic Cars & More
While Tesla is an EV company and one of the few companies that made an immediate impact this century, they have already produced some incredible vehicles that have propelled their brand to what it is today.
Tesla Model X & Y
Tesla continued to expand its vehicle lineup with the introduction of an SUV. The introduction of Model X gave the company a taste of SUV demand for their EVs. With the Tesla Model Y, they struck gold, as it became the world's best-selling SUV in 2023, outselling all other SUVs, regardless of whether they're electric or not. The Model Y's success can be attributed to its relatively affordable base price of around $52,000, great mileage with an estimated range of up to 330 miles, and relatively fast top speed of 150 mph. As an SUV, it's also roomy, measuring 187 inches in length and 75.6 inches in width.
Before Tesla Model Y became the most popular SUV in the world, the Model X laid the foundation. The Model X has an AWD Tri-Motor engine with 1,020 horsepower. With that massive horsepower, the Model X became the fastest SUV ever with the top speed of 163 mph with 0-60 mph acceleration of only 2.5 seconds. Size wise, the speedy SUV is 198.3 inches long and 81.6 inches wide.
The only market challenge for the Model X is its price. Car owners would need to fork-out $119,990 to bring this SUV home. Aside from speed, the Model X is also equipped with the latest Tesla technology including the use of wing doors, advanced AI and sensors to adjust its door in tight spaces.
Tesla Model S Plaid
Tesla never shied away from competing with other vehicles when it comes to speed, and its Tesla Model S Plaid is its front runner today. The Model S Plaid's Tri-Motor AWD engine and 1,020 horsepower enable it to reach a top speed of 163 mph. But that's not all, because the Model S Plaid is the very first EV to break the sub-two-second barrier of 0-60 mph acceleration, achieving a time of 1.99 seconds. The car measures 197.7 inches long and 78.2 inches wide.
Tesla Model 3
The bestselling Tesla to date, the Model 3 is the perfect example of a company learning from experience to build an impressive and price friendly vehicle. With the base price of $40,000 the Model 3 comes with Dual-Motor AWD motor and 450 horsepower with 162 mph as its top speed. It can also run up to 315 miles on a single charge going from 0-60 mph acceleration in 3.1 seconds.
Tesla Cybertruck
The Tesla Cybertruck is an electric pickup truck with a unique design featuring flat stainless steel sheet panels. It measures 231.7 inches in length, 79.8 inches in width, and it is 75 inches high. With up to 340 miles of range, 845 horsepower, and 0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds, it really is impressive.
There has been some recent problems though. Tesla issued a recall in March 2025 for over 46,000 Cybertrucks due to an issue with the cant rail, which is a stainless steel exterior panel, detaching while driving.
2025 Roadster
The 2025 version of the Roadster is expected to be even faster than the first generation, with a top speed of over 250 mph and 0-60 mph acceleration in under 2 seconds. It is also going to be bigger than the first gen but smaller than recent Tesla cars.
Estimated dimensions of the 2025 Roadster - Length: 165.4 inches, Width: Unknown, Height: 47.2 inches & Wheelbase: 110.2 inches.
Future Plans & More
Tesla is always looking forward when it comes to innovations in their vehicles. Their Cybertruck has run into some challenges, but it's a noteworthy EV in the truck category.
Tesla is looking into the production of long haul trucks and affordable versions of Tesla cars.
Aside from body designs, Tesla is aiming to advance their self-driving tech to aid drivers and passengers on the road. The company is taking full advantage of AI for various functions, including road safety and self-driving.
