About the brand
How Tesla became a global leader in electric cars
Tesla accelerated the automotive industry’s transition to electric drive by proving that an electric vehicle can have a long range, accelerate like a sports car, and be suitable for family trips to the seaside.
The brand’s European lineup is focused around the Model 3 and Model Y, while the Model S and X occupy more niche positions, mainly in the United States. Its own charging network, mobile app, and software services noticeably distinguish the ownership experience from traditional brands.
The history of the Tesla brand
Tesla Motors was founded by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning in California in 2003. Elon Musk joined in 2004, led a funding round, and became chairman of the board of directors, and he has led the company since 2008. Calling him the sole founder is incorrect.
The first production model was the 2008 Roadster. The very expensive two-seat sports car showed that a lithium-ion battery could provide about 400 km of range, while an electric motor could deliver the dynamics of petrol-powered sports cars.
The 2012 Model S offered a spacious cabin, long-range batteries, fast charging, and a central screen. It was followed by the Model X, the more affordable Model 3, and the family-oriented Model Y. The last two models turned Tesla into a mass-market manufacturer.
Unlike traditional brands, Tesla did not move to electric drive through hybrids or by adapting petrol cars. The company was created from the beginning to produce electric vehicles. The 2006 plan envisioned an expensive sports car, a more affordable sedan, and then mass-market family models. The Roadster was a transitional niche not because of its powertrain, but because of its price: its buyers helped finance the Model S and later the Model 3.
Tesla developed batteries, power electronics, software, and the Supercharger network in parallel. As a result, the car, navigation, and charging infrastructure work as one system.
Current trends and features of Tesla electric vehicles
An aerodynamic body, heat pump, regenerative braking, and battery temperature control provide high efficiency. Battery chemistry depends on the version: more affordable modifications may use LFP cells, while long-range versions use cells with higher energy density.
Most functions are concentrated on the central screen. Through it, the driver controls the climate system, navigation, charging, and vehicle settings. Over-the-air updates fix bugs and add features without a visit to a service center. At the same time, the minimal number of physical buttons is not to everyone’s taste, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still not supported. Tesla’s own Supercharger network remains an important advantage. It includes more than 80,000 charging stalls worldwide, while the car automatically plans the route, predicts the remaining energy, and prepares the battery before fast charging. In Europe, current models use CCS Combo 2, but early Model S and Model X vehicles may require an upgrade for full compatibility.
Large cast body elements simplify production, but they can make accident repairs more complicated. A used Tesla should be checked for body geometry, damage history, battery condition, and fast-charging availability.
Popular models
The Model 3 is the brand’s most affordable car in Europe. It is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the Long Range version focuses on driving range. The updated version received a quieter cabin, more comfortable suspension, and a rear screen. The Performance version adds quicker acceleration and sportier settings.
The Model Y uses related technology, but has a taller body, a large trunk opening, and a more spacious second row. After the update, the crossover became quieter and softer, while the long-range rear-wheel-drive version received up to 609 km of WLTP range. Model 3 and Model Y account for the vast majority of Tesla’s production: in 2025, the company delivered more than 1.58 million of these vehicles.
The Model S remains a fast premium liftback, while the tri-motor Plaid version demonstrates the brand’s maximum performance capabilities. The Model X offers a large cabin, an optional third row, and distinctive Falcon Wing rear doors. Both models are expensive, more complicated to repair, and sold in much smaller numbers, so the Model 3 and Y are usually the more rational choice.
The development of Tesla as a car brand
Tesla increasingly positions itself not only as an automaker, but also as a company in the fields of energy, artificial intelligence, and robotics. It develops Powerwall home batteries, industrial Megapack systems, its own cell production, the charging network, and driver-assistance software features.
The main project at the moment is Cybercab — a two-seat vehicle without traditional controls, designed for autonomous transportation. Tesla plans to put it into series production in 2026, but availability in Europe will depend on certification and legislation. The Full Self-Driving (Supervised) designation also does not mean that a current Tesla can drive without driver supervision.
In 2026, the company plans to increase production of the Semi truck. The second-generation Roadster is still under development, so a specific launch date should not be considered guaranteed. The Cybertruck is in series production in the United States, but its construction and dimensions make a conventional entry into the European market difficult.
For most buyers, the choice comes down to the Model 3 and Model Y. The sedan is more efficient and more pleasant on the highway, while the crossover is more practical for a family or when ground clearance matters on the road. Used Model S and X vehicles attract buyers with their equipment and performance, but they require a more careful inspection of the battery, suspension, door mechanisms, and charging equipment.