[HybridArchitect]

Yes, it's true! :yahoo:

While driving through downtown Vancouver, I was in the far left lane while a Prius taxicab was driving in the curb lane. As we approached a red light, a red sports car pulled abreast of us in the lane between… I glanced over and immediately noticed it was a Tesla Roadster!

The first I've ever seen, and the older gentleman driving it was obviously enjoying our spring-like weather in his convertible. I pointed out the Tesla to my wife who was in the passenger seat, and she put her window down to listen to the electric-drive silence as the light changed... she also noted that all three vehicles across our row were motoring on electric-only power as the rush-hour traffic began to move slowly forward.

I was not surprised to see a Washington state licence plate on the rear of the Tesla as it eventually moved ahead of us; there are no dealers in British Columbia and I have no idea how many (if any) citizens north of the 49th have purchased/received Tesla Roadsters. Given that Seattle is about 225 kilometres south of Vancouver, it's possible that the owner drove all the way on a single charge; definitely exciting stuff and a great way to start the work week.

:beer:

 

[prowler]

:beer:Yes, it's true! :yahoo:

While driving through downtown Vancouver… I glanced over and immediately noticed it was a Tesla Roadster!

there are no dealers in British Columbia and I have no idea how many (if any) citizens north of the 49th have purchased/received Tesla Roadsters. Given that Seattle is about 225 kilometres south of Vancouver, it's possible that the owner drove all the way on a single charge; definitely exciting stuff and a great way to start the work week.

Only 2 "dealerships" (company-owned, both in CA) are open so far, but another half-dozen scheduled this year with Seattle ahead of Washington D.C. Seattle has a cluster of maybe a dozen sold from the about 300 shipped so far (mine goes on the truck tomorrow). Tesla has announced that they will now sell in Canada and especially like the "greener" nature of the power so that they can brag that the car adds "little to no carbon footprint, even considering the power source". Canadian sales start with the 2009 model, which should start this summer. Here's the press release for Canadian sales:

http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=1241

-SPARKZZ

 

[HybridArchitect]

Thanks Prowler... I had read that press release and was aware of Tesla's move into the Great White North (with our "clean" hydro-based electricity).

Unfortunately, while the Tesla Roadster was very attractive (and more than a bit thrilling to see in action on my hometown streets), it's still a bit rich for my blood (unless I can negotiate a 1-to-1 trade-in for my "classic" Valiant).

Still, a glimpse of the future on a sleepy Monday morning which put me in a positive frame of mind for the office.

:cigar:

 

[CrashNburn]

maybe they would trade you just too see your oil burner off the road Lol. :beer:

 

[HybridArchitect]

I'd rather they made me an offer to do an electric conversion to her... a companion to the Tesla S as it were!