Tesla Announces Roadster Financing by B of A; $1700/Month With $20,000 Down
By Scott Doggett July 14, 2009
Tesla Motors announced today that Roadster financing in the United States is now offered by Bank of America, thus significantly expanding the number of customers who can experience the all-electric sports car.
B of A financing makes the Roadster much more affordable than simply slapping down one hundred grand and change.
"For example, a customer approved for a 5-year financing term on a base Roadster could put down as little as $20,000 before taxes and net of the US federal tax credit. The monthly payment would be approximately $1,700 at a 5 percent annual percentage rate," the San Carlos, California, automaker said in a statement.
That monthly payment, as Tesla smartly points out, is typical for high performance cars, but Roadster drivers will enjoy hundreds of dollars per month in savings unavailable to gas guzzlers.
The Roadster, which gets an EPA-estimated 244 miles per charge, costs roughly $4 to refuel and does not require routine oil changes or exhaust system work.
And unlike high-maintenance internal combustion engines, Teslas get a 100 percent waiver on sales, luxury and use taxes in at least four states, and they qualify for commuter lane privileges, free parking and free charging in many regions.
Prospective customers may complete documents at Tesla showrooms or online, including electronic signature and customer verification. Tesla customer service staff can assist with the application in a showroom or by telephone.
Tesla has delivered more than 500 Roadsters, including those pictured above, so far. This month Tesla began delivering the 2010 model-year Roadster and the all-new Roadster Sport, an even higher-performance EV.
Tesla has showrooms in California and London. On Thursday, Tesla will open a regional sales and service center in New York. It's also opening stores in Chicago, Seattle, Miami, Washington D.C., Toronto, Monaco and Munich.
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