PORT HUENEME, Calif., April 22 (UPI) -- California automotive manufacturer Tesla Motors announced Japan will be the first Asian nation to receive a shipment of its Roadster electric vehicle.
Tesla Motors announced 12 Japan Signature Series right-hand drive Roadsters are scheduled for May delivery to Japanese customers.
Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk said Japanese interest in new technology and high-end automobiles made the Asian nation a natural customer.
"The Tesla Roadster is a no-compromise vehicle that makes no sacrifices on performance, design, or engineering," he added.
The Tesla Roadster has zero tailpipe emissions and can travel more than 230 miles per charge. Tesla Motors added the Roadster can use solar or wind power for recharging.
Tesla touts the Roadster, which can go from zero miles per hour to 60 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds, as a low-maintenance vehicle that has no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace. Each Roadster costs about $129,000.
Japan aims to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020, adding full-scale electric vehicles to its green energy ambitions.
