MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) -
California-based Tesla Motors has its sights set on Minnesota as a potential direct-to-consumer electric car market. Tesla hopes to open a retail store in Edina this summer and a second at the Mall of America next year.
Tesla told the Star Tribune their sales process is tantamount to Apple's direct-to-consumer electronic stores, but the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association sees it differently.
The association has already threatened to sue Tesla in fear of the sales model's ability to undercut rivals. However, the association already failed in the Minnesota Legislature last week in an attempt to update a 1970s-era law and block car manufacturers from selling directly to consumers.
Paying the premium for Tesla's Model S will cost $57,400.
The car features three battery offerings with ranges of 160 miles/257 km, 230 miles/370 km or 300 miles/483 km on a full charge.
