Tesla created the electric Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y vehicles.
Tesla was founded in 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, with Elon Musk joining soon afterward as a major early investor and chairman. Its first production car, the Roadster, used lithium-ion battery cells and was based on a modified Lotus Elise platform. The Model S followed in 2012.
The Model 3 and Model Y broadened Tesla’s reach into higher-volume vehicle segments, while the Model X added distinctive rear doors to the company’s lineup. Tesla also develops battery storage systems, charging infrastructure, and solar products. Although people often credit Musk as the sole founder, Tesla’s early history involved multiple founders and investors.