Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning founded Tesla in 2003 to develop electric cars.
The company was originally incorporated as Tesla Motors. Eberhard and Tarpenning wanted to show that electric vehicles could be desirable and high-performing, rather than limited compromises for environmentally minded buyers. Their early strategy focused on using lithium-ion battery cells and adapting an existing sports-car platform.
Elon Musk joined Tesla’s board and became a major early investor in 2004, then later became chairman and chief executive. JB Straubel and Ian Wright also played important founding-era roles. This is why public accounts sometimes describe Musk as a co-founder, although Eberhard and Tarpenning incorporated the company.
Tesla’s first production vehicle was the Roadster, introduced in the late 2000s. The company later expanded with the Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y, transforming its reputation from a niche startup into a major electric-vehicle manufacturer.