Tesla was founded in 2003 and became one of the world’s best-known electric-car companies.
Tesla was incorporated in July 2003 by engineers Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning. Elon Musk joined as an early major investor and became chairman in 2004; he later became the company’s chief executive and most prominent public figure.
The Roadster, introduced in the late 2000s, demonstrated that a battery-electric vehicle could offer strong performance. Tesla then expanded with the Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y, while also developing batteries, charging infrastructure, and solar-energy products.
Tesla is sometimes described as if it were founded by Musk alone, but the company’s incorporation predates his involvement. The distinction matters in a question about the founding date and original founders.