First Tesla electric sedans hit the road

Tesla Motors Inc says more than 10,000 people have put down a refundable deposit for the five-seat sedan.

The base model can go 257 kilometres on one charge. The Palo Alto-based carmaker says it expects to sell 5,000 this year. They start at USD 49,900,after a federal tax credit.

The first three cars driven out of the factory were part of what Tesla Vice President George Blankenship called the carmaker8217;s 8220;personal delivery programme.8221;

The first two cars were heading to buyers in Chicago,while the third was going to nearby Palo Alto.