Tesla and Tag Heuer have teamed up to attempt what they claim is the first round the world tour by a zero emissions GT car; using a special version of the Tesla Roadster. The 24,000-mile journey started on 18th March in Basel, Switzerland, at the Tag Heuer 150th anniversary party.

The first leg of the trip was form Basel to Zurich. Leonardo di Caprio - an early owner of the Tesla Roadster - joined around 20 other Tesla drivers to mark the occasion. As the car travels around the globe it will visit VIP events and owner gatherings in fifteen cities and around 150 smaller towns across three continents. Cities on the itinerary include Moscow, Beijing, New York and London. The tour will conclude in Paris with a gala event later this year.

For the trip a special Tag Heuer Tesla Roadster has been built. Described as 'rugged' it features a unique interior, a prototype watch and other time pieces. The car carries an on-board charger so that it can plug into any mains electrical supply as it travels.

With a claimed range of 200 miles on a charge the team will be reaching for the plug at least 120 times.

John Lambert - 22 Mar 2010