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Tesla CEO Elon Musk was in London at the weekend to oversee the delivery of the first five right-hand drive Model S cars to customers. Over the next two years the company plans to rapidly increase its presence in the UK establishing a chain of dealers and a network of 'Supercharger' rapid charging points.

The Tesla Model S costs £50,280 on the road (including the Government's £5,000 plug-in car grant). Adapting the car to the UK involved more than just swapping the steering wheel over; the windscreen wipers are set up for right-hand drive too and the braces in the front boot have also been re-fitted. Even the on-board software is programmed for the British market. To stay in touch with their car Model S owners can download an iPhone app, which allows them to monitor battery charging and even set the interior temperature.

Tesla also energised the first 'Supercharger' in the UK at the delivery event at the Crystal building in London's Royal Docks. Each Supercharger is free to use and can deliver an 80% charge to the car's batteries in 40 minutes. By the end of the year it is planned to have a network of charging points that cover England and much of Europe, as well as increasing the number within London. Each supercharger is located near shops, restaurants and cafes so owners can stop for a quick meal while the car charges.

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Elon Musk also confirmed plans for a UK research and development centre. A site has not yet been selected but would probably be based in the Midlands. Musk expressed admiration for the quality of UK engineers; much of the set-up work for the Model S was done by British engineers. Production in this country is also a possibility, but only if there is sufficient demand for the factory to be running flat out; however a plant is more likely to be located in mainland Europe since the company already has a final assembly unit in the Netherlands.