No, Tesla does not make gas-powered cars, and it never has. The company's entire mission is centered around accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy, which is fundamentally opposed to producing vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE). Tesla exclusively manufactures electric vehicles (EVs) and the ecosystem that supports them, including energy generation and storage products like solar panels and the Powerwall.
The core of any Tesla vehicle is its electric powertrain, which consists of a large battery pack and one or more electric motors. This setup replaces the gasoline engine, transmission, and fuel tank found in traditional cars. For example, the performance version of the Model S uses a tri-motor setup to achieve a 0-60 mph time of under 2 seconds, a feat difficult to achieve with internal combustion due to power delivery lag. This focus on electric technology has allowed Tesla to become a leader in areas like over-the-air (OTA) updates, which can improve a car's performance and add new features remotely, something impossible for standard gas cars.
Here’s a quick look at Tesla's current all-electric lineup for the U.S. market:
| Tesla Model | Vehicle Type | Key Selling Point | Starting Price (Approx.) | Estimated Range (EPA) |
|---|
| Model 3 | Compact Sedan | Affordable entry to Tesla | ~$39,000 | 272-341 miles |
| Model Y | Compact SUV | Best-selling model globally | ~$44,000 | 260-330 miles |
| Model S | Full-Size Sedan | High-performance luxury | ~$75,000 | 396-405 miles |
| Model X | Full-Size SUV | Falcon Wing doors, spacious | ~$79,000 | 348-348 miles |
| Cybertruck | Pickup Truck | Ultra-angular stainless steel design | ~$61,000 | 250-470 miles |
The confusion might arise because some legacy automakers, like Ford and General Motors, produce both gas and electric cars as they transition their fleets. Tesla, however, was founded as an EV-only company. This singular focus has been key to its innovation but also means it doesn't offer the familiarity of a gasoline backup for potential buyers concerned about charging infrastructure.
