Tesla Motors to Open Showroom in Walnut Creek's Broadway Plaza

By David Mills

Tesla Motors officials confirmed Friday that they will be opening a small showroom in the center of Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek.

The showroom will open in two to three months in the Lacoste store, which is closing its doors today (Saturday).

Alexis Georgeson, a spokeswoman for Tesla, said the electric car manufacturer chose the storefront near the plaza's water fountain because of the foot traffic it receives.

She added the Walnut Creek area is a solid customer base for Tesla. It's also a community interested in technology.

"We want to educate and engage people here," said Georgeson.

The 2,000-square-foot showroom will have two Tesla Model S electric cars inside for people to inspect. There will also be other Tesla vehicles parked nearby, all charged up and ready for test drives.

Georgeson said people won't be able to drive a car off the lot, so to speak. Tesla doesn't operate that way.

Instead, customers can order a car at the showroom. The vehicle will then be made to their specifications.

"You get a car exactly the way you want it to be," said Georgeson.

Tesla electric cars start at $70,000. California customers can get up to $10,000 in tax credits.

Piedmont planning staff are currently working on possible changes to the city's rules for electric vehicle charing docks.

'Like' Piedmont Patch on Facebook / Follow us on Twitter @PiedmontPatch / Share your thoughts in the comments section below