Tax breaks keep electric car maker in California

The company that built the first mass-produced, all-electric car will keep its manufacturing plant in California, thanks to a new tax break.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and state Treasurer Bill Lockyer worked out the deal for Tesla Motors Inc. after learning that the Silicon Valley company intended to build its second-generation vehicle in New Mexico.

The financial break, announced Monday, allows Tesla to avoid paying state sales tax on equipment it buys to build its Model S. That will save the company 7% to 9% on each purchase.

The five-passenger sedan is expected to cost about $60,000. The company said it would be able to travel 225 miles between charges to its electric engine.

Schwarzenegger says it drove him “absolutely insane” to learn Tesla planned to take its environmentally friendly technology to another state.

The governor was among several celebrities who lined up to buy Tesla’s first-generation electric sports car, the Roadster, which has a base price of $109,000.

The Roadster, which is now in production, goes from zero to 60 mph in just under four seconds and tops out at 125 mph, according to the company’s website. The batteries take 3 1/2 hours to recharge when depleted.

Schwarzenegger is awaiting delivery of his Roadster.

Tesla’s decision to remain in California is unfortunate, said Fred Mondragon, secretary of New Mexico’s Economic Development Department. He said several European companies were eager to take advantage of New Mexico’s economic incentives for companies that develop clean energy.