Rivals plot to take on Tesla

TWO car makers have piled pressure on Tesla by launching electric vehicles that have longer ranges.

The cars from Volkswagen and Mercedes – which can now be ordered – have been dubbed ‘Tesla killers’ as they can travel further on a single charge, making them more attractive for everyday use.

The Mercedes EQC will have a range of about 270 miles, while Volkswagen’s ID3 is set to have a range of up to 340 miles. Tesla’s models S, X and 3 have ranges of 370, 315 and 329 miles respectively.

It came as details of another potential rival, from British electrical giant Dyson, emerged as well.

Sir James Dyson, the company’s founder, told staff in a letter yesterday that the vehicle could use ‘fundamentally new technologies’. Patents show designs for an off-road vehicle with features that stretch its charge for as long as possible.