Tesla Motors was established in 2003 as a startup company to develop electric vehicles, but few believed electric cars could replace gas-powered cars at the time. In 2008, Tesla launched its first car, the Roadster, which helped change perceptions of electric vehicles. Under CEO Elon Musk, Tesla researched and developed new electric vehicle models, now producing four main models - the Model S, Model X, Model Y, and Model 3, and building a network of Supercharger stations to enable long-distance travel.