Tesla, Inc. is an electric car manufacturer.
Tesla , Inc. ( formerly named Tesla Motors ) is a major American automaker , energy storage company , and solar panel manufacturer based in Palo Alto , California . The company specializes in electric cars , Lithium-ion battery energy storage , and , through their SolarCity subsidiary , residential solar panels . For two years running , 2015 and 2016 , Tesla ranked as the world 's second best selling manufacturer of plug-in electric cars after BYD Auto .