Gov. Jerry Brown touts delivery of Tesla Model S electric cars

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Tech-savvy Gov. Jerry Brown couldn’t resist being on hand Friday as Tesla Motors Inc. began delivery of its high-end Model S electric car in Fremont, south of Oakland.

The firm has more than 10,000 orders for the battery-powered car, which will cost $49,900 to $97,900, depending on options and the distance it can travel between charges. The first cars went off the production line to buyers in Chicago and Palo Alto.

Brown said development of the car during the last three years took a lot of risk, money and courage.

‘It’s another example of California on the move, cutting-edge technology picking up where others left off,’ he told the hundreds of workers, public officials and company executives, including Tesla Motors Chief Executive Elon Musk, at the ceremony.

The governor also said the car was an answer to those in other states who criticize California.

‘They say we don’t know how to get it done,’’ Brown said. ‘California has its issues, but all of you are part of a state that is leading the country, if not the world, and this car is just another example of boldness.’’

At the end of his remarks, the governor turned to Tesla executives with one last request.

‘What’s next?’’ Brown asked. ‘I want to drive a car.’’

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-- Patrick McGreevy in Sacramento