The State Senate Act that would allow manufacturers of electric vehicles Tesla and other centers in New Mexico were approved by the Public Relations Committee on January 31st.

This measure, known as Senate Law 243 and supported by Senators Jerry Ortiz and Pina (D-Albukuerkue) and senator Bill Tallman (D-Albukuerkue), must now obtain approval from the Corporation and the Transport Committee before moving to the Senate on to vote.

The draft law was adopted 4-3 along with party lines, while the Democrats voted in favor, the Republicans voted against.
Legislation is complemented by a state law that prohibits car manufacturers from selling directly to consumers or providing services through their facilities, and not through franchisees. The revised version releases manufacturers if they meet three criteria: the business does not have franchise dealers in New Mexico; Sells and servises only those motor vehicles that produce; and only sells electric vehicles powered by batteries or fuel cells.

Local auto dealers against of TESLA shop

A significant contingent of Tesla supporters attended the hearing, as well as representatives of local auto dealers who opposed the law.
Meredith Roberts, senior policy adviser and adviser to Tesla, argued that the law was in the interest of consumers from New Mexico. The current law prevents Tesla from retaining any presence of bricks and mortars in the country and makes repairs cumbersome for Tesla land owners, Roberts said.

“We are not here to disturb [franchise model],” Roberts said. “It’s the only additive. We are not here to take something from New Mexico. ”

Charles Henson, chairman of the New Car Dealers’ Association, said these measures were being heard. He said state corporations pay $ 365 million a year on the board for workers, among other investments. This investment is endangered, he said, if they want to worry about the fact that manufacturers are setting up a competitive dealer.

“There is a long process going on and I’m glad the process started,” Henson said after the vote in the committee. “I wish Tesla came to New Mexico. I just want to do it within existing state laws. ”

An identical measure, House Bill 294, is awaiting a hearing by the Trade and Economic Development Committee. Senate Law 140, similar to SB 243 and HB 294, died in a committee earlier in the session.

In a fiscal impact report, the Finance Legislation Committee said the proposal would likely generate additional tax revenues for the state. The Committee used the average price of electric vehicles in all manufacturers, which is $ 160,000. Assuming that it is a unique price, the analysis estimates that any sale of cars under the revised law will generate $ 4,800 for New Mexico.