Tesla Motor Gallery held its grand opening in University Park Village Friday in an effort to expand the electric car market in Fort Worth.
The new store hosted various events and offered test drives to customers throughout the opening weekend.
Store Manager Kim McCarver said the new gallery is one way Telsa is trying to make it easier for Fort Worth residents to buy a Tesla automobile
“There were a lot of customers making the trip to the Dallas store to buy Teslas,” McCarver said.
Customers who visit the gallery won’t be able to drive off the lot in a new electric car though. Texas law prohibits manufactures from directly selling to consumers. Tesla motors can display their vehicles in a showroom, while employees direct customers where they can buy the vehicle online.

House bill 3351 would have allowed manufacturers of electric- or all battery-powered vehicles to sell directly to customers but the bill was defeated in the Texas House of Representatives back in 2013.
Right now, the Model S is featured at the gallery in University park village.  This model that can travel up to 270 miles on a single charge and costs over $100,000, according to Tesla’s website.
Tesla will soon offer a new SUV model, the Model X, along with a cheaper model in the Model 3.
According to Tesla, the Model X is available only for reservation and the Model 3 is scheduled to go on sale Thursday, March 31.
Carlos Alonso, a Fort Worth resident, said he likes having a gallery in Fort Worth and is excited to see the newer model’s once they are displayed at the showroom.
“I’m looking forward to the new Model 3 because it’s a Tesla I can afford,” Alonso said.