Tesla, the US manufacturer of electric sports cars, will send technicians out to customers rather than set up a network of workshops.

It will charge US customers $1 for every mile its technician travels to service their Roadster at their home or office, with a minimum charge of $100.

The cost of the service or repair is charged additionally.

A spokeswoman told news agency AP that the maintenance cost will still be low because electric cars have fewer moving parts and require less "care and feeding" than vehicles powered by internal combustion.

Tesla, based in California, has sold around 700 cars globally, and opened a showroom in London at the end of June.