Tesla became popular primarily around 2017 when it launched the Model 3, which tapped into the mainstream market and became the world's most popular plug-in electric car by 2020. This model drastically increased Tesla's sales and market presence with roughly 501,000 units sold worldwide in 2021. Earlier, Tesla was known mainly for its Roadster released in 2008, which was a niche and luxury electric sports car, but it was the Model 3 that brought Tesla to mass market popularity.
Key milestones before this mainstream popularity include the founding of Tesla in 2003 and the unveiling and production of the Tesla Roadster between 2006-2008. Elon Musk, who joined as an investor and chairman early on and became CEO in 2008, played a significant role in steering the company toward mass-market success.
In summary, Tesla became a widely recognized and popular brand starting in 2017 with the Model 3, building on more than a decade of innovation and development before that.
