ELECTRIC car maker Tesla is poised to set up in Southampton.

The pioneering California-based manufacturer – whose new Model 3 has a waiting list of would-be UK buyers – intends to open a service centre in the city.

The news comes after businesses and public bodies in Southampton signed a Green City Charter pledging to improve air quality and address the threat of climate change.

Tesla, headed by outspoken chief executive Elon Musk, is the world’s best-selling manufacturer of plug-in electric cars, which come with a price tag of at least £38,000.

Its website shows a Southampton service centre as “coming soon”, although the company says it has no further information about where and when.

Richard Symons, whose New Milton showroom R Symons is thought to have the largest stock of second hand Teslas in Europe, welcomed the news.

“It would be a good idea. There’s enough demand for servicing in Hampshire,” he said.

“There’s a long line of people waiting for the Model 3 to be delivered. They’ve got an exceptional amount of demand.”

Prices for the Model 3 start at £38,000, although Mr Symons said the savings on fuel, tax and running costs brought them closer to the cost of other executive cars.

“Some people pay up to £400 a month on diesel and £300 on their lease. A Tesla is more affordable than people think,” he said.

Ian Jones of Hythe is expecting delivery of his Model 3 in September and is having a charger installed at his home.

“I am in my early 70s and knowing that as I get older I might not be such a good driver, I decided to purchase a Tesla Model 3 due to it being a very safe car and having autonomy controls, stopping it straying across lanes, following at a distance, auto braking and of course being an electric vehicle it’s not producing any CO2 and its much cheaper per mile than petrol,” he said.

“Having made my reservation in 2018 and placed my Tesla Model 3 order in May 2019 I am now not expecting my car until September given Model 3 demand is so huge.”

Tesla owner Andy Brown, a company director from Dorset, said; “A service centre in Southampton would be useful - and there are a growing number of Tesla owners. I am aware of a number locally.”

He said servicing problems were usually currently dealt with by a “roving” engineer.

“In terms of regular servicing, there are relatively few moving parts – no engine, no cam belt, no oil etc,” he said.

“I've done 26,000 miles in 13 months and just changed my tyres for the first time and have little other need.”

Southampton’s cabinet member for the environment, Cllr Steve Leggett, said in a statement: “We would be delighted to welcome Tesla to Southampton. As part of our Green City Charter, we are encouraging more residents, businesses and visitors to change to low emission vehicles and sustainable travel.

“We currently have a plan for a city-wide network of charging points, with 38 already installed and active. Further developments are due to go live later in the year. This includes new charging points across Bitterne and the introduction of dedicated rapid charging points for taxi and private hire vehicles. We also offer a variety of incentives for drivers of electric vehicles including access to a 90 per cent discount for selected city centre car parks and free passage on the Itchen Bridge with a SmartCities Card.”