Tesla unveils new electric truck alongside surprise sports car debut

Innovative US carmaker Tesla Motors has unveiled its first ever electric truck, as it attempts to offer an alternative to gas-guzzling diesel lorries.

The much-anticipated launch took place at an airport hangar near Los Angeles on Thursday, even as CEO Elon Musk surprised his followers again, unveiling a $200,000 sports car known as the 'Roadster'.

The Tesla Semi truck will have a range of 500 miles on a single charge, with the company saying it will go into production in 2019.

Electric trucks have been pinpointed by Tesla as its latest move to bring vehicles away from fossil fuels in order to reduce environmental risks.

The unveiling of the Roadster came as a surprise to the audience at the event, with Musk describing it as the "fastest production car ever made".

It will have a range of 620 miles and be able to reach 60 miles per hour in 1.9 seconds.

While Tesla and Musk have earned plaudits for their innovative approach to vehicle manufacturing, investors are said to be growing impatient as the company shows little sign of turning a profit.

Tesla is burning through cash and is yet to post an annual profit in its existence, but its share price has gained 46% since the beginning of the year as investors lap up the stock.