Tesla confirms plans to open up electric car patents

Electric carmaker Tesla has confirmed it will open up its patents for others to use to speed up electric car development and adoption.

"Tesla will not initiate patent lawsuits against anyone who, in good faith, wants to use our technology," wrote chief executive Elon Musk in a blog post.

Mr Musk had hinted about Tesla's plans in an interview with the BBC last week.

Tesla sold 22,500 of its Model S cars in 2013.

"If we clear a path to the creation of compelling electric vehicles, but then lay intellectual property landmines behind us to inhibit others, we are acting in a manner contrary to that goal," wrote Mr Musk.

"We believe that Tesla, other companies making electric cars, and the world would all benefit from a common, rapidly-evolving technology platform," he added.

Shares in Tesla rose slightly on the news, and are up more than 36% this year.