The Tesla Motors trump card is the interstate commerce clause that has always been in the US Constitution. While the company is supply constrained, it gets loads of free publicity due to these attempts by the dealerships and their crony legislators to keep a competitor out of their states. The dealers don't really want to sell Tesla cars, since they make most of their money through parts and service which are minimal needs with electric cars.
Tesla cannot be accused of breaking the laws that apply between franchisers and franchisees, since it has never offered franchises. That's only a problem for the established manufactures who have already contracted with franchisees. A century ago Henry Ford preferred to sell his cars to dealers rather than build up an inventory and try to find customers to clear it. Here in the 21st century, cars can be made to a customer's order that's been presented online with no need to store unsold cars on a lot.
The requirement to have independent local dealerships indeed appears contrary to the letter and spirit of the interstate commerce clause of the US Constitution. Outside of the automobile industry, there appears to have been no question about this. When production ramps up to the appropriate point, look for Tesla to go to court and have the judges blow away the dealers like bowling pins. Right now the dealers would be smarter to leave Tesla alone. Instead they will go the way of those who dealt in buggy whips or slide rules. That may seem cruel, but the free enterprise system weeds out outmoded methods, which in the long run is best for consumers, workers and businesses.
