July 31, 2006Tesla Motors Produces Electric Roadsterby Justin Pritchard ,
Auto123.com
Remember the EV-1 from General Motors? Well today, mans dream for an awesome electric car just got even closer and far more attractive. Generally pictured as some awkward looking, futuristic machine, the electric car is an idea commonly brushed aside in favor of more conventional means of mobility. But Tesla Motors is on track to change the emerging electric car market forever.
Tesla Roadster (Photo: Tesla Motors)Rather than typical clunky looking electric vehicle bodywork, the Tesla team specified a low and sleek body in a roadster configuration with styling cues from some of the world's best performance cars. Inside, leather, carbon-fiber and racing seats come together for an equally impressive looking package.
Even though its looks can hold their own with many a thirsty exotic car, the Tesla doesn't burn a drop of gasoline.
The visionaries responsible for its conception had a higher goal in mind than to simply create a trendy and unique new vehicle: the Tesla roadster could be the first in a line of cars that might wean the public away from a dependency on fossil fuels.
Tesla Roadster (Photo: Tesla Motors)Tesla claims that their machine will run about 250 miles or 400 kilometres on a single charge, which takes about 90 minutes. Charging is made possible by an included adapter that allows the roadster to recharge on the go by plugging into almost any electrical outlet. A home-charging unit is installed in customers' garages to recharge the Tesla's batteries, and a solar powered recharging station is also available for home use to provide the ultimate in green operation. Regenerative braking helps regain some of the power normally lost as heat during deceleration. Tesla estimates the life of its batteries at around 100,000 miles or 160,000 kilometres at which point they are recycled and replaced.
A partnership with Lotus for assembly and some engineering tasks brings performance to the design of the new electric roadster, while figures like 0-60 in about 4 seconds back up the promise. The team at Tesla claims a 135 mile per hour top speed. The impressive electric drive system is responsible: the motor delivers 100% of its torque at any RPM and is attached to a two speed transmission.
Tesla Roadster (Photo: Tesla Motors)Tesla has combined environmental responsibility with blistering performance for drivers who want an electric vehicle without losing out on the driving experience. Aside from representing a stunning looking and cutting edge new technology, the new roadster requires very little maintenance. There will certainly be a piece of history included in its price, which has yet to be announced.
Performance and range estimates are still subject to government approval, and the roadster goes on sale in early 2007 for delivery in the fall.
