The Tesla Roadster is an all-electric sports car produced by Tesla, Inc. (then Tesla Motors) from 2008 to 2012. It was the first production electric vehicle to use lithium-ion battery cells and was designed to be a high-performance, zero-emission car.
Design and Features:
Based on the Lotus Elise chassis, with a monocoque body and a carbon fiber roof
Wheelbase of 93 inches (2,362 mm)
Length of 155.5 inches (3,959 mm)
Width of 68.4 inches (1,738 mm)
Height of 48.6 inches (1,236 mm)
Front track width of 57.9 inches (1,474 mm)
Rear track width of 58.7 inches (1,493 mm)
Ground clearance of 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Performance:
Powered by a single electric motor producing 248 horsepower (184 kW) and 200 lb-ft (271 Nm) of torque
Acceleration from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds
Top speed electronically limited to 125 mph (201 km/h)
Range of up to 245 miles (394 km) on a single charge, depending on driving conditions
Battery and Charging:
Fitted with a 53 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, composed of 6,831 cells
Can be charged using a standard 120V household outlet or a Level 2 charger (240V)
Range test data collected using the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) procedure
Safety Features:
Equipped with a 5-star Euro NCAP rating and a perfect 100% score in the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) small overlap crash test
Standard features include four airbags, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, traction control, and hill hold assist
Model Variations:
The original Tesla Roadster was produced from 2008 to 2012, with a base price of around $98,000 (approximately £75,000 or €83,000 at the time)
In 2011, a higher-performance "Signature Edition" model was introduced, featuring upgraded components and a unique design
A limited-edition "40th Anniversary" model was also produced in 2012 to commemorate Tesla's 40th anniversary as a company
Production Discontinuation:
The production of the first-generation Tesla Roadster ceased in February 2012, after about 2,650 units were sold worldwide
The company replaced it with the Model S, a full-size luxury sedan, which was launched in June 2012