Tesla Roadster (first generation)

Tesla Roadster
Tesla Roadster
Overview
ManufacturerTesla Motors
Also calledDarkStar (code name)
Production2008–2012
Assembly
Body and chassis
ClassTwo-seater/sports car (S)
Body style2-door roadster
LayoutRear mid-motor, rear-wheel drive
Related
Powertrain
Electric motor3-phase 4-pole AC induction motor
  • 1.5: 248 hp (185 kW), 200 lb⋅ft (270 N⋅m)
  • 2.0, 2.5: 288 hp (215 kW), 280 lb⋅ft (380 N⋅m)
  • 2.5 Sport: 288 hp (215 kW), 295 lb⋅ft (400 N⋅m)
Transmission1-speed BorgWarner (8.27:1 ratio)
Battery53 kWh lithium-ion
Electric range244 mi (393 km) (EPA)
Plug-in charging16.8 kW 110–240 V onboard charger for 1Φ 70 A using proprietary connector
Dimensions
Wheelbase92.6 in (2,352 mm)
Length155.4 in (3,946 mm)
Width73.7 in (1,873 mm)
Height44.4 in (1,127 mm)
Curb weight2,877 lb (1,305 kg)
Chronology
SuccessorTesla Roadster (second generation)

The first generation Tesla Roadster is a battery electric sports car, that is based on the Lotus Elise chassis, and was produced by Tesla Motors (now Tesla, Inc.) from 2008 to 2012. The Roadster was the first highway legal, serial production, all-electric car to use lithium-ion battery cells, and the first production all-electric car to travel more than 244 miles (393 km) per charge.

Tesla sold about 2,450 Roadsters in over 30 countries, and most of the last Roadsters were sold in Europe and Asia during the fourth quarter of 2012. Tesla produced right-hand-drive Roadsters from early 2010. The Roadster qualified for government incentives in several nations.

According to the U.S. EPA, the Roadster can travel 244 miles (393 km) on a single charge of its lithium-ion battery pack. The vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 3.7 or 3.9 seconds depending on the model. It has a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h). The Roadster's efficiency, as of September 2008, was reported as 120 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (28 kW⋅h/100 mi) (2.0 L/100 km). It uses 21.7 kWh/100 mi (135 Wh/km) battery-to-wheel, and has an efficiency of 88% on average.