Tesla electric roadster

The car is the first major update of the Tesla Roadster and was previewed at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. It goes on sale in 2010 for US$109,000.

The latest model remains all electric, with Tesla claiming their cars are six times more efficient than other comparable sports cars, while producing one tenth of the emissions. The Roadster is claimed by Tesla to be the only highway capable electric sports car on sale (all others being prototypes or evaluation series). It uses lithium-ion battery cells with a rear mid engine, rear wheel drive layout. The engine is driven by a 375V induction air cooled electric motor with variable frequency drive. This is no standard electric car, but to get into these pages boasts a 185kW output and 375Nm of torque that propel the two seater from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds, before redlining at 14,000rpm. It has an electronically limited top speed of 206 km/h. The car can travel a claimed 393km on a single charge of its battery pack, with a charge taking 3.5 hours.

Upgrades to the 2010 model include a new interior and push button gear selector. The cabin featuring extensive use of carbon fibre and premium leather.

There is a centrally mounted video display that monitors estimated range, power regenerated and other data.

The open topped sports car has a fixed gear with electronically actuated parking lock mechanism. The monoquoque chassis is custom tuned with four wheel independent suspension, with the option of sport and comfort settings. Standard safety gear includes ABS, traction control, tyre pressure monitoring system, front and rear crumple zones, driver and passenger airbags, side impact door beams, integrated headrests, emergency tyre inflator and vehicle immobiliser. Interior gear includes heated leather sport seats with inflatable lumbar support, 3-spoke sport steering wheel, stereo/CD/MP3 & iPod compatibility, cruise control, power windows and locks, air conditioning and retractable cup holders.