Tesla Roadster: Quick Test

The strangest thing about driving an electric car has got to be the near silence. Turn the key and instead of a cranking starter and a burst of energy and exhaust, there’s just a Playstation-like tone that says you’re ready. Select drive, release the parking brake and off you go... in silence.

In all other ways, the all-electric Tesla Roadster makes a lot of noise with its incredible performance. Motivation comes from a 3-phase, 4-pole AC induction motor coupled to a single speed Borg-Warner transaxle - all designed by Tesla.

Built in England, the Tesla’s chassis is based on that of the lightweight Lotus Elise. The Tesla carries a few hundred pounds more however - due mainly to its 6831 batteries. Still, the two cars handle similarly, that is, until you approach their limits, whereupon the extra weight of the Tesla will make itself felt.

Throttle response is unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Because an electric motor produces maximum torque at zero RPM, this thing just LAUNCHES when you squeeze the power, shattering old perceptions of electric cars’ limited performance with a 3.9-second 0-60 clocking.

At speed, there is not much else besides wind and tire noise, but perhaps the most interesting sound comes as you slow down:

It’s an electrical buzz from the drivetrain as the car slows to a stop that is part Jetsons, part turbine, and all very cool.

That jet turbine sound is audible confirmation the performance is there, but what about the range? Tesla tells us the range on the EPA cycle is around 220 miles. Driven enthusiastically, the Roadster will roll in the vicinity of 140-150 miles before needing an eight-hour charge.

Negatives? There are some: The $109K price of entry for one; the compromises inherent in a two-seat, mid-engined car - lack of storage space and general impracticality - for two.

And then there’s battery life. Tesla says they’ll last about five years or 100,000 miles, after which you’ll need to replace them at a not-insignificant cost.

The most glaring stigma facing electric vehicles to date has involved their styling. Here the Tesla Roadster will not only make you think twice but look twice as well.

Named for Nikola Tesla, a pioneer of electronic engineering with accomplishments on par with Edison, Westinghouse and Bell, the all-electric Tesla Roadster clearly demonstrates that sportscar enthusiasts have little reason to fear the future.

It’s an attractive two-seater and nothing short of a game-changer in terms of electric vehicles and the somewhat negative image they have in the eyes of automotive enthusiasts.

The Tesla’s silent performance and sleek lines foreshadow an automotive world where the stigma of past electric vehicles no longer exists. And this - making alternative power sexy - is perhaps its greatest achievement.

It walks softly - and silently - but carries a big stick.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
Read Part 3: Performance

Tesla Roadster

Performance
- Acceleration: Impressive acceleration made more so by the total lack of engine/drivetrain noise
- Handling: Not quite as well resolved as the Lotus Elise it's based on - too softly sprung at the rear - extra weight of battery pack and electric motor clearly evident
- Braking: Again, the extra weight over the Elise means that the brakes are only just enough - balance is still excellent, better in a straight line even given the added mass over the rear tires

Design
- Exterior: Electric car correct, although a bit dull compared to other mid-engined sportscars - simplicity is better in person than in photographs
- Interior: One area where it betters the Lotus - Spartan, but well done

Utility
- Comfort: Ingress/egress aside, surprisingly comfy once you're seated - good ride quality given its handling
- Space: Tiny footprint leaves only a small carbon fiber cubby at the rear - pack lightly

Safety
- Dynamics: Soft springing means that energy return is considerable once you've loaded the chassis up one way - no stability control to help out...
- Technology: Airbags and ABS, but again, no electronic stability system

Value
- Price: At $100k, its tough to justify - as a pioneering electric vehicle, it gets easier
- Mileage: Relative to fuel used, it's off the charts! Range (more relevant) is decent if you don't plan on cross-country ventures, or if you can resist the addictive acceleration

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: High due to exotic car styling, performance and exclusivity
- Fun to spank: As long as you've got it charged up... it's SHOCKINGLY FUN!

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Mid motor/battery / rear-wheel drive
Engine: 375 volt AC induction air-cooled electric motor with variable frequency drive
Power (SAE): 300 hp (estimated)
Torque: 300 lbs.-ft. (estimated)
Transmission: 1 speed fixed gear
Curb weight: 2723 lbs.
0-60 mph: 3.9 sec. 1/4 mile : n/a
Top Speed: 125 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage (mpg): n/a
Base price: $109,000 (est.)
Competitors: Hyabusa-engined smart fortwo, Yamaha YZF R1, Toyota Prius with JATO package