Likes - Blistering performance
- One of the greenest cars on the road
- Looks great
- Very unique
Dislikes - Extremely expensive
- Mediocre mileage range and the constant thought of, “what if?”
- Small car is difficult to enter and exit
- Long charging times
Tech Specs - 0 to 60: 4.0 seconds
- 248 Horsepower and 276 lbs feet of torque
- 244 mile range
- Top speed: 225 mph
- Trunk space: “Enough for a golf bag” – Tesla employee
- 6,800 lithium-ion batteries
- 2,750 lbs
- $109,000 to over $160,000
First Impressions
Imagine driving a small, 248 horsepower sports car that weighs 2,750 pounds and can move from 0 to 60 mph in about 4 seconds. Now, imagine that vehicle has a simple, push-button, 1-speed transmission and the cornering ability comparable to some of the best production sports cars out there.
What if this imagined car produced zero emissions?
That’s what you get in the 2010 Tesla Roadster.
Based on a similar platform to the Lotus Elise (the bodies come from the same factory), the Tesla Roadster’s overall appearance and interior space is comparable to the Lotus Elise. That is to say, it is a handsome, sleek car that’s itty-bitty in every dimension. Many have complimented its silhouette for its ultra low profile – and I agree.
Engine and Transmission
This is a premium sports machine that commands a base price of $109,000 and boasts a maximum speed of just over 120 mph with a range, according to Tesla, of 244 miles. The Tesla Roadster is the current production zenith of battery-powered cars. Our fully loaded test car came in at a whopping $158,000.
The 375-volt AC-induction air-cooled electric power plant is powered by 6,800 lithium-ion batteries all located directly behind the driver. They are constantly heated and cooled to maintain an optimum operating temperature. As you drive, all you hear is a hollow, muted whine that wouldn’t be out of place in a science fiction movie.
The growl of an engine is conspicuously absent.
Behind the Wheel
We drove a loop from Boulder, Colorado to Estes Park, Colorado, venturing to nearly 10,000 feet elevation – in wintertime conditions.
Getting in and out of the Roadster required a few yoga-like movements on my part (see the video for awkward proof). The wide door-sill helped quite a bit and I would have had an easier time extricating myself from the narrow cockpit had I removed the fabric top. But this was a winter ride and not ideal weather for a convertible. The Roadster delivers a rough ride too, although that is expected in a dedicated sports car.
Steering is manual, which is to say that slow parking maneuvers require real strength. Still, when it came to steering feel, the Tesla Roadster communicated beautifully. It’s a driver’s car.
Most unusually, the brakes are always engaged. Regenerative braking allows friction from the brake and brake disc to be converted to energy that is returned to the batteries. When the driver pulls off the accelerator pedal, brake lights come on and the Tesla slows quickly. The sensation is like constantly driving a manual transmission in third gear.
We managed a trip over 130 miles and still had (according to the Tesla’s computer) 70 miles left until the batteries were drained. There is no quick way to recharge a Tesla Roadster. The quickest way is with a 240-volt hookup that will fully charge a Tesla in about 3.5 hours. Using a regular 120 volt (regular household outlet) to charge a Tesla Roadster can take well over 24 hours.
I was a hesitant driver at first. After our adventure through the Rockies, however, I found the 2010 Tesla Roadster endearing and a hoot to drive. It offers a totally unique driving experience and offers guilt-free sport that just about anyone can enjoy.
Tesla recently unveiled a more powerful “Sport” edition. It is supposed to be faster, more powerful and offer better handling. Sounds like it’s time for another test!
The Vehix View
Is the 2010 Tesla Roadster guilt-free performance from a tiny American start-up? If you can afford the ticket to admission, you bet it is. This could be the start of an automotive revolution in zero-emission fun!