Lightweight sports car is electrifying
It looks like a Lotus Elise, does 0-100km/h in about four seconds, yet doesn't use a drop of petrol... Say Watt?Say hello to the Tesla Roadster, a US-built sportscar that blows away all preconceptions about electric cars being as exciting as the average golf cart.
Propelled by an electric motor that's powered by lithium ion batteries –- similar to the ones in your mobile phone and laptop -- the swoopy open-topped car is claimed to be capable of bolting to 100km/h in about four seconds, and on to a v-max of 215km/h.
What's more, it's said to be capable of covering about 320km before requiring a recharge.
Lotus aficionados might notice the Tesla's uncanny resemblance to an Elise, and this isn't exactly a coincidence as the chassis and tub were sourced from the British sportster. Hethel's boffins also played a role in developing the electric tearaway.
In contrast to the Toyota-sourced four-pot engines favoured nowadays by Lotus, the Tesla's electric motor is a compact unit that belts out 185kW, yet weighs a waif-like 30kg. And there's no peaky torque curve here as the maximum figure of 245Nm is on tap from 0rpm.
However, while the motor weighs virtually nothing, the lithium-ion battery pack tips the scales at a hefty 450kg. The batteries can be charged via a conventional power point in about three hours, says the manufacturer.
Power is relayed to the wheels via a clutchless two-speed gearbox, with first gear good for around 100km/h. The fact that the Tesla has a gearbox is an anomaly in itself as most electric cars make do without a transmission.
Explaining the rationale behind the radical roadster, Tesla boss Martin Eberhard said: "Most electric cars were designed by and for people who fundamentally don't think we should drive. We at Tesla Motors love cars."
The Tesla Roadster was unveiled recently in California and 'Governator' Arnold Schwarzenegger -- more familiar with gas-guzzling Hummers -- was taken for a test drive.
Tesla says it has plans to open sales outlets in Los Angeles and San Francisco this year, and in Chicago, New York and Miami by the end of 2007 for the $US100,000 ($133,000 in our money) Roadster.
No word as yet on an Aussie showroom, but don't hold your breath...
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