View source for Tesla Roadster (first generation)

{{short description|Electric convertible sports car (2008–2012)}}
{{hatnote|For Tesla's second sports car or its second generation, see [[Tesla Roadster (second generation)]].}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox electric vehicle
| image = Roadster San Diego.jpg
| caption = Tesla Roadster
| manufacturer = [[Tesla Motors]]
| aka = DarkStar ([[code name]])<ref name="Tesla Motors 47" />
| production = 2008–2012
| assembly = {{Unbulleted list
   | England: [[Hethel]] ([[Lotus Cars|Lotus]])
   | United States: [[Menlo Park, California]]
   }}
| class = Two-seater<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 July 2011 |title=Code of Federal Regulations Sec. 600.315 - 82 Classes of comparable automobiles |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2011-title40-vol30/pdf/CFR-2011-title40-vol30-sec600-315-82.pdf |access-date=19 August 2023 |publisher=U.S. Government Publishing Office |page=967}}</ref>/[[sports car]] ([[S-segment|S]])<ref name="Fueleconomy2011List" /><ref name="SETIS" />
| body_style = 2-door [[Roadster (automobile)|roadster]]
| layout = [[Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|Rear mid-motor, rear-wheel drive]]
| related = {{Unbulleted list
   | [[Lotus Elise]]
   | [[Opel Speedster]]
   }}
| motor = 3-phase [[dipole|4-pole]] [[AC motor#Three-phase AC induction motors|AC induction motor]]<ref name="TeslaSpecs" /><br />{{Indented plainlist|
*'''1.5''': {{cvt|248|hp}}, {{cvt|200|lbft}}
*'''2.0, 2.5''': {{cvt|288|hp}}, {{cvt|280|lbft}}
*'''2.5 Sport''': {{cvt|288|hp}}, {{cvt|295|lbft}}
}}
| transmission = 1-speed [[BorgWarner]] (8.27:1 ratio)
| battery = 53&nbsp;kWh [[lithium-ion battery|lithium-ion]]
| electric_range = {{cvt|244|mi}}&nbsp;([[United States Environmental Protection Agency#Fuel economy testing and results|EPA]])
| charging = 16.8&nbsp;kW 110–240&nbsp;V onboard charger for 1Φ 70&nbsp;A<ref name="HPWC">{{Cite web |title=High Power Wall Connector |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/roadster/charging/high-power-wall-connector |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130821150945/http://www.teslamotors.com/roadster/charging/high-power-wall-connector |archive-date=August 21, 2013 |access-date=August 16, 2013 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref> using proprietary connector
| wheelbase = {{cvt|2352|mm|order=flip}}
| length = {{cvt|3946|mm|order=flip}}
| width = {{cvt|1873|mm|order=flip}}
| height = {{cvt|1127|mm|order=flip}}
| weight = {{cvt|2877|lb}}
| successor = [[Tesla Roadster (second generation)]]
| sp = us
}}

The '''Tesla Roadster''' is a [[battery electric vehicle|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 {{convert|244|mi}} per charge.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shahan |first=Zachary |date=April 26, 2015 |title=Electric Car Evolution |url=https://cleantechnica.com/2015/04/26/electric-car-history/ |access-date=September 8, 2016 |publisher=Clean Technica}} ''2008: The Tesla Roadster becomes the first production electric vehicle to use lithium-ion battery cells as well as the first production electric vehicle to have a range of over 200 miles on a single charge.''</ref> It is also the first production car to be launched into deep space, carried by a [[Falcon Heavy]] rocket in [[Falcon Heavy Test Flight|a test flight]] on February 6, 2018.

Tesla sold about 2,450 Roadsters in over 30 countries,<ref name="Roadster2450">{{Cite web |date=February 6, 2016 |title=SEC Form 10-K for Fiscal Year Ended Dec 31, 2012, Commission File Number: 001-34756, Tesla Motors, Inc. |url=http://ir.teslamotors.com/secfiling.cfm?filingid=1193125-13-96241&cik= |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160516203427/http://ir.teslamotors.com/secfiling.cfm?filingid=1193125-13-96241&cik= |archive-date=May 16, 2016 |access-date=February 25, 2014 |publisher=[[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission|SEC]] |quote=As of December 31, 2012, we had delivered approximately 2,450 Tesla Roadsters to customers in over 30 countries.}}</ref><ref name="SalesJune2012">{{Cite news |last=Woody |first=Todd |date=July 25, 2012 |title=Tesla Hits Accelerator Despite Q2 Revenue Miss |work=[[Forbes]] |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/toddwoody/2012/07/25/investors-hit-accelerator-despite-tesla-q2-revenue-miss/ |access-date=July 25, 2012}} ''More than 2,350 units sold through June 2012''.</ref><ref name="Tesla3Q2012">{{Cite news |date=November 5, 2012 |title=Tesla Q3 report: $50M revenues, $111M GAAP net loss, 253 Model S delivered in Q3 |publisher=Green Car Congress |url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2012/11/tesla-20121105.html |access-date=November 6, 2012}} ''Sales during the 3Q 2012: 68 Roadsters and 253 Model S.''</ref> and most of the last Roadsters were sold in Europe and Asia during the fourth quarter of 2012.<ref name="Tesla4Q2012" /> Tesla produced right-hand-drive Roadsters from early 2010.<ref name="righthand">{{Cite web |date=June 25, 2009 |title=Tesla will build right-hand-drive Roadsters for the UK |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2009-06/25/tesla-will-build-right-hand-drive-roadsters-for-the-uk.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626201136/http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2009-06/25/tesla-will-build-right-hand-drive-roadsters-for-the-uk.aspx |archive-date=June 26, 2009 |access-date=June 25, 2009 |publisher=Wired.co.uk}}</ref> The Roadster qualified for [[Government incentives for plug-in electric vehicles|government incentives]] in several nations.<ref name="GCC0420">{{Cite web |date=April 21, 2010 |title=Growing Number of EU Countries Levying CO2 Taxes on Cars and Incentivizing Plug-ins |url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2010/04/acea-tax-20100421.html#more |access-date=May 21, 2010 |publisher=Green Car Congress}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Vaughan |first=Adam |date=February 25, 2010 |title=Electric vehicle grants scheme backfires as taxpayers subsidise £87,000 sports cars |work=The Guardian |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2010/feb/25/green-sports-cars-subsidise-taxpayers |access-date=May 21, 2010}}</ref>

According to the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|U.S. EPA]], the Roadster can travel {{convert|244|mi}} on a single charge of its lithium-ion battery pack.<ref name="Tesla 2008-09-09" /> The vehicle can accelerate from {{convert|0|to|60|mph|abbr=on}} in 3.7 or 3.9 seconds depending on the model. It has a top speed of {{convert|125|mph|abbr=on}}. The Roadster's efficiency, {{as of|2008|9|lc=on}}, was reported as {{convert|120|mpge|lk=in}} (2.0 L/100&nbsp;km). It uses 21.7&nbsp;kWh/100&nbsp;mi (135 [[Watt-hour|Wh]]/km) battery-to-wheel, and has an efficiency of 88% on average.<ref name="motor technology">{{Cite web |title=Roadster Innovations: Motor |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/roadster/technology/motor |access-date=February 25, 2011 |publisher=Tesla Motors |quote=The Roadster achieves an overall driving efficiency of 88%, about three times the efficiency of a conventional car.}}</ref>

== History ==

Prototypes of the car were officially revealed to the public on July 19, 2006, in [[Santa Monica, California]], at a 350-person invitation-only event held in Barker Hangar at [[Santa Monica Airport]].<ref name="Tesla Press 42">{{Cite press release |title=Tesla Motors Hosts World Debut of Tesla Roadster Offering Performance, Style & Efficiency – With a Conscience |date=July 20, 2006 |publisher=Tesla Motors |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=42 |access-date=April 24, 2007}}</ref> It was featured in ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' in December 2006 as the recipient of the magazine's "Best Inventions 2006—Transportation Invention" award.<ref>{{Cite magazine |year=2006 |title=Batteries Included – Best Inventions of 2006 |url=https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1939342_1939392_1939459,00.html |magazine=Time |location=US |access-date=January 31, 2018}}</ref>

The first Tesla Roadster was delivered in February 2008 to Tesla early investor, chairman and product architect [[Elon Musk]]. The company produced 500 similar vehicles through June 2009. In July 2009, Tesla began production of its 2010 model-year Roadster—the first major product upgrade.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mayne |first=Eric |date=September 4, 2009 |title=Drive Tesla Roadster; Forget What You Knew About Acceleration |url=https://www.teslamotors.com/display_data.php?data_name=WardsAutoArticle |access-date=June 21, 2010 |publisher=Wards Auto |format=PDF}}{{dead link|date=February 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Simultaneously, Tesla began producing the Roadster Sport, the first derivative of Tesla's proprietary, patented powertrain. The car accelerates from {{convert|0|to|60|mph|abbr=on}} in 3.7 seconds, compared to 3.9 seconds for the standard Roadster.

Changes for the 2010 model-year cars included:<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 22, 2009 |title=Tesla Roadster 2 |url=http://www.automobilesreview.com/auto-news/tesla-roadster-2/16337/ |access-date=June 21, 2010 |publisher=Automobiles review}}</ref>
* An upgraded interior and push-button gear selector, including "executive interior" of exposed carbon fiber and premium leather, and clear-coat carbon fiber body accents.
* Locking, push-button glove box wrapped in leather.
* A centrally mounted video display screen to monitor real-time data, including estimated range, power regenerated, and the number of barrels of oil saved.
* Manually adjustable shock absorber response and anti-sway bars.
* More powerful and immediate heating, ventilation and air-conditioning.
* More efficient motor and hand-wound stator delivering higher peak power.
* Sound-deadening measures to reduce noise, vibration and harshness.

All of these features, except for the motor, were available either as standard or as add-on option for the non-sport model.

Beginning mid-March 2010, Tesla, in an effort to show off the practicality of its electric cars, sent one of its Roadsters around the world. Starting at the [[Geneva International Motor Show]], the Roadster completed its journey upon its arrival in Paris on September 28, 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cunningham |first=Wayne |date=April 30, 2010 |title=Globe-trotting Tesla Roadster Reaches Moscow |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-20003938-48.html?tag=mncol |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714060727/http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-20003938-48.html?tag=mncol |archive-date=July 14, 2012 |access-date=May 3, 2010 |website=The Car Tech Blog |publisher=[[CNET.com]]}}</ref>

In July 2010, Tesla introduced the "Roadster 2.5" update including:<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite press release |title=Tesla Unveils Roadster 2.5 at Newest Stores in Europe and North America |date=July 1, 2010 |publisher=Tesla Motors |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/about/press/releases/tesla-unveils-roadster-25-newest-stores-europe-and-north-america |access-date=October 9, 2010}}</ref>
* New front fascia with diffusing vents and rear diffuser
* Directional forged wheels available in both silver and black
* New seats with larger more supportive bolsters and a new lumbar support system
* Power control hardware that enables better performance in exceptionally hot climates
* An optional 7-inch touchscreen display with back-up camera
* Improved interior sound reduction including new front fender liner material

[[File:Tesla Roadster - Flickr - Alexandre Prévot (1).jpg|thumb|Tesla Roadster (France)]]
Tesla produced the Roadster until January 2012, when its supply of [[Glider (automobiles)|gliders]] ran out, as its contract with [[Lotus Cars]] for 2,500 gliders expired at the end of 2011.<ref name="SalesJune2012" /><ref name="EndPro">{{Cite news |date=February 27, 2012 |title=Tesla Motors Inc – 10-K -Management's Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results of Operations |publisher=MSP News Channels |url=http://www.mspnews.com/news/2012/02/27/6148529.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=August 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209210930/http://www.mspnews.com/news/2012/02/27/6148529.htm |archive-date=December 9, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Sales0611">{{Cite news |last=Woodyard |first=Chris |date=August 3, 2011 |title=Tesla boasts about electric car deliveries, plans for sedan |work=[[USA Today]] |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/08/tesla-boasts-about-electric-car-deliveries-plans-for-sedan/1 |access-date=October 4, 2011}}</ref><ref name="NYT050611">{{Cite news |last=Garthwaite |first=Josie |date=May 6, 2011 |title=Tesla Prepares for a Gap as Roadster Winds Down |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/08/automobiles/08TESLA.html?_r=1&emc=eta1 |access-date=May 7, 2011}}</ref> Tesla stopped taking orders for the Roadster in the U.S. market in August 2011.<ref>Dillow, Clay. (June 23, 2011) [http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2011-06/farewell-roadster-tesla-will-stop-taking-orders-its-iconic-ev-two-months Farewell Roadster: Tesla Will Stop Taking Orders for its Iconic EV in Two Months | Popular Science]. Popsci.com. Retrieved on 2013-08-10.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Valdes-Dapena |first=Peter |title=Tesla Roadster reaches the end of the line |date=June 22, 2011 |url=http://autos.yahoo.com/news/tesla-roadster-reaches-the-end-of-the-line.html |publisher=Yahoo!}}</ref> Featuring new options and enhanced components, the 2012 Tesla Roadster was sold in limited numbers only in Europe, Asia, and Australia. Tesla's U.S. exemption for not having advanced (two-stage) passenger airbags expired for cars made after the end of 2011 so the last Roadsters could not be sold in the American market.<ref name="TRSalesDec11">{{Cite web |last=King |first=Danny |date=January 11, 2012 |title=Tesla continues Roadster sales with tweaks in Europe, Asia and Australia |url=http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/tesla-continues-roadster-sales-in-europe-asia-and-australia/#continued |access-date=January 13, 2012 |publisher=[[Autoblog]] Green}}</ref><ref name="LastSales">{{Cite web |last=Gordon-Bloomfield |first=Nikki |date=January 12, 2012 |title=Tesla Updates Roadster For 2012. There's Just One Catch... |url=http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1071608_tesla-updates-roadster-for-2012-theres-just-one-catch |access-date=January 16, 2012 |publisher=Green Car Reports}}</ref> Fifteen Final Edition Roadsters were produced to close the manufacturing cycle of Tesla's first electric car.<ref name="SpecialEd" />

For a time, Tesla offered an optional upgrade to existing Roadsters, the Roadster 3.0. It offered a new battery pack with cells from [[LG Chem]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Voelcker |first=John |date=October 29, 2015 |title=LG Chem Adds Tesla To Customer List, Will Supply Cells For Roadster Upgrade |work=Green Car Reports |url=http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1100683_lg-chem-adds-tesla-to-customer-list-will-supply-cells-for-roadster-upgrade |access-date=November 7, 2015}}</ref> increasing capacity by 50% to 70&nbsp;kWh, a new aero kit designed to reduce drag, and new tires with lower [[rolling resistance]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Thomson |first=Iain |date=December 26, 2014 |title=Tesla parades sleek model body and fab batt at Roadster fans |work=The Register |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/12/26/tesla_updates_its_original_roadster_electric_car_with_better_batteries_and_new_body/ |access-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref><ref name="tr3" /> The upgrade was offered between September 2015<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roadster 3.0 Battery Upgrade |url=http://shop.teslamotors.com/collections/roadster/products/roadster-3-0-upgrade |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906224547/http://shop.teslamotors.com:80/collections/roadster/products/roadster-3-0-upgrade |archive-date=2015-09-06 |access-date=2023-08-17 |website=[[Tesla, Inc.]]}}</ref> and late 2016 at a cost of {{US$|29000|2016}}.<ref name="Roadster 3.0 2016">{{Cite web |title=Roadster 3.0 Battery Upgrade |url=http://shop.teslamotors.com/collections/roadster/products/roadster-3-0-upgrade |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127140434/http://shop.teslamotors.com/collections/roadster/products/roadster-3-0-upgrade |archive-date=2016-11-27 |access-date=2023-08-17 |website=[[Tesla, Inc.]]}}</ref>

In November 2023, Tesla open-sourced some of the Roadster's design and engineering documents, as well as diagnostic software.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=Fred |date=2023-11-22 |title=Tesla 'fully open source' original Roadster design and engineering, releases R&D docs |url=https://electrek.co/2023/11/22/tesla-fully-open-source-original-roadster-design-and-engineering-releases-rd-docs/ |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=Electrek |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hackaday.com/2023/11/25/tesla-is-claimed-to-have-open-sourced-the-roadster/|title=Tesla Claims To Have Open Sourced The Roadster|date=November 25, 2023}}</ref>

== Development ==
{{See also|History of Tesla Inc.}}
[[File:Tzero - The first Tesla vehicle.jpg|thumb|The tzero concept EV that inspired Tesla's founders]]

After [[Martin Eberhard]] sold [[NuvoMedia]] to [[Gemstar-TV Guide International|TV Guide]], he wanted a sports car, but could not find one to his liking. His battery experience with the Rocket eBook inspired him to develop an electric car.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=August 1, 2006 |title=Batteries Included |url=https://www.wired.com/2006/08/tesla-3/ |url-status=live |magazine=WIRED |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305141833/http://www.wired.com/2006/08/tesla-3/ |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=September 16, 2016}}</ref>

During his search, Eberhard test drove the [[AC Propulsion tzero|tzero]], a concept car from the small automaker [[AC Propulsion]]. Eberhard and [[Marc Tarpenning]], who had also driven the tzero, tried to convince the company to put the car into production, but when they declined, they decided to establish Tesla Motors in Delaware on July 1, 2003, to pursue the idea commercially.<ref name="Delaware Corporations File number 3677166">{{Cite web |date=July 1, 2003 |title=Division of Corporations – Online Services |url=https://delecorp.delaware.gov/tin/GINameSearch.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106214416/https://delecorp.delaware.gov/tin/GINameSearch.jsp |archive-date=January 6, 2010 |access-date=October 12, 2009 |publisher=State of Delaware |quote=Tesla Motors incorporation is found under file number 3677166}}</ref> South African-born entrepreneur [[Elon Musk]] would also test drive a tzero and encouraged AC Propulsion to put the car into production, instead the company connected Musk with Eberhard and Tarpenning. Musk took an active role within the company starting in 2004, including investing US$7.5 million (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=7500000|start_year=2004}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}), overseeing Roadster product design from the beginning, and greatly expanding Tesla's long-term strategic sales goals by using the sports car to fund the development of mainstream vehicles.<ref name="MasterPlan">{{Cite web |last=Musk |first=Elon |date=August 2, 2006 |title=The Secret Tesla Motors Master Plan (just between you and me) #124 |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/blog/secret-tesla-motors-master-plan-just-between-you-and-me |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100802142703/http://www.teslamotors.com/blog/secret-tesla-motors-master-plan-just-between-you-and-me |archive-date=August 2, 2010 |access-date=October 3, 2010 |publisher=Tesla Motors}} {{Self-published source|inline|date=May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 17, 2008 |title=Elon Musk Envisions Tesla Electric Car as Low as $20K: Cleantech News |url=http://gigaom.com/cleantech/elon-musk-envisions-tesla-electric-car-as-low-as-20k/ |access-date=October 9, 2010 |publisher=Gigaom.com}}</ref> Musk became Tesla's chairman of the board in April 2004 and helped recruit [[J. B. Straubel]] as chief technology officer in March 2004.<ref name="TSLA S-1">{{Cite web |date=January 29, 2010 |title=Tesla Motors, Inc. Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with SEC |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1318605/000119312510017054/ds1.htm |access-date=October 22, 2010}}</ref> Musk received the [[Global Green]] 2006 product design award for the design of the Tesla Roadster, presented by [[Mikhail Gorbachev]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tesla Motors team |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/media/company_team.php |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref> and he received the 2007 Index Design award for the design of the Tesla Roadster.<ref>{{Cite web |year=2007 |title=Tesla Roadster |url=http://www.indexaward.dk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89&Itemid=71 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118131526/http://www.indexaward.dk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89&Itemid=71 |archive-date=January 18, 2012 |publisher=Index}}</ref>

Before Tesla had developed the Roadster's proprietary powertrain, they borrowed a tzero for use as a [[development mule]] and converted the vehicle from [[VRLA battery|lead–acid AGM batteries]] to [[Lithium-ion battery|lithium-ion cells]], which substantially increased the range, reduced weight, and boosted [[0 to 60 mph]] performance. Tesla licensed AC Propulsion's EV power system design and reductive charging patent, which covers integration of the charging electronics with the [[Inverter (electrical)#Electric vehicle drives|inverter]], thus reducing mass, complexity, and cost. Tesla, however, was dissatisfied with how the motor and transmission worked in the chassis.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Baker |first=David R. |date=May 31, 2016 |title=Elon Musk: Tesla was founded on 2 false ideas, and survived anyway |work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |url=http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Elon-Musk-Tesla-was-founded-on-2-false-ideas-7955528.php |access-date=August 10, 2016}}</ref> Tesla then designed and built its own power electronics, motor, and other drivetrain components that incorporated this licensed technology from AC Propulsion.<ref name="Reductive">{{Cite web |title=Reductive Charging, AC Propulsion's Reductive Charger Integrated Charging for the Electric Vehicle |url=http://www.acpropulsion.com/technology/reductivecharging.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206121745/http://www.acpropulsion.com/technology/reductivecharging.htm |archive-date=February 6, 2007 |access-date=March 7, 2007 |publisher=[[AC Propulsion]]}}</ref><ref name="Interview with Musk, pt 2">{{Cite web |last=Abuelsamid |first=Sam |date=June 24, 2008 |title=AutoblogGreen Q&A: Tesla Motors Chairman Elon Musk Part 2 – Transmission shifts |url=http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/06/24/autobloggreen-qanda-tesla-motors-chairman-elon-musk-part-2-tran/ |access-date=June 24, 2008}}</ref><ref name="TeslaWtoW">{{Cite web |last1=Tarpenning |first1=Marc |last2=Eberhard |first2=Martin |date=August 24, 2007 |title=Well-to-Wheel Energy Efficiency |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/efficiency/well_to_wheel.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011010258/http://www.teslamotors.com/efficiency/well_to_wheel.php |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |access-date=February 25, 2011 |publisher=Tesla Motors |quote=The AC Propulsion lithium-ion charging system (the basis for the design of the Tesla Roadster charging system)...}}</ref> Given the extensive redevelopment of the vehicle, Tesla Motors no longer licenses any proprietary technology from AC Propulsion. The Roadster's powertrain is unique.<ref name="Soap Opera">{{Cite web |last=Musk |first=Elon |date=June 22, 2009 |title=Tesla Leadership |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/blog2/?p=73 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090624221445/http://www.teslamotors.com/blog2/?p=73 |archive-date=June 24, 2009 |access-date=August 1, 2009 |publisher=Tesla Motors |quote=Tesla Motors, Inc. consisted of Eberhard, Tarpenning and Wright, plus an unfunded business plan and they were looking for an initial round of funding to create a more advanced prototype than the AC Propulsion Tzero. While there was a basic corporation in place, Tesla hadn't even registered or obtained the trademark to its name and had no formal offices or assets. To save legal fees, we just copied the SpaceX articles of incorporation and bylaws for Tesla and I invested $6.35M (98%) of the initial closing of $6.5M in Series A funding. Eberhard invested $75k (approximately 1%).}}</ref>

{{external media
| float  = right
| width  = 300px
| image1 = [https://www.flickr.com/photos/rnair/393866815/ Tesla Roadster and Lotus Elise]
| image2 = [https://www.flickr.com/photos/rnair/393847103 Black Roadster and grey Elise]
}}
On July 11, 2005, Tesla and British sports car maker Lotus entered an agreement about products and services based on the [[Lotus Elise]], where Lotus provided advice on designing and developing a vehicle as well as producing partly assembled vehicles,<ref name="lotustesla1">{{Cite web |last1=Dopson |first1=Clive |last2=Wood |first2=Simon |last3=Colson |first3=Thomas E. |last4=Eberhard |first4=Martin F. |date=July 11, 2005 |title=Supply agreement for products and services based on Lotus Elise technology |url=http://contracts.onecle.com/tesla-motors/lotus-supply-2005-07-11.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617160922/http://contracts.onecle.com/tesla-motors/lotus-supply-2005-07-11.shtml |archive-date=June 17, 2016 |access-date=September 7, 2010 |website=OneCLE}}</ref> and amended in 2009,<ref name="lotustesla2">{{Cite web |last1=Bennett |first1=Luke |last2=Becker |first2=Roger |last3=Donoughe |first3=Mike |last4=Harding |first4=Craig W. |date=August 4, 2009 |title=Contract Amendment 1 |url=http://contracts.onecle.com/tesla-motors/lotus-supply-2009-08-04.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617171938/http://contracts.onecle.com/tesla-motors/lotus-supply-2009-08-04.shtml |archive-date=June 17, 2016 |access-date=September 7, 2010 |website=OneCLE}}</ref> helped with basic chassis development. The Roadster has a parts overlap of roughly 6% with the [[Lotus Elise]],<ref name="Elise" /> a 2-inch-longer [[wheelbase]], and a slightly [[Structural rigidity|stiffer chassis]] according to Eberhard.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lotus Position |url=https://www.tesla.com/blog/lotus-position |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822083018/https://www.tesla.com/blog/lotus-position |archive-date=August 22, 2016 |access-date=September 14, 2016}}</ref> Tesla's designers chose to construct the body panels using [[resin transfer molded]] [[carbon fiber reinforced plastic|carbon fiber composite]] to minimize weight; this choice makes the Roadster one of the least expensive cars with an entirely carbon fiber skin.<ref name="Elise">{{Cite web |date=March 3, 2008 |title=Mythbusters Part 2: The Tesla Roadster is not a Converted Lotus Elise – Tesla Motors |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/blog/mythbusters-part-2-tesla-roadster-not-converted-lotus-elise |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211094238/http://www.teslamotors.com/blog/mythbusters-part-2-tesla-roadster-not-converted-lotus-elise |archive-date=February 11, 2015 |access-date=October 2, 2015 |website=teslamotors.com}}</ref>

Several prototypes of the Tesla Roadster were produced from 2004 through 2007. Initial studies were done in two development mule vehicles based on Lotus Elises equipped with all-electric drive systems. Tesla then built and tested ten engineering prototypes (EP1 through EP10) in late 2006 and early 2007, which led to many minor changes. Next, Tesla produced at least 26 validation prototypes, which were delivered beginning in March 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/429-Validation-Prototypes-(VPs)|title=Validation Prototypes (VPs) |work=Tesla Motors Club}}{{User-generated source|date=November 2023}}</ref> These final revisions were endurance and crash tested in preparation for series production.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}}

In August 2007, Martin Eberhard was replaced by an interim CEO, Michael Marks.<ref name="Tesla Motors Blog 52">{{Cite web |date=August 15, 2007 |title=The Next Leg of the Race |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/blog2/?p=52 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070813025929/http://www.teslamotors.com/blog2/?p=52 |archive-date=August 13, 2007}}</ref> Marks accepted the temporary position while a recruitment was undertaken. In December 2007, [[Ze'ev Drori]] became the CEO and president of Tesla. In October 2008, Musk succeeded Drori as CEO. Drori left the company in December. In January 2008, the U.S. [[National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]] (NHTSA) announced that it would grant Tesla a waiver of the ''advanced'' (two-stage) air bag rule<ref>[http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/rulings/index_airbag.html Notices and Final Rules: Air Bag Information]. Nhtsa.dot.gov. Retrieved on August 10, 2013.</ref> noting that the Roadster includes standard [[air bag]]s. Similar waivers were granted to other small volume manufacturers, including [[Lotus Cars|Lotus]], [[Ferrari]], and [[Bugatti]].<ref name="Federal Register Vol. 73 No. 18">{{Cite journal |date=January 28, 2008 |title=Docket No. NHTSA-2008-0013. Tesla Motors, Inc.; Grant of Application for a Temporary Exemption From Advanced Air Bag Requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 |url=http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-1359.pdf |publisher=[[National Highway Traffic Safety Administration|NHTSA]] |volume=73 |issue=18}}</ref><ref name="Associated Press Air Bag">{{Cite news |last=Thomas |first=Ken |date=January 28, 2008 |title=Tesla Sports Car Gets Air Bag Waiver |work=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2008-01-28-3400362215_x.htm |access-date=December 30, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Siry |first=Daryl |date=February 29, 2008 |title=Mythbusters Part 1: Airbags? We got 'em! |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/blog3/?p=73 |access-date=December 30, 2008 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref> Tesla delivered its first production car in February 2008 to Musk.

Tesla announced in early August 2009 that Roadster sales had resulted in overall corporate profitability for the month of July 2009, earning {{USD|1 million}} on revenue of {{USD|20 million}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 7, 2009 |title=Tesla Motors Attains Profitability Milestone (press release) |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20090807005516/en/Tesla-Motors-Attains-Profitability-Milestone |website=[[Business Wire]]}}</ref>

Tesla, which signed a production contract with Lotus in 2007 to produce "gliders" (complete cars minus electric powertrain) for the Roadster, announced in early 2010 that Roadster production would continue until early 2012. Starting one year prior to the end of the contract, no changes to the order was allowed to give time for tooling changes at Lotus's assembly plant in the UK.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=March 30, 2010 |title=Tesla Extends Production Contract with Lotus |url=http://www.automobilemag.com/news/tesla-extends-production-contract-with-lotus-2822/ |url-status=bot: unknown |magazine=Automobile Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411195948/http://www.automobilemag.com/news/tesla-extends-production-contract-with-lotus-2822/ |archive-date=April 11, 2016 |access-date=April 5, 2010}}</ref>

Several years later in 2018, Musk would go on to say that using the Lotus Elise as a base for the Roadster was a poor strategy because the Elise was incompatible with the intended AC Propulsion technology and was modified so extensively only 7% of the Elise remained in common with the final production Roadster.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Su |first=Jeb |title=Elon Musk: Converting Lotus' Elise To Build The Tesla Roadster Was A Super Dumb Strategy |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeanbaptiste/2018/09/18/elon-musk-converting-lotus-elise-to-build-the-tesla-roadster-was-a-super-dumb-strategy/ |access-date=2021-09-15 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>

== Production ==
[[File:Roadster interior.jpg|thumb|Interior of Roadster 2.5 from July 2010]]

Tesla's cumulative production of the Roadster reached 1,000 cars in January 2010.<ref name="Prod1000">{{Cite press release |title=Tesla Celebrates 1,000th Roadster |date=January 12, 2010 |publisher=Tesla Motors |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/about/press/releases/tesla-celebrates-1000th-roadster |access-date=September 13, 2010}}</ref> The Roadster is considered an American car though many carry a [[Vehicle Identification Number]] beginning with the letter "S", which is the designation for the United Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 6, 2008 |title=Decoding Tesla Roadster VINs |url=https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/decoding-tesla-roadster-vins.1128/ |access-date=April 8, 2016 |website=Tesla Motors Club}}</ref> Some, however, carry a number starting with "5" appropriate to the US. Parts were sourced from around the world. The body panels came from French supplier Sotira. These were sent from France to [[Hethel]], U.K., where Tesla contracted with Lotus to build the Roadster's unique chassis.<ref name="Quiet Thunder">{{Cite magazine |last=Shnayerson |first=Michael |date=May 2007 |title=Quiet Thunder |url=http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2007/05/tesla200705?currentPage=1 |magazine=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] |access-date=April 24, 2007}}</ref><ref name="Tesla Motors 50">{{Cite web |last=Dickinson |first=Barrie |date=February 15, 2007 |title=Cut From a Different Cloth |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/blog4/?p=50 |access-date=February 15, 2008 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref> The Roadster shares roughly 7% of its components with the [[Lotus Elise]] including the windshield, airbags, some dashboard parts, and suspension components. The Roadster's single-speed gearbox was made in Detroit by [[BorgWarner]]. Brakes and airbags were made by [[Siemens]] in [[Germany]], and some crash testing was conducted at Siemens as well.<ref>{{Cite news |last=John D. Stoll, Norihiko Shirouzo and Neal E. Boudette |date=April 8, 2008 |title=Detroit Sets Bold Goal: Exporting U.S. Cars |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB120761191252596525?mod=hps_us_whats_news |access-date=June 10, 2008 |quote=Tesla Motors, a Northern California start-up developing an electric car, recently decided to scrap plans to build its US$20,000-plus batteries in Thailand. Instead, it will assemble the components in the U.S. because of currency values.}}</ref> 30–40% of components were sourced from [[Taiwan]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oung |first=Angelica |date=April 21, 2021 |title=Taiwan's EV Supply Chain Cranks into High Gear |url=https://topics.amcham.com.tw/2021/04/taiwan-ev-supply-chain-cranks-into-high-gear/ |access-date=21 April 2021 |website=topics.amcham.com.tw |publisher=Taiwan Topics}}</ref>

For Roadsters bound for customers in North America, the glider was sent to Tesla's facility in Menlo Park, California for final assembly, and for Roadsters bound for customers in Europe or elsewhere outside of North America, the glider was sent to a facility at [[Wymondham]] near Hethel for final assembly. At these locations, Tesla employees installed the powertrain, which consisted of the battery pack, power electronics module, gearbox and motor.

Tesla ordered 2,500 gliders from Lotus, which ceased production in December 2011 when their contract expired.<ref name="Sales0611" /><ref name="NYT050611" /> Tesla ended production of the Roadster in January 2012.<ref name="EndPro" />

=== Timeline ===
Subsequent to completion of the first production car, the company announced problems with [[transmission (mechanics)|transmission]] reliability. The development transmission, with first gear enabled to accelerate {{convert|0|to|60|mph|abbr=on}} in 4 seconds, was reported to have a life expectancy of as low as only a few thousand miles. Tesla's first two transmission suppliers were unable to produce transmissions, in quantity, that could withstand the gear-shift requirements of the high torque, high rpm electric motor. In December 2007, Tesla announced plans to ship the initial Roadsters with the transmissions locked into second gear, providing {{convert|0|to|60|mph|abbr=on}} acceleration in 5.7 seconds and allowing customers to swap out transmissions under warranty when the finalized transmission, power electronics module (PEM), and cooling system became available. The [[United States Environmental Protection Agency#Fuel economy testing and results|EPA range]] of the car was also restated downward from {{convert|245|to|221|mi|abbr=on}}. The downward revision was attributed to an error in equipment calibration at the laboratory that conducted the original test.<ref name="Tesla Motors 55">{{Cite web |last=Drori |first=Ze'ev |author-link=Ze'ev Drori |date=December 27, 2007 |title=A Letter to Customers from Ze'ev Drori |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/blog2/?p=55 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071230184757/http://www.teslamotors.com/blog2/?p=55 |archive-date=December 30, 2007 |access-date=December 31, 2007 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref><ref name="Scoble QIK">{{Cite web |last=Scoble |first=Robert |date=February 19, 2008 |title=Ride in first production Tesla with Elon Musk |url=http://qik.com/video/22264 |access-date=February 26, 2008 |quote=2:58 into video Elon Musk says "This particular car [P1] actually has two speeds"}}</ref><ref name="Telsa Motors Club Forum 4465-11">{{Cite web |last=Siry |first=Daryl |date=December 12, 2007 |title=Re: My Town Hall Notes |url=http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/4465-post11.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716212321/http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/4465-post11.html |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |access-date=February 12, 2008}}</ref>

* During the first two months of production, Tesla produced a total of three Roadsters (P3/VINF002, P4/VINF004, and P5/VINF005). Production car # 1 (P1) and P2 were built prior to the start of regular series production, which began March 17, 2008.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 16, 2008 |title=Tesla Production Slower Than Expected |work=Greentech Media |url=http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/tesla-production-slower-than-expected-908.html |access-date=May 6, 2015}}</ref>
* By September 10, 2008, Tesla had delivered 27 of the cars to customers. It was also reported that a newer, better transmission had been developed and that production of the car was hoped to reach 20 per week by December 2008, and 40 per week by March 2009.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 10, 2008 |title=Tesla declares transmission problems solved, finished Roadster now in production |work=Motor Trend |url=http://wot.motortrend.com/6294593/green/tesla-declares-transmission-problems-solved-finished-roadster-now-in-production/index.html |access-date=May 6, 2015}}</ref> Over the next 20 days, however, only three more cars had been delivered to customers, which brought the total to 30 as of September 30, 2008.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 30, 2008 |title=Tesla Roadster takes green trend for joy ride |work=The Michigan Journal |url=http://media.www.themichiganjournal.com/media/storage/paper255/news/2008/09/30/GoingGreen/Tesla.Roadster.Takes.Green.Trend.For.Joy.Ride-3460575.shtml |access-date=May 6, 2015}}</ref>
* By November 19, 2008, more than 70 of the cars had been delivered to customers.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=November 19, 2008 |title=The Jersey Turnpike is No Match for the Roadster |url=http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/11/the-jersey-turn.html |magazine=Wired |access-date=May 6, 2015}}</ref>
* By December 9, 2008, the 100th car had been delivered.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 10, 2008 |title=Tesla Motors hands keys to 100th Roadster owner |work=The Mercury News |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_11183440 |access-date=May 6, 2015}}</ref>
* By February 11, 2009, 200 Roadsters had been produced.<ref name="pcmag.com">{{Cite news |date=February 11, 2009 |title=Tesla Motors Says Will Be Profitable in 2009 |work=PC Mag |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2340898,00.asp?kc=PCRSS03069TX1K0001121 |access-date=May 6, 2015}}</ref>
* By April 2, 2009, 320 Roadsters had been delivered.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 2, 2009 |title=Orders streaming in for new Tesla electric sedans |work=Physorg.org |url=http://www.physorg.com/news157917126.html |access-date=May 6, 2015}}</ref>
* In May 2009, Tesla issued a [[product recall|safety recall]] for all 345 of its Roadsters that were manufactured before April 22, 2009. Tesla sent technicians to customers' homes to tighten the rear, inner hub flange bolts. The problem originated at the Lotus assembly line and Lotus also recalled some of its own vehicles.<ref name="Recall May 2009">{{Cite press release |title=Tesla To Do House Calls |date=May 28, 2009 |publisher=Tesla Motors |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=1376 |access-date=October 2, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611150607/http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=1376 |archive-date=June 11, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 28, 2009 |title=Tesla Recalls More Than 75% Of Its Roadsters |work=Business Insider |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-recalls-345-roadsters-2009-5}}</ref>
* By the end of May 2009, the 500th Roadster had been delivered.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Tesla Motors Delivers 500th Roadster |date=June 3, 2009 |publisher=Tesla Motors |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=1380 |access-date=June 9, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090616065539/http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=1380 |archive-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref>
* Tesla made its first profit ever in July 2009, when it shipped 109 vehicles, the most in a single month at that time.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pepitone |first=Julianne |date=August 7, 2009 |title=Electric roadster maker making money |work=CNN |url=https://money.cnn.com/2009/08/07/technology/tesla_profitability/?postversion=2009080716 |access-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref>
* By September 15, 2009, 700 Roadsters had been delivered.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 15, 2009 |title=Electric Sports-Car Maker Tesla Gets $82.5 Million Investment |work=Bloomberg |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aJqdKspAEAkA}}</ref>
* Tesla announced on January 13, 2010, that it had produced its 1,000th Roadster. The company had delivered vehicles to customers in 43 states and 21 countries worldwide.<ref name="teslamotors.com">{{Cite web |title=Press Center |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=2279 |access-date=October 9, 2010 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref>
* In January 2010, Tesla began producing its first right-hand-drive Roadsters for the UK and Ireland. The 2010 model-year right-hand-drive Roadster included a suite of unique noise-reduction materials and an upgraded sound system. The Roadster started at £86,950 and cost about 1.5p per mile.
* On January 29, 2010, in a [[Form S-1]] filing of its [[Prospectus (finance)|preliminary prospectus]] with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the company stated that it would halt production of the Roadster in 2011 and replace it with a new model that would not be introduced until 2013 at the earliest: "...we do not plan to sell our current generation Tesla Roadster after 2011 due to planned tooling changes at a supplier for the Tesla Roadster, and we do not currently plan to begin selling our next-generation Tesla Roadster until at least one year after the launch of the [[Tesla Model S|Model S]], which is not expected to be in production until 2012..."<ref name="secforms1">{{Cite web |date=January 29, 2010 |title=Form S-1, Registration Statement under The Securities Act of 1933: Tesla Motors, Inc. |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1318605/000119312510017054/ds1.htm |access-date=January 30, 2010 |publisher=[[Securities and Exchange Commission]]}}</ref><ref name="suspended">{{Cite magazine |last=Squatriglia |first=Chuck |date=January 29, 2010 |title=Tesla's Roadster To Exit In 2011 |url=https://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/01/teslas-roadster-to-exit-in-2011/ |magazine=Wired Magazine |access-date=January 30, 2010}}</ref><ref name="SecGov1">{{Cite web |date=February 7, 2010 |title=Tesla Prospectus |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1318605/000119312510017054/ds1.htm |publisher=Securities and Exchange Commission |location=U.S.}}</ref> The Model S was released in June 2012.<ref name="MSlaunch">{{Cite news |last=John Boudreau |date=June 22, 2012 |title=In a Silicon Valley milestone, Tesla Motors begins delivering Model S electric cars |work=[[San Jose Mercury News]] |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_20919722/silicon-valley-milestone-tesla-motors-begins-delivering-model?refresh=no |access-date=June 22, 2012}}</ref>
* Canadian deliveries began in February 2010 after first taking orders in 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Press Releases |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=1380 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090616065539/http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=1380 |archive-date=June 16, 2009 |access-date=August 6, 2009 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=January 13, 2010 |title=Electric dreams less wild, more pragmatic at 2010 auto show |work=The Boston Herald |url=http://bostonherald.com.nyud.net/business/automotive/view/20100113electric_dreams_less_wild_more_pragmatic_at_2010_auto_show/srvc=home&position=also}}{{dead link|date=February 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
* On March 16, 2010, Tesla announced that it had "negotiated agreements with key suppliers that will increase total Roadster production by 40 percent and extend sales into 2012",<ref name="expansion">{{Cite magazine |last=Squatriglia |first=Chuck |date=March 15, 2010 |title=Tesla Roadster Gets a Reprieve – And New Markets |url=https://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/03/tesla-roadster-gets-a-reprieve-and-new-markets/ |magazine=Wired Magazine |access-date=March 15, 2010}}</ref> also indicating that it would expand into the Asian and Australian markets by 2011.<ref name="expansion" />
* On December 2, 2010, Tesla had delivered more than 1,400 Roadsters.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2010 |title=Tesla delivers 100th German car during Race of Champions |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/about/press/releases/tesla-delivers-100th-german-car-during-race-champions |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref>
* On September 28, 2011, Tesla delivered its 100th Roadster in Switzerland.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=100th Swiss Tesla Roadster Hits the Road |date=September 28, 2011 |publisher=Tesla Motors |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/blog/100th-swiss-tesla-roadster-hits-road |access-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref>
* Production ended in January 2012 and was no longer available for sale the U.S. after December 2011.<ref name="EndPro" />
* More than 2,418 units were sold worldwide through September 2012. The remaining cars were available for sale only in Europe and Asia.<ref name="SalesJune2012" /><ref name="Tesla3Q2012" /> Most of the remaining Roadsters were sold during the fourth quarter of 2012.<ref name="Tesla4Q2012">{{Cite web |date=February 20, 2013 |title=Tesla Motors, Inc. – Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2012 Shareholder Letter |url=http://files.shareholder.com/downloads/ABEA-4CW8X0/2155882767x0x637040/4e3260f0-b711-47df-9c9e-16a8dda99a19/Q4'12%20SHL%20022013%20final.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527212049/http://files.shareholder.com/downloads/ABEA-4CW8X0/2155882767x0x637040/4e3260f0-b711-47df-9c9e-16a8dda99a19/Q4'12%20SHL%20022013%20final.pdf |archive-date=May 27, 2014 |access-date=February 13, 2013 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref><ref name="SpecialEd" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bortzfield |first=Bill |date=December 23, 2011 |title=First Coast Gears: Tesla celebrates "Final 5" Roadsters, attention now turns to Model S |url=http://downtownjax.firstcoastnews.com/photo-gallery/transportation/67644-first-coast-gears-tesla-celebrates-final-5-roadsters-attention-now-turns-model-s-slideshow |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140225184255/http://downtownjax.firstcoastnews.com/photo-gallery/transportation/67644-first-coast-gears-tesla-celebrates-final-5-roadsters-attention-now-turns-model-s-slideshow |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 25, 2014 |access-date=February 25, 2014 |publisher=First Coast News }}</ref>
* In 2016, Tesla began selling a battery upgrade from 53&nbsp;kWh to 80&nbsp;kWh.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tesla — Roadster 3.0 Battery Upgrade |url=http://shop.teslamotors.com/collections/roadster/products/roadster-3-0-upgrade |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904000211/http://shop.teslamotors.com/collections/roadster/products/roadster-3-0-upgrade |archive-date=September 4, 2015 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lambert |first=Fred |date=July 9, 2016 |title=Tesla Roadster 3.0 battery upgrade (R80) are finally starting to arrive – ~340 miles of range |work=Electrek |url=http://electrek.co/2016/07/08/tesla-roadster-3-0-battery-upgrade-r80/ |access-date=July 14, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lambert |first=Fred |date=June 25, 2017 |title=Tesla Roadster 3.0 – the electric car that sparked a revolution, revisited |work=Electrek |url=https://electrek.co/2017/06/25/tesla-roadster-3-0-review/ |access-date=June 25, 2017}}</ref>

=== Special final edition ===
Tesla produced a special edition of 15 Final Edition Roadsters to close the production cycle of the electric car. The 15 special-edition cars were sold in each of the three sales regions, North America, Europe and Asia, and five units were allocated to each. The Final Edition Roadster did not have any performance modifications, but featured sporting atomic red paint, a duo of dark silver stripes on its hood and rear clamshell, and exclusive [[anthracite]] [[aluminum]] wheels.<ref name="SpecialEd">{{Cite web |last=Lavrinc |first=Damon |date=December 16, 2011 |title=This is the last Tesla Roadster |url=http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/16/this-is-the-last-tesla-roadster/ |access-date=December 17, 2011 |publisher=[[Autoblog]] Green}}</ref>

== Specifications ==

=== Motor ===
{{Multiple image|direction=vertical|align=right|image1=Tesla Roadster DSC 0179.jpg|image2=Tesla Roadster DSC 0291.jpg|caption2=Tesla Roadster with hood and trunk open}}

The Roadster is powered by a [[3-phase]], 4-[[dipole|pole]], [[induction motor|induction electric motor]] with a maximum output power of {{convert|248|hp|kW|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Sport Model Press Release">{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2008 |title=Tesla Motors introduces Roadster Sport |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=1205 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090120030251/http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=1205 |archive-date=January 20, 2009 |access-date=January 14, 2009 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref> Its maximum torque of {{convert|200|lb.ft|Nm|abbr=on}} is immediately available and remains constant from 0 to 6,000&nbsp;rpm;<ref>{{Cite web |title=Performance: Acceleration & Torque |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/performance/acceleration_and_torque.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090109013516/http://www.teslamotors.com/performance/acceleration_and_torque.php |archive-date=January 9, 2009 |access-date=February 25, 2014 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref> nearly instantaneous torque is a characteristic of electric motors and offers one of the biggest performance differences from internal combustion engines. The motor is air-cooled and does not need a liquid cooling system.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 18, 2008 |title=Tesla roadster |work=Design Applause |url=http://designapplause.com/design/design-green/tesla-roadster/106/ |access-date=June 16, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tesla – Motor – www.teslamotors.com |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/roadster/technology/motor |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704030129/http://www.teslamotors.com/roadster/technology/motor |archive-date=July 4, 2010 |access-date=June 16, 2016}}</ref>

The Sport model introduced during the [[North American International Auto Show|Jan 2009 Detroit Auto Show]] includes a motor with a higher density, hand-wound [[stator]] that produces a maximum of {{convert|288|hp|kW|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Sport Model web page">{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2009 |title=Roadster Sport |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/roadstersport/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090118211155/http://teslamotors.com/roadstersport |archive-date=January 18, 2009 |access-date=January 14, 2009 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref> Both motors are designed for rotational speeds of up to 14,000&nbsp;rpm, and the regular motor delivers a typical efficiency of 88%<ref name="motor technology" /> or 90%; 80% at peak power. It weighs less than {{convert|70|lb}}.<ref name="How stuff works">{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2010 |title=How stuff works |url=http://auto.howstuffworks.com/tesla-roadster.htm/printable |access-date=January 11, 2010 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref>

=== Transmission ===
Starting in September 2008 Tesla selected [[BorgWarner]] to manufacture gearboxes and began equipping all Roadsters with a single speed, fixed gear gearbox (8.2752:1 ratio) with an electrically actuated [[parking pawl]] mechanism and a mechanical lubrication pump.<ref name="Tesla 2008-09-09" />

The company previously worked with several companies, including XTrac and [[Magna International]], to find the right [[automatic transmission]], but a two-gear solution proved to be too challenging. This led to substantial delays in production. At the "Town Hall Meeting" with owners in December 2007, Tesla announced plans to ship the initial 2008 Roadsters with their interim Magna two-speed direct shift [[manual transmission]]s locked into second gear, limiting the performance of the car to less than what was originally stated ({{convert|0|to|60|mph|abbr=on}} in 5.7 seconds instead of the announced 4.0 seconds). Tesla also announced it would upgrade those transmissions under warranty when the final transmission became available.<ref name="Tesla Motors 55" /><ref name="Telsa Motors Club Forum 4465-11" /><ref name="AutoBlog 2007-12-19">{{Cite web |last=Neff |first=John |date=December 19, 2007 |title=Tesla clarifies report of "temporary transmissions" |url=http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/19/tesla-clarifies-report-of-temporary-transmissions/}}</ref> At the "Town Hall Meeting" with owners on January 30, 2008, Tesla Motors described the planned transmission upgrade as a single-speed gearbox with a drive ratio of 8.27:1 combined with improved electronics and motor cooling that retain the acceleration from {{convert|0|to|60|mph|abbr=on}} in under 4 seconds and an improved motor limit of 14,000&nbsp;rpm to retain the {{convert|125|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} top speed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Drori |first=Ze'ev |date=December 17, 2007 |title=A Letter to Customers from Ze'ev Drori |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/blog2/?p=55 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071231060859/http://www.teslamotors.com/blog2/?p=55 |archive-date=December 31, 2007 |access-date=December 8, 2009 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref>

==== Gear selector ====
In the interior the gear selector is similar to a push-button automatic with buttons labeled P, R, N and D.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Neff |first=John |date=October 21, 2008 |title=Driven: 2009 Tesla Roadster v1.5 |url=https://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/21/driven-2009-tesla-roadster-v1-5/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |website=[[Autoblog]] |language=en}}</ref> Some earlier models have a gear lever similar to that in cars with manual transmission.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blanco |first=Sebastian |date=October 8, 2009 |title=First Drive: 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport improves on original, keeps quirks |url=https://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/first-drive-2010-tesla-roadster-sport-improves-on-original-kee/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |website=[[Autoblog]] |language=en}}</ref>

=== Performance ===
The Roadster's {{convert|0|to|60|mph|abbr=on}} acceleration time is 3.9 seconds for the Standard model and 3.7 seconds for the 2010 V2.5 Sport, which ''Motor Trend'' confirmed in the first independent, instrumented testing of the V2.5 Sport model. The magazine also recorded a {{convert|0|to|1/4|mi|adj=on}} time of 12.6 seconds at {{convert|102.6|mph|abbr=on|order=flip}}.<ref>[http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/alternative/112_0912_2010_tesla_roadster_sport_test/specs.html#ixzz0b8yiYKO0 Motor Trend] First Test: 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport</ref> Tesla said the top speed is electronically limited to {{convert|125|mph|abbr=on}}. Tesla claims it has a weight of {{convert|2877|lb|abbr=on}}, a {{Cd|0.35–0.36|link=car|long=yes}}<ref name="Ramsey2009">{{Cite web |last=Ramsey |first=Jonathon |date=March 26, 2009 |title=Tesla Model S: US$50,000 EV sedan seats seven, 300-mile range, 0–60 in 5.5s (press release) |url=http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/03/26/tesla-model-s-50-000-ev-sedan-seats-seven-300-mile-range-0-6/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327185141/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/03/26/tesla-model-s-50-000-ev-sedan-seats-seven-300-mile-range-0-6/ |archive-date=March 27, 2009 |access-date=April 12, 2009 |website=[[Autoblog]] Green}}</ref> and a {{Crr|0.011|long=yes|link=yes}}.<ref name="tr3">{{Cite press release |title=Roadster 3.0 |date=December 26, 2014 |publisher=Tesla Motors |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/blog/roadster-30 |access-date=April 8, 2015 |website=teslamotors.com}}</ref>

Tesla began delivering the higher performance version of the Roadster in July 2009. The Roadster Sport has adjustable dampers and a new hand-wound motor, capable of {{convert|0|to|60|mph|abbr=on}} in 3.7 seconds.<ref name="Telsa 2009-01-11">{{Cite press release |title=Tesla Motors introduces Roadster Sport |date=January 11, 2009 |publisher=Tesla Motors |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=1205 |access-date=May 7, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090120030251/http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=1205 |archive-date=January 20, 2009}}</ref> Scotty Pollacheck, a high-performance driver for [[Killacycle]], drove a 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport at the Wayland Invitational Drag Race in Portland, Oregon, in July 2009. He did a quarter-mile (~400 m) in dry conditions in 12.643 seconds, setting a new record in the [[National Electric Drag Racing Association]] among the SP/A3 class of vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 27, 2009 |title=Tesla Roadster Sport NEDRA record 12.643 at 1/4 mile « Peak Oil Garage |url=http://peakoilgarage.com/2009/07/27/tesla-roadster-sport-nedra-record-12-643-at-14-mile/ |access-date=August 1, 2009 |publisher=Peakoilgarage.com}}</ref> The [[Fuel economy in automobiles#EPA testing procedure: 2008 and beyond|EPA]] combined range (specifying distance traveled between charges) measured in February 2008 for early production Roadsters was {{convert|231|mi|abbr=on}} city, {{convert|224|mi|abbr=on}} highway, and {{convert|227|mi|abbr=on}} combined (city/highway).<ref name="Tesla Motors FAQ">{{Cite web |date=February 28, 2008 |title=How far can the Tesla Roadster drive between charges? |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/learn_more/faqs.php?flat=1#faq-q-item3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080729041920/http://www.teslamotors.com/learn_more/faqs.php?flat=1#faq-q-item3 |archive-date=July 29, 2008 |access-date=December 13, 2008 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref> In August 2008, additional testing with the newer Powertrain 1.5 resulted in an EPA combined range of {{convert|244|mi||abbr=on|order=flip}}.<ref name="Tesla 2008-09-09">{{Cite web |date=February 25, 2011 |title=Tesla Motors Selects BorgWarner for Production of New Gearbox for Tesla Roadster |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/about/press/releases/tesla-motors-selects-borgwarner-production-new-gearbox-tesla-roadster |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref> The vehicle set a new distance record when it completed the {{convert|241|mi|adj=on}} Rallye Monte Carlo d'Energies Alternatives with {{convert|36|mi|abbr=on}} left on the charge.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Alun |date=April 10, 2009 |title=Tesla Roadster runs for 241 miles in Monte Carlo e-rally • Register Hardware |url=http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2009/04/10/tesla_wins_at_monaco/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090621043812/http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2009/04/10/tesla_wins_at_monaco/ |archive-date=June 21, 2009 |access-date=August 1, 2009 |publisher=Reghardware.co.uk}}</ref> A Roadster drove around the world (although flying as cargo over oceans) in 2012,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Genesis 2012 – 80edays |url=http://80diaselectricos.com/genesis-2012/#history |access-date=September 27, 2016 |website=80diaselectricos.com}}</ref> and repeated it in 80 days with other electric cars in 2016.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dow |first=Jameson |date=September 16, 2016 |title=Eleven teams just drove around the world in electric vehicles: 9 Teslas, 1 Denza & a bus |work=Electrek |url=https://electrek.co/2016/09/16/eleven-teams-just-drove-around-the-world-in-electric-vehicles-9-teslas-1-denza-a-bus/ |access-date=September 27, 2016}}</ref>

[[Simon Hackett]] and Emilis Prelgauskas broke the distance record for an electric vehicle, driving {{convert|501|km|abbr=on}} from [[Alice Springs]] to [[Marla, South Australia|Marla]], South Australia, in Simon's Tesla Roadster. The car had about {{convert|4.8|km|abbr=on}} of range left when the drive was completed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 29, 2009 |title=Internode M.D. smashes E.V. world distance record |url=http://www.internode.on.net/news/2009/10/155.php |access-date=October 29, 2009}}</ref>

=== Battery system ===
{{multiple image
| footer   = 
| align    = right
| image1   = Tesla Roadster Sport electrical charge.jpg
| width1   = {{#expr: (150 * 4272 / 2848) round 0}}
| alt1     = 
| caption1 = An electrical plug of the Tesla Roadster Sport

| image2   = Tesla Roadster Sport battery pack rear.jpg
| width2   = {{#expr: (150 * 2848 / 4272) round 0}}
| alt2     = 
| caption2 = The rear side of a Tesla Roadster battery pack

| image3   = Tesla Roadster charging screen.jpg
| width3   = {{#expr: (150 * 4272 / 2848) round 0}}
| alt3     = 
| caption3 = The charging screen of a Tesla Roadster Sport
}}

Tesla refers to the Roadster's battery pack as the Energy Storage System or ESS. The {{convert|992|lb|adj=on}} ESS contains 6,831 [[lithium ion battery|lithium ion]] cells arranged into 11 "sheets" connected in series; each sheet contains 9 "bricks" connected in series; each "brick" contains 69 cells connected in parallel (11S 9S 69P). The cells are of the [[18650 battery|18650]] form factor commonly found in [[laptop]] batteries. Sources disagree<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009 |title=Tesla Roadster, Emergency Responder Guide |url=https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/downloads/Tesla_Roadster_Emergency_Responder_Guide.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209095852/https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/downloads/Tesla_Roadster_Emergency_Responder_Guide.pdf |archive-date=December 9, 2017 |access-date=December 11, 2020 |website=Tesla Motors}}</ref> on the exact type of Li-Ion cells—GreenCar says [[lithium cobalt oxide]] (LiCo), while researchers at [[Technical University of Denmark|DTU]]/[[INESC Porto]] state lithium manganese oxide (LMO).<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Garcia-Valle |first1=Rodrigo |title=Electric Vehicle Integration Into Modern Power Networks |last2=Lopes |first2=João Abel Peças |date=September 28, 2012 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-1-4614-0134-6 |page=33}}</ref> LiCo has higher reaction energy during [[thermal runaway]] than LMO.<ref name="tuCo">{{Cite magazine |last=Dalløkken |first=Per Erlien |date=January 17, 2013 |title=Her er Dreamliner-problemet |url=http://www.tu.no/industri/2013/01/17/her-er-dreamliner-problemet |magazine=[[Teknisk Ukeblad]] |language=no |access-date=January 17, 2013 |archive-date=January 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116142356/http://www.tu.no/industri/2013/01/17/her-er-dreamliner-problemet |url-status=dead }} [https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=no&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tu.no%2Findustri%2F2013%2F01%2F17%2Fher-er-dreamliner-problemet English translation]</ref>

The pack is designed to prevent catastrophic cell failures from propagating to adjacent cells (thermal runaway), even when the cooling system is off.<ref name="Patent 7433794">{{US patent reference | number = 7433794 | y = 2008 | m = 10 | d = 07 | inventor = Berdichevsky; Eugene Michael (Palo Alto, CA), Cole; Philip David (Redwood City, CA), Hebert; Arthur Joseph (San Carlos, CA), Hermann; Weston Arthur (Palo Alto, CA), Kelty; Kurt Russell (Palo Alto, CA), Kohn; Scott Ira (Menlo Park, CA), Lyons; David Frederick (Palo Alto, CA), Straubel; Jeffrey Brian (Menlo Park, CA), Mendez; Noel Jason (Mountain View, CA) | title = Mitigation of propagation of thermal runaway in a multi-cell battery pack }}</ref><!-- source: The Tesla Roadster Battery System, page 5, first paragraph in the "testing" section--> Coolant is pumped continuously through the ESS both when the car is running and when the car is turned off if the pack retains more than a 90% charge. The coolant pump draws 146 watts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=That Little Water Pump |url=http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/technical-discussion/1727-little-water-pump-3.html#post13734 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090518092358/http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/technical-discussion/1727-little-water-pump-3.html |archive-date=May 18, 2009 |access-date=June 9, 2009 |website=Tesla Motors Club Forum |publisher=Teslamotorsclub.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 12, 2008 |title=Wasting Energy like Two Really Nice Refrigerators |url=http://teslafounders.wordpress.com/2008/10/12/wasting-energy-like-two-really-nice-refrigerators/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081023151402/http://teslafounders.wordpress.com/2008/10/12/wasting-energy-like-two-really-nice-refrigerators/ |archive-date=October 23, 2008}}</ref><ref name="Tesla Rebuttal to ZEV Amendment">{{Cite web |last=Simpson |first=Andrew |date=March 23, 2008 |title=Response to the CARB ZEV Expert Panel Position on Lithium-Ion Full-Performance Battery Electric Vehicles |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/display_data/Tesla_rebuttal_ZEV_expert_panel.pdf |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref> The cooling and [[battery management system]] keeps the temperatures and voltages within specific limits.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eberhard |first=Martin |author-link=Martin Eberhard |date=November 30, 2006 |title=A Bit About Batteries |url=https://www.tesla.com/blog/bit-about-batteries |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617222802/https://www.tesla.com/blog/bit-about-batteries |archive-date=June 17, 2017 |access-date=June 17, 2017 |publisher=Tesla}}</ref>

[[File:Tesla Roadster charger DSC 0200.jpg|thumb|upright|High Power Wall Connector]]

A full recharge to 53&nbsp;kWh requires about {{frac|3|1|2}} hours using the "High Power Wall Connector", which supplies 70-amp, 240-volt electricity.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 8, 2007 |title=The Most Coddled Automotive Battery Ever? – Tesla Motors |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/blog4/?p=59 |website=teslamotors.com}}</ref><ref name="Tesla 59">{{Cite web |last=Toomre, Tesla Motors Director of Manufacturing Programs |first=Eric |date=August 8, 2007 |title=The Most Coddled Automotive Battery Ever? |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/blog4/?p=59 |access-date=February 17, 2009 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref>

Tesla said in February 2009 that the ESS had expected life span of seven years/{{convert|100000|mi|abbr=on}}, and began selling pre-purchase battery replacements for about one third of the battery's price today, with the replacement to be delivered after seven years. Tesla says the ESS retains 70% capacity after five years and {{convert|50000|mi|abbr=on}} of driving, assuming {{convert|10000|mi|abbr=on}} driven each year. A July 2013 study found that after {{convert|100000|mi|abbr=on}}, Roadster batteries still had 80%–85% capacity and the only significant factor is mileage (not temperature).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saxton |first=Tom |date=July 13, 2013 |title=Tesla Roadster Battery Study |url=http://www.pluginamerica.org/surveys/batteries/tesla-roadster/PIA-Roadster-Battery-Study.pdf |access-date=June 18, 2017 |website=Plug In America |archive-date=April 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410054635/http://www.pluginamerica.org/surveys/batteries/tesla-roadster/PIA-Roadster-Battery-Study.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Tesla announced plans to sell the battery system to ''[[Think Nordic|TH!NK]]'' and possibly others through its Tesla Energy Group division. The TH!NK plans were put on hold by interim CEO Michael Marks in September 2007.<ref name="SJ Mercury 05-22-2007">{{Cite news |last=Nauman |first=Matt |date=May 22, 2007 |title=Tesla Motors to sell batteries in $43 million deal with Think |work=San Jose Mercury News |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_5956932 |access-date=June 19, 2007}}</ref><ref name="Autoblog EDTA">{{Cite web |last=Blanco |first=Sebastian |title=EDTA Conference: Tesla Motors ready to license battery tech to other companies |url=http://www.autobloggreen.com/2006/11/29/tesla-motors-ready-to-license-batter-tech-to-other-companies/ |access-date=March 11, 2007}}</ref><ref name="CNET News">{{Cite web |last=Kanellos |first=Michael |date=October 16, 2007 |title=Tesla delays its battery business, but test drives begin |url=http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9798162-7.html |access-date=February 9, 2008 |publisher=News.com}}</ref> TH!NK now obtains its lithium-ion batteries from Enerdel.{{Citation needed|date=April 2021}}

=== Recharging ===
The Roadster uses a proprietary AC charging connector, although Tesla sells a mobile adapter that enables recharging with an [[SAE J1772]] connector.<ref name="Tesla-J1772">{{Cite web |title=J1772 Mobile Connector |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/goelectric/charging/j1772-mobile-connector |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607050856/http://www.teslamotors.com/goelectric/charging/j1772-mobile-connector |archive-date=June 7, 2012 |access-date=May 13, 2011 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref> The vehicle was not provided with any DC fast-charging ability and was not retrofitted later on when the [[Tesla Supercharger]] network was established. It can be recharged with AC using:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tesla Motors – Charging Solutions |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/electric/charging.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104104736/http://www.teslamotors.com/electric/charging.php |archive-date=January 4, 2010 |access-date=May 11, 2010 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref>

* A wall-mounted 208–240&nbsp;V, 70&nbsp;A maximum current "High Power Wall Connector" which must be hardwired.<ref name="HPWC" /> This appears to be rebadged TS-70 [[charging station]] from ClipperCreek.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=ClipperCreek to Supply Power Control Stations for Tesla Motors |date=April 30, 2009 |publisher=ClipperCreek |url=http://clippercreek.net/images/ClipperCreek%20to%20Supply%20Power%20Control%20Stations%20for%20Tesla%20Motors.pdf |access-date=May 11, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100821175237/http://www.clippercreek.net/images/ClipperCreek%20to%20Supply%20Power%20Control%20Stations%20for%20Tesla%20Motors.pdf |archive-date=August 21, 2010}}</ref>
* A portable 120–240&nbsp;V, 40&nbsp;A maximum current "Universal Mobile Connector" that can plug into a [[NEMA connector#NEMA 14|NEMA 14–50]] receptacle and other 240&nbsp;V receptacles (e. g. [[IEC 60309]]) using adapters that also limit the current to the level the plug and socket can sustain.
* A portable 120&nbsp;V, 15&nbsp;A maximum current "Spare Mobile Connector" that plugs into a standard North American domestic socket.

Charging times vary depending on the ESS's state-of-charge, the available voltage, and the available circuit breaker amp rating ([[Electric current|current]]). In a best-case scenario using a 240&nbsp;V charger on a 90 A circuit breaker, Tesla documents a recharging rate of {{convert|56|mi|abbr=on}} of range for each hour charging; a complete recharge from empty would require just under four hours. The slowest charging rate using a 120&nbsp;V outlet on a 15 A circuit breaker would add {{convert|5|mi|abbr=on}} of range for each hour charging; a complete recharge from empty would require 48 hours.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Charging |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/goelectric/charging |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628041831/http://www.teslamotors.com/goelectric/charging |archive-date=June 28, 2011 |access-date=October 9, 2010 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref>

=== Technical data ===
{| class="wikitable"
!
!Roadster<ref>{{Cite news |title=Tesla Roadster unveiled in Santa Monica |language=en |work=Autoblog |url=https://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/20/tesla-roadster-unveiled-in-santa-monica/ |access-date=November 25, 2017}}</ref>
!Roadster&nbsp;1.5<ref>{{Cite news |title=Breaking: Tesla has a solution for their transmission woes: get rid of it! |language=en |work=Autoblog |url=https://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/23/breaking-tesla-has-a-solution-for-their-transmission-woes-get/ |access-date=November 25, 2017}}</ref>
!Roadster&nbsp;2.0<ref>{{Cite news |title=Tesla ends development of Drivetrain 1.5, ready to ramp up production |language=en |work=Autoblog |url=https://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/10/tesla-ends-development-of-drivetrain-1-5-ready-to-ramp-up-produ/ |access-date=November 25, 2017}}</ref>
!Roadster&nbsp;2.5 
!Roadster 2.5 Sport<ref>{{Cite news |title=First Drive: 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport improves on original, keeps quirks |language=en |work=Autoblog |url=https://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/first-drive-2010-tesla-roadster-sport-improves-on-original-kee/ |access-date=November 25, 2017}}</ref>
!Roadster R80 (3.0) upgrade
|-
! align="right" |Introduced
| align="center" |2006
| align="center" |2007
| align="center" |2009
| align="center" |2010
| align="center" |2010
| align="center" |2014
|-
! align="right" |Gearbox
| align="center"|2-speed [[Magna International|Magna]] (locked in 2nd gear, 2.17:1 ratio)
| colspan="5" align="center" |1-speed&nbsp;[[BorgWarner]] (8.27:1 ratio)
|-
! align="right" |Power
| colspan="2" align="center" |{{cvt|248|hp}}
| colspan="4" align="center" |{{cvt|288|hp}}
|-
! align="right" |Torque
| align="center" |{{cvt|180|lbft}}
| align="center" |{{cvt|273|lbft}}
| colspan="2" align="center" |{{cvt|280|lbft}}
| align="center" |{{cvt|295|lbft}}
| align="center" |{{cvt|280 or 295|lbft}}
|-
! align="right" |Battery
| align="center" colspan=5 |53&nbsp;kWh
| align="center" |80&nbsp;kWh
|-
! align="right" |Range
| align="center" |{{cvt|200|to|250|mi}}
| align="center" |{{cvt|231|mi}}
| colspan="3" align="center" |{{cvt|244|mi}}
| align="center" |{{cvt|400|mi}}
|-
! align="right" |{{Cd|link=car}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 26, 2014 |title=Roadster 3.0 |url=https://www.tesla.com/blog/roadster-30#:~:text=Using%20this%20new%20cell%20we,package%20as%20the%20original%20battery.&text=The%20original%20Roadster%20had%20a%20drag%20coefficient%20(Cd)%20of%200.36. |access-date=January 16, 2024 |website=tesla.com}}</ref>
| colspan="5" align="center" |0.36
|align="center" |0.31
|-
! align="right" |0–60&nbsp;mph
| align="center" |5.7 sec
| align="center" |4 sec
| colspan="2" align="center" |3.9 sec
| colspan="2" align="center" |3.7 sec
|-
! align="right" |Curb weight
| align="center" |{{cvt|2690|lb}}
| align="center" |{{cvt|2877|lb}}
| colspan="4" align="center" |{{cvt|2727|lb}}
|-
! align="right" |Top speed
| align="center" |over {{cvt|130|mph}}
| colspan="5" align="center" |{{cvt|125|mph}}
|-
! align="right" |Base price
| align="center" |$80,000–$120,000
| align="center" |$98,950
| align="center" |$109,000
| align="center" |$110,950
| align="center" |$128,500
| align="center" |$29,000 upgrade
|}

== Energy efficiency ==
In June 2006, Tesla reported the Roadster's battery-to-wheel efficiency as 110&nbsp;Wh/km (17.7&nbsp;kWh/100&nbsp;mi) on an unspecified driving cycle—either a constant {{convert|60|mph|abbr=on}}) or SAE J1634 test—and stated a charging efficiency of 86% for an overall plug-to-wheel efficiency of 128&nbsp;Wh/km (20.5&nbsp;kWh/100&nbsp;mi).<ref name="TeslaWtoW" /><ref name="Idaho National Laboratory">{{Cite web |title=EVAmerica Baseline Performance Testing for 1997 General Motors EV1 with PbA Batteries |url=http://ev.inel.gov/pdf/fsev/eva/genmot.pdf |access-date=March 5, 2007 |publisher=Idaho National Laboratory |quote=Footnote 8 in Tesla Motor's white paper refers to this INL study for the equivalent efficiency number from GM EV1 testing but does not specify the driving cycle.}}</ref><ref name="The 21st century Electric Car">{{Cite journal |last1=Eberhard |first1=Martin |last2=Tarpenning |first2=Marc |date=October 6, 2006 |title=The 21st century Electric Car |url=http://www.evworld.com/library/Tesla_21centuryEV.pdf |url-status=dead |publisher=Tesla Motors |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061111114636/http://www.evworld.com/library/Tesla_21centuryEV.pdf |archive-date=November 11, 2006 |access-date=February 23, 2007}}</ref>

[[File:Graph Evolution of Tesla Roadster Efficiency.PNG|thumb|Evolution of the Roadster's plug-to-wheel efficiency (Smaller values indicate better efficiency.)]]

In March 2007, Tesla reported the Roadster's efficiency on the EPA highway cycle as "135 mpg [U.S.] equivalent, per the conversion rate used by the EPA" or 133&nbsp;Wh/km (21.5&nbsp;kWh/100&nbsp;mi) battery-to-wheel and 155&nbsp;Wh/km (24.9&nbsp;kWh/100&nbsp;mi) plug-to-wheel.<ref name="US Senate Hearing">{{Cite journal |last=Musk |first=Elon |author-link=Elon Musk |date=March 7, 2007 |title=Musk Testimony |url=http://energy.senate.gov/public/_files/MuskTestimony.doc |url-status=dead |publisher=United States Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071101131917/http://energy.senate.gov/public/_files/MuskTestimony.doc |archive-date=November 1, 2007 |access-date=March 14, 2007}}</ref><ref name="Tesla Motors Press Room">{{Cite press release |title=Tesla Motors Corporate Backgrounder |publisher=Tesla Motors |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=53&js_enabled=0 |quote=...the Tesla Roadster is capable of 135 mpg equivalent... |access-date=December 5, 2006}}</ref><ref name="Edmunds Inside Line">{{Cite web |date=July 21, 2006 |title=Tesla Roadster: Lotus Helps Create Sporty 135 MPG Electric Car |url=http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=116204 |access-date=December 5, 2006 |publisher=Edmunds.com Inside Line |quote=...achieves the equivalent of 135 mpg.}}</ref><ref name="Marketplace Public Radio">{{Cite news |last=Neil |first=Dan |date=July 20, 2006 |title=A roadster that's electric |publisher=Marketplace Public Radio |url=http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2006/07/20/PM200607208.html |url-status=dead |access-date=September 18, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517005622/http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2006/07/20/PM200607208.html |archive-date=May 17, 2008}}</ref> The official U.S. [[window sticker]] of the 2009 Tesla Roadster showed an EPA rated energy consumption of 32&nbsp;kWh/100&nbsp;mi in city and 33&nbsp;kWh/100&nbsp;mi on the highway, equivalent to 105 mpg city and 102 mpg highway.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sherman |first=Don |date=November 13, 2008 |title=Cranking the Volt to 100 M.P.G. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/16/automobiles/16STICKER.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1& |access-date=March 15, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 13, 2008 |title=2009 Tesla Roadster window sticke |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2008/11/16/automobiles/16sticker-inline1.html |access-date=March 15, 2014}}</ref> The EPA rating for on board energy efficiency for electric vehicles before 2010 was expressed as [[kilowatt-hour]] per 100 miles (kWh/100&nbsp;mi).<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 15, 2009 |title=Why are the VOLT and LEAF EVs measured in Miles Per Gallon |url=http://electric-vehicles-cars-bikes.blogspot.com/2009/08/why-are-volt-and-leaf-evs-measured-in.html# |access-date=March 15, 2014 |publisher=Electric Vehicle News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Berman |first=Brad |date=July 29, 2009 |title=Confusion Over MPG Ratings for Electric Cars |url=http://www.hybridcars.com/confusion-over-mpg-ratings-electric-cars-25946/ |access-date=March 15, 2014 |publisher=HybridCars.com}}</ref> Since November 2010, with the introduction of the [[Nissan Leaf]] and the [[Chevrolet Volt]], EPA began using a new metric, [[miles per gallon gasoline equivalent]] (MPGe). The Roadster was never officially rated by the EPA in MPGe.<ref name="NYTEPA">{{Cite news |last=Bunkley |first=Nick |date=November 22, 2010 |title=Nissan Says Its Electric Leaf Gets Equivalent of 99 M.P.G. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/23/business/23leaf.html?_r=1&hpw |access-date=March 15, 2014}}</ref><ref name="USAT1124">{{Cite news |last=Meier |first=Fred |date=November 24, 2010 |title=Volt is rated 93 mpg on electricity alone, 37 mpg on gas generator |work=[[USA Today]] |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2010/11/volt-is-rated-93-mpg-on-electricity-alone-37-mpg-on-gas-generator/1 |access-date=March 15, 2014}}</ref>

In August 2007, Tesla dynamometer testing of a validation prototype on the EPA combined cycle yielded a range of {{convert|221|mi|abbr=on}} using 23.9&nbsp;kWh/100&nbsp;mi (149&nbsp;Wh/km) battery-to-wheel and 33.6&nbsp;kWh/100&nbsp;mi (209&nbsp;Wh/km) plug-to-wheel.<ref name="Tesla Motors 55" /><ref name="Tesla Motors 60">{{Cite web |last=Simpson |first=Andrew |date=September 24, 2007 |title=Where the Rubber Meets the Road |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/blog4/?p=60 |access-date=February 22, 2008 |quote=Mr. Simpson confirmed via email that "We do not quote station-to-wheel efficiency, but we do quote plug-to-wheel efficiency which includes all energy use downstream of the charging plug. For the most recent {{convert|221|mi|abbr=on}} range test, our plug-to-wheel efficiency was 336 Wh/mi".}}</ref>

In February 2008, Tesla reported improved plug-to-wheel efficiency after testing a validation prototype car at an EPA-certified location. Those tests yielded a range of {{convert|220|mi|abbr=on}} and a plug-to-wheel efficiency of 32.1&nbsp;kWh/100&nbsp;mi (199&nbsp;Wh/km).<ref name="Tesla home page Feb 2008">{{Cite web |title=Tesla Motors |url=http://www.teslamotors.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080626093212/http://teslamotors.com/ |archive-date=2008-06-26 |access-date=June 25, 2008 |quote=256 mpg equivalent*, 220 miles per charge*, less than 2¢ per mile*...* Range is based on our most recent testing with a Validation Prototype car at an EPA-certified location in February 2008. EPA range is subject to change pending future testing. Actual range will vary with driving style and conditions. Conversion from electric consumption to gallons of gasoline equivalent is calculated using the Department of Energy equivalence factor documented in the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 10, Part 474.}}</ref><ref name="Associated Press Newsbrief">{{Cite news |last=Rogers |first=John |date=May 2, 2008 |title=Tesla rolls out its long-awaited electric sports car |work=The Seattle Times |agency=Associated Press |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2004388491_apelectriccar.html |access-date=May 2, 2008}}</ref>

In August 2008, Tesla reported on testing with the new, single-speed gearbox and upgraded electronics of powertrain 1.5, which yielded an EPA range of {{convert|244|mi|abbr=on}} and an EPA combined cycle, plug-to-wheel efficiency of 28&nbsp;kWh/100&nbsp;mi (174&nbsp;Wh/km).<ref name="Tesla home page Sept 2008">{{Cite web |title=Tesla Motors |url=http://www.teslamotors.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081026050805/https://www.teslamotors.com/ |archive-date=2008-10-26 |access-date=October 29, 2008 |quote=*<nowiki>[244 mile]</nowiki> Range is based on our most recent testing with a Validation Prototype car at a location certified by the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA) in August 2008. EPA-certified electricity consumption is 28&nbsp;kWh per 100 miles (17&nbsp;kWh/100&nbsp;km) on EPA combined cycle. EPA range and electricity consumption are subject to change pending future testing. Actual range and electricity consumption will vary with driving conditions and charging location. <nowiki>[Pennies per mile]</nowiki> Cost calculated using average winter/summer PG&E schedule E-9 off-peak "rate A" tariff, as of March 1, 2007.}}</ref>

[[File:Testing the Tesla at Argonne National Laboratory (3).jpg|thumb|Roadster being tested through a driving cycle at [[Argonne National Laboratory]]'s two-wheel dynamometer. These tests helped researchers develop test procedures to evaluate [[fuel efficiency]] in electric vehicles in 2010.]]

In 2007, the Roadster's [[life cycle analysis|battery-to-wheel]] motor efficiency was reported as 88%<ref name="motor technology" /> to 90% on average and 80% at peak power.<ref name="2007 Roadster Specs">{{Cite web |title=2007 Tesla Roadster Technical Specifications |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/performance/tech_specs.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020043035/http://www.teslamotors.com/performance/tech_specs.php |archive-date=October 20, 2007 |access-date=February 25, 2011}}</ref> For comparison, [[internal combustion engine]]s have a tank-to-wheel efficiency of about 15%.<ref name="EPA FuelEconomy">{{Cite web |title=Advanced Technologies and Energy Efficiency |url=http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/atv.shtml |access-date=February 10, 2008 |publisher=US EPA}}</ref> Taking a more complete picture including the cost of energy drawn from its source, Tesla reports that their technology, assuming electricity generated from natural gas-burning power plants, has a high [[Tank-to-wheel|well-to-wheel]] efficiency of 1.14&nbsp;km per mega[[joule]], compared to 0.202&nbsp;km/MJ for gasoline-powered sports cars, 0.478&nbsp;km/MJ for gasoline-powered commuter cars, 0.556&nbsp;km/MJ for [[Hybrid electric vehicle|hybrid cars]], and 0.348&nbsp;km/MJ for hydrogen [[fuel cell vehicle]]s.<ref name="The 21st century Electric Car" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Using Energy Efficiently |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/goelectric/efficiency |access-date=February 25, 2011 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref>

=== Petroleum-equivalent efficiency ===
{{See also|electric car#Comparison with internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs)}}
{{Howto|section|date=June 2017|reason=Besides how-to instructions, this isn't specific to the Roadster. This applies to any BEV. Why is it here? }}

As the Roadster does not use gasoline, petroleum efficiency (MPG, L/100&nbsp;km) cannot be measured directly but instead is calculated using one of several equivalent methods:

A number comparable to the typical [[Monroney sticker]]'s "pump-to-wheel" fuel efficiency can be calculated based on regulations from the [[United States Department of Energy|DOE]] and its energy content for a U.S. gallon of gasoline of 33,705&nbsp;{{frac|Wh|gal}} (also called the [[Lower heating value|Lower Heating Value (LHV)]] of gasoline):<ref name="petroleum-equivalency" /><ref name="fueleconomy.gov">{{Cite web |year=2003 |title=fueleconomy.gov 2003 Toyota RAV4 EV |url=http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/compx2008f.jsp?year=2003&make=Toyota&model=RAV4%20EV&hiddenField=Findacar |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115024534/https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/compx2008f.jsp?year=2003&make=Toyota&model=RAV4%20EV&hiddenField=Findacar |archive-date=January 15, 2009 |access-date=May 11, 2009 |publisher=[[USDOE]] and [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]]}}</ref>

:<math>\frac{33705\,\frac{\mathrm{Wh}}{\mathrm{gal_{ge}}}}
       {135\,\frac{\mathrm{Wh}}{\mathrm{km}} \times \frac{1.6\, \mathrm{km}}{\mathrm{mi}}}
       \times 77.6 \% {\mathrm{_{charging\ eff.}}}= 120 \,\mathrm{mpg_{ge}} = 1.95 \frac{\mathrm{L_{ge}}}{100\, \mathrm{km}}</math>

For [[Corporate average fuel economy|CAFE]] regulatory purposes, the [[United States Department of Energy|DOE]]'s full petroleum-equivalency equation combines the primary energy efficiencies of the US [[electric power transmission|electric grid]] and the well-to-pump path with a "fuel content factor" that quantifies the value of conservation, scarcity of fuels, and energy security in the US.<ref name="petroleum-equivalency">{{Cite journal |date=July 12, 2000 |title=10 CFR Part 474, Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Research, Development, and Demonstration Program; Petroleum-Equivalent Fuel Economy Calculation; Final Rule |url=http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2000_register&docid=00-14446-filed.pdf |publisher=[[United States Department of Energy|U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)]], Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy |volume=64 |access-date=September 22, 2006 |number=113}}</ref> This combination yields a factor of 82,049&nbsp;{{frac|Wh|gal}} in the above equation and a regulatory fuel efficiency of 293 [[miles per gallon gasoline equivalent|mpg<sub>ge</sub>]]<sub>CAFE</sub>.

[[File:Roadster 2.5 charging.jpg|thumb|Tesla Roadster 2.5 charging from a conventional outlet]]

Recharging with electricity from the average US grid, the factor changes to 12,307&nbsp;{{frac|Wh|gal<sub>US</sub>}}<ref name="petroleum-equivalency" /> to remove the "fuel content factor"&nbsp;=&nbsp;{{frac|1|0.15}} and the above equation yields a [[life cycle energy analysis|full-cycle energy-equivalency]] of 44.0 mpg<sub>ge full-cycle</sub>. For full-cycle comparisons, the sticker or "pump-to-wheel" value from a gasoline-fueled vehicle must be multiplied by the fuel's "well-to-pump" efficiency; the DOE regulation specifies a "well-to-pump" efficiency of 83% for gasoline.<ref name="petroleum-equivalency" /> The [[Prius]]'s sticker<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 10, 2006 |title=Model 1 Vehicle Characteristics |url=http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/compx2008f.jsp?year=2008&make=Toyota&model=Prius&hiddenField=Findacar |access-date=June 21, 2011 |publisher=Fueleconomy.gov}}</ref> {{convert|46|mpgus|abbr=on}}, for example, converts to a full-cycle energy-equivalent of 38.2 mpg<sub>full-cycle</sub>.<ref name="petroleum-equivalency" />

Recharging with electricity generated by newer, 58% efficiency [[Combined cycle|CCGT]] power plants,<ref name="DOE Top Power Project">{{Cite news |date=December 30, 2003 |title=Advanced Natural Gas Turbine Hailed as Top Power Project of 2003 |publisher=[[United States Department of Energy|DOE]] |url=http://www.fossil.energy.gov/news/techlines/2003/tl_baglanbay.html |access-date=March 14, 2007}}</ref> changes the factor to 21,763&nbsp;{{frac|Wh|gal}}<ref name="petroleum-equivalency" /> in the above equation and yields a fuel efficiency of 77.7 mpg<sub>ge</sub>.

Recharging with non-fossil fuel electricity sources such as [[hydroelectricity|hydroelectric]], [[solar power]], [[wind power|wind]] or [[nuclear power|nuclear]], the petroleum equivalent efficiency can be even higher as fossil fuel is not directly used in refueling.<ref name="fueleconomy.gov evtech">{{Cite web |title=Electric Vehicles (EVs) |url=http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/evtech.shtml |access-date=June 9, 2009 |publisher=Fueleconomy.gov}}</ref>

== Service ==
Whereas vehicles with internal combustion engines require more frequent service for oil changes and routine maintenance on engine components and other related systems, Tesla's website recommends the owner bring the vehicle in for service "once a year or every 12,000 [[mile]]s".<ref name="tesla">{{Cite web |title=Service Everywhere {{pipe}} Own a Tesla {{pipe}} Tesla Motors |url=https://www.teslamotors.com/own/service |access-date=August 7, 2010 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref> For other concerns with vehicles, Tesla created a "mobile service unit" that dispatches company-trained technicians to customers' homes or offices in case the owner is experiencing problems. Tesla charges the customer according to the distance the service unit needs to travel: one US dollar per mile roundtrip with a 100-dollar minimum.<ref name="tesla" /> Technicians drive company vans equipped with numerous tools and testing equipment to do "in the field" repairs, enhancements and software upgrades. Tesla debuted this "house call" approach in the spring of 2009, when the company announced a recall due to a manufacturing problem in the Lotus assembly plant, which also affected the Lotus Elise and other models from the British sports car maker.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Press Releases |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=1376 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611150607/http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=1376 |archive-date=June 11, 2009 |access-date=August 30, 2009 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref>

The first Tesla service center, in Los Angeles, [[California]], was opened on [[Santa Monica Boulevard]] on May 1, 2008.<ref name="AutoblogGreen 2008-05-02">{{Cite web |last=Abuelsamid |first=Sam |date=May 2, 2008 |title=First Tesla store opens in Santa Monica, now we just need some cars |url=http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/05/02/first-tesla-store-opens-in-santa-monica-now-we-just-need-some-c/}}</ref> Tesla publicly opened their second showroom and service area in [[Menlo Park, California]] on July 22, 2008. The Menlo Park location is also the final assembly area for Tesla Roadsters. Tesla also operates service centers in [[New York City]], [[Miami]], [[Chicago]], and [[Seattle]].{{Citation needed|date=April 2021}}

In 2007, Tesla announced plans to build additional service centers over the following few years to support sales of its next vehicle, the [[Tesla Model S|Model S sports sedan]]. This included an additional 15 service centers in United States major metropolitan locations.<ref name="Pogue2007">{{Cite news |last=Pogue |first=David |date=April 5, 2007 |title=Solving the Car Propulsion Problem |work=The New York Times |url=http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/04/05/solving-the-car-propulsion-problem/}}</ref> Possible locations for sales and service locations in Europe were announced in a letter to customers in May 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Motors |first=Tesla |date=May 15, 2008 |title=Program Update {{pipe}} Blog |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/blog2/?p=59 |access-date=April 18, 2011 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref>

=== Recalls ===
{{As of|2017|05}}, Tesla has issued two product safety recalls for the Roadster.<ref name="SalesModelX042016">{{Cite news |last=Fehrenbacher |first=Katie |date=April 11, 2016 |title=Tesla Recalls 2,700 Model X Cars for Seat Problem |work=Fortune |url=http://fortune.com/2016/04/11/tesla-recalls-2700-model-x-cars-for-seat-problem/ |access-date=April 12, 2016}}</ref>

In May 2009, Tesla issued a recall for 345 Roadsters manufactured before April 22, 2009. Tesla sent technicians to customers' homes to tighten the rear, inner hub flange bolts. Using wording from the [[National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration]], Tesla told customers that without this adjustment, the driver could lose control of the car.<ref name="hub nuts recall">{{Cite web |last=Ashe |first=Suzanne |date=May 28, 2009 |title=Tesla Motors recalls electric Roadster |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10251758-48.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029155657/http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10251758-48.html |archive-date=October 29, 2013 |access-date=January 11, 2013 |website=CNET}}</ref> The problem originated at the [[Lotus Cars|Lotus]] assembly line, where the Roadster glider was built. Lotus also recalled some [[Lotus Elise|Elise]] and [[Lotus Exige|Exige]] vehicles for the same reason.<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=2009 Lotus Elise Recalls—2009 Lotus Elise Recall Reports |url=http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2009/lotus/elise/recalls/index.html |url-status=dead |magazine=Motor Trend |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091011232810/http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2009/lotus/elise/recalls/index.html |archive-date=October 11, 2009 |access-date=October 25, 2009}}</ref>

On October 1, 2010, Tesla issued a second product safety recall in the US affecting 439 Roadsters. The recall involved the 12&nbsp;V low-voltage auxiliary cable from a redundant back-up system. The recall followed an incident where the low voltage auxiliary cable in a vehicle chafed against the edge of a carbon fiber panel, causing a short, smoke and a possible fire behind the right front headlamp. This issue was limited to the 12&nbsp;V low-voltage auxiliary cable and did not involve the main battery pack or main power system.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Tesla Initiates Voluntary Recall After Single Customer Incident |date=October 1, 2010 |publisher=Tesla Motors |url=http://www.tesla.com/about/press/releases/tesla-initiates-voluntary-recall-after-single-customer-incident |access-date=October 20, 2010}}</ref>

== Reviews ==
Tesla Roadster reviews can be grouped in two main categories: older reviews of "validation prototypes" (2006–2008), before Tesla began serial production and customer deliveries, and reviews on cars in serial production (2008–2010).{{Citation needed|date=April 2021}}

The global online auto review site Autoguide.com tested Tesla's fourth-generation car in October 2010. Autoguide editor Derek Kreindler said "The Tesla Roadster 2.5 S is a massively impressive vehicle, more spacecraft than sports car. Theories like global warming, peak oil and rising oil prices should no longer bring heart palpitations to car fans. The Tesla shows just how good zero-emissions 'green' technology can be. Quite frankly, getting into a normal car at the end of the test drive was a major letdown. The whirr of the engine, the shove in the backside and the little roadster that seems to pivot around you is replaced by a grunting, belching, feedback-free driving experience". He continues on that "but for a $100,000 car, it could use some work" complaining of purposefully cheap work.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 12, 2010 |title=2011 Tesla Roadster 2.5 S Review: Car Reviews |url=http://www.autoguide.com/manufacturer/tesla/2011-tesla-roadster-25-s-review-1444.html |access-date=April 18, 2011 |publisher=Autoguide.com}}</ref>

In the March 2010 print edition of British enthusiast magazine ''EVO'' (p.&nbsp;120), editor Richard Meaden was the first to review the all-new right-hand-drive version of the Roadster. He said the car had "serious, instantaneous muscle". "With so much torque from literally no revs the acceleration punch is wholly alien. Away from traffic lights you'd murder anything, be it a 911 Turbo, GT-R or 599, simply because while they have to mess about with balancing revs and clutch, or fiddle with launch controls and invalid warranties, all you have to do is floor the throttle and wave goodbye".

In December 2009, ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' editor Joseph White conducted an extended test-drive and determined that "you can have enormous fun within the legal speed limit as you whoosh around unsuspecting Camry drivers, zapping from 40 to 60 miles per hour in two seconds while the startled victims eat your electric dust". White praised the car's environmental efficiency but said consumer demand reflected not the environmental attributes of the car but its performance. "The Tesla turns the frugal environmentalist aesthetic on its head. Sure, it doesn't burn petroleum, and if plugged into a wind turbine or a nuclear plant, it would be a very low-carbon machine. But anyone who buys one will get the most satisfaction from smoking someone's doors off. The Tesla's message is that 'green' technology can appeal to the id, not just the superego".<ref>{{Cite news |last=White |first=Joseph B. |date=December 16, 2009 |title=The Surge in Electric Cars |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704201404574589900770542192}}</ref>

In December 2009, ''Motor Trend'' was the first to independently confirm the Roadster Sport's reported {{convert|0|to|60|mph|abbr=on}} time of 3.7 seconds. (''Motor Trend'' recorded {{convert|0|to|60|mph|abbr=on}} of 3.70 seconds; it recorded a quarter-mile test at 12.6 sec at {{convert|102.6|mph|abbr=on}}.) Engineering editor Kim Reynolds called the acceleration "breathtaking" and said the car confirms "Tesla as an actual car company. ...Tesla is the first maker to crack the EV legitimacy barrier in a century".<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=2010 Tesla Roadster Sport Specs |url=http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/alternative/112_0912_2010_tesla_roadster_sport_test/specs.html#ixzz0b8yiYKO0 |magazine=Motor Trend |access-date=October 9, 2010}}</ref>

In November 2009, ''Automobile Magazine West Coast'' editor [[Jason Cammisa]] spent a week driving a production Tesla Roadster.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 Electric Tesla Roadster – Electric Convertible Sport Coupe  |url=http://www.automobilemag.com/green/reviews/0911_2009_tesla_roadster_electric_car/index.html |access-date=October 9, 2010 |work=Automobile Magazine}}</ref> Cammisa was immediately impressed with the acceleration, saying the car "explodes off the line, pulling like a small jet plane. ... It's like driving a Lamborghini with a big V-12 revved over 6000 rpm at all times, waiting to pounce—without the noise, vibration, or misdemeanor arrest for disturbing the peace". He also took the car to [[Infineon Raceway]] in Sonoma, California, and praised the car for its robustness, saying the Roadster:

<blockquote>wins the Coolest Car I've Ever Driven award. Why? Despite the flat-out sprints, the drag racing, the donuts, the top-speed runs, and dicing through traffic like there's a jet pack strapped to the trunk, [[Pacific Gas and Electric Company|Pacific Gas and Electric]]—which generated power for the Tesla—released into the atmosphere the same amount of carbon dioxide as would a gasoline-powered car getting 99 mpg. And the Roadster didn't break. It didn't smoke, lock up, freeze, or experience [[Flux capacitor|flux-capacitor]] failure. Over the past ten decades, no company has been able to reinvent the car—not General Motors with the [[General Motors EV1|EV1]], not Toyota with the Prius. And now, a bunch of dudes from Silicon Valley have created an electric car that really works—as both an environmental fix and a speed fix</blockquote>

In 2009 the Tesla Roadster was one of the Scandinavian Sports Car of the Year participants. In a comparison made by Nordic car magazines ''[[Tekniikan Maailma]]'' (Finland), ''[[Teknikens Värld]]'' (Sweden) and ''[[Bil Magasinet]]'' (Denmark), critics praised the torque of the car and a track car structure, but also highlighted more negative aspects such as a short battery life; they were unable to drive a full track lap in dry track conditions.<ref name="tekniikanmaailma.fi">{{Cite web |year=2009 |title=Scandinavian Sports Car of the Year 2009 |url=http://tekniikanmaailma.fi/autot/vertailut/tm-vertailu-scandinavian-sports-car-of-the-year-2009 |access-date=March 30, 2011 |website=tekniikanmaailma.fi |language=fi}}</ref>

In May 2009, ''[[Car and Driver]]'' technical editor Aaron Robinson wrote a review based on the first extended test-drive of a production Tesla Roadster. Robinson had the car for nearly a week at his home. He complained of "design anomalies, daily annoyances, absurd ergonomics, and ridiculous economics" and stated he never got to see if the car could go 240 miles on a single charge because the torturous seating forced him to stop driving the car. He also complained of Tesla increasing the car prices on those who had already made deposits and charging extra for previously free necessary components.<ref>[http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/09q2/2009_tesla_roadster-road_test "2009 Tesla Roadster – Road Test"], ''Car and Driver'', May 2009. Retrieved August 23, 2009.</ref>

In February 2009, automotive critic Dan Neil of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' called the production Tesla Roadster "a superb piece of machinery: stiff, well sorted, highly focused, dead-sexy and eerily quick". Neil said he had the car for 24 hours but "caned it like the Taliban caned Gillette salesmen and it never even blinked".<ref>Neil, Dan. [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-feb-06-fi-neil6-story.html "Tesla Roadster packs power in a flash of electricity"], ''Los Angeles Times'', February 6, 2009. Retrieved August 23, 2009.</ref>

In February 2009, ''[[Road & Track]]'' tested another production vehicle and conducted the first independently verified metered testing of the Roadster. Engineering editor Dennis Simanitis said the testing confirmed what he called "extravagant claims", that the Roadster had a 4.0 s {{convert|0|to|60|mph|abbr=on}} acceleration and a {{convert|200|mi|adj=on}} range. They said the Roadster felt like "an over-ballasted [[Lotus Elise]]", but the weight was well-distributed, so the car remained responsive. "Fit and finish of our Tesla were exemplary", which ''Road & Track'' thought fit the target market. Overall, they considered it a "delight" to drive.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=February 2009 |title=World Exclusive: First Complete Test of the 2009 Tesla Roadster |url=http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=10&article_id=7297&page_number=2 |url-status=dead |magazine=Road & Track |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222054756/http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=10&article_id=7297&page_number=2 |archive-date=December 22, 2008 |access-date=December 21, 2008}}</ref> Testing a pre-production car in early 2008, ''Road & Track'' said "The Tesla feels composed and competent at speed with great turn-in and transitioning response", though they recommended against it as a "primary grocery-getter".<ref name="rt">{{Cite magazine |date=March 2008 |title=First Drive: 2008 Tesla Roadster |url=http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=2&article_id=6393 |url-status=dead |magazine=Road & Track |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080306115842/http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=2&article_id=6393 |archive-date=March 6, 2008 |access-date=March 21, 2008}}</ref>

In January 2009, automotive critic Warren Brown of ''[[The Washington Post]]'' called the production Roadster "a head-turner, jaw-dropper. It is sexy as all get-out". He described the feeling behind the wheel as, "Wheeeeeee! Drive a Tesla, even if you have to fly to Tesla's Menlo Park, Calif., headquarters, to get your hands on one for a day. ... If this is the future of the automobile, I want it".<ref>Brown, Warren. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/23/AR2009012301591.html A Jaw-Dropping Ride, Batteries Included], ''Washington Post'', January 25, 2009. Retrieved August 23, 2009.</ref>

In a review of a Roadster prototype before the cars were in serial production, ''[[Motor Trend]]'' gave a generally favorable review in March 2008, stating that, it was "undeniably, unbelievably efficient" and would be "profoundly humbling to just about any rumbling Ferrari or Porsche that makes the mistake of pulling up next to a silent, {{convert|105|mpgus|abbr=on}} Tesla Roadster at a stoplight"; they nonetheless detected a "nasty drive-train buck" during the test drive of an early Roadster with the older, two-speed transmission.<ref name="mt">{{Cite magazine |title=First Drive: 2008 Tesla Roadster |url=http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/alternative/112_0803_2008_tesla_roadster/index.html |url-status=dead |magazine=Motor Trend |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805010747/http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/alternative/112_0803_2008_tesla_roadster/index.html |archive-date=August 5, 2011 |access-date=March 21, 2008}}</ref>

In a July 8, 2007, review of a prototype Roadster, [[Jay Leno]] wrote, "If you like sports cars and you want to be green, this is the only way to go. The Tesla is a car that you can live with, drive and enjoy as a sports car. I had a brief drive in the car and it was quite impressive. This is an electric car that is fun to drive".<ref name="Times Online UK">{{Cite news |last=Leno |first=Jay |author-link=Jay Leno |date=July 8, 2007 |title=Tesla Roadster&nbsp;– The most fun you can have without fuel |work=The Sunday Times |location=London |url=http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/new_car_reviews/article2036260.ece?OTC-HPtoppuff&ATTR=tesla|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505075809/http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/new_car_reviews/article2036260.ece?OTC-HPtoppuff&ATTR=tesla|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 5, 2013}}</ref>

In a November 27, 2006, review of a prototype Roadster in ''[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]'', Paul Boutin wrote, "A week ago, I went for a spin in the fastest, most fun car I've ever ridden in—and that includes the Aston Martin I tried to buy once. I was so excited, in fact, that I decided to take a few days to calm down before writing about it. Well, my waiting period is over, I'm thinking rationally, and I'm still unbelievably stoked about the Tesla".<ref name="Slate">{{Cite web |last=Boutin |first=Paul |date=November 27, 2006 |title=It's Electric! The Tesla Roadster—a hotshot sports car that runs on batteries |url=http://www.slate.com/id/2154425/ |publisher=www.Slate.com}}</ref>

=== ''Top Gear'' controversy ===

In the third quarter of 2008, [[Top Gear (2002 TV series)|''Top Gear'']]'s [[Jeremy Clarkson]] reviewed two production Roadsters with the v1.5 transmission and described the driving experience with the exclamations "God Almighty! Wave goodbye to dial-up, and say hello to the world of broadband motoring!" and "This car is biblically quick!" when comparing the acceleration versus the car the Roadster was based on, a [[Lotus Elise]]. Clarkson also noted, however, that the handling of the car was not as sharp as that of the Elise: "through the corners things are less rosy".<ref name="Clarkson2009">{{Cite news |last=Clarkson |first=Jeremy |date=January 11, 2009 |title=Tesla Roadster |work=The Sunday Times |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/jeremy_clarkson/article5483422.ece |url-status=dead |access-date=August 29, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629150141/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/jeremy_clarkson/article5483422.ece |archive-date=June 29, 2011}}</ref>
The segment also claimed that the car's batteries would run flat after {{convert|55|mi|abbr=on}} of heavy use on a track<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Squatriglia |first=Chuck |date=February 23, 2012 |title=Judge Tosses Tesla's Case Against Top Gear |url=https://www.wired.com/autopia/2012/02/tesla-vs-top-gear/ |magazine=Wired}}</ref> and showed the car being pushed off the track.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Halliday |first=Josh |date=March 5, 2013 |title=Top Gear row: Tesla loses appeal over Jeremy Clarkson review |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/mar/05/top-gear-tesla-jeremy-clarkson |website=the Guardian}}</ref>

Tesla spokesperson responded with statements in blogs and to mainstream news organizations that the cars provided to ''Top Gear'' never had less than 20% charge and never experienced brake failure.<ref name="Squatriglia 2008">{{Cite web |last=Squatriglia |first=Chuck |date=December 16, 2008 |title=Tesla Cries Foul On Top Gear's Test |url=https://www.wired.com/autopia/2008/12/tesla-cries-fou/ |access-date=August 30, 2009 |website=Wired.com}}</ref>
In addition, neither car provided to ''Top Gear'' needed to be pushed off the track at any point.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 15, 2009 |title="Tesla Roadster Reviewed by Jeremy Clarkson Didn't Run Out of Juice as He Claimed" Green Car Advisor |url=http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2008/12/tesla-roadster-reviewed-by-jeremy-clarkson-didnt-run-out-of-juice-as-he-claimed.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326082224/http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2008/12/tesla-roadster-reviewed-by-jeremy-clarkson-didnt-run-out-of-juice-as-he-claimed.html |archive-date=March 26, 2009 |access-date=August 30, 2009 |publisher=Blogs.edmunds.com}}</ref>
Clarkson also showed a [[wind turbine]] with stationary rotor blades and complained that it would take countless hours to refuel the car using such a source of electricity, although the car can be charged from a 240&nbsp;V 70&nbsp;A outlet in as little as 3.5&nbsp;hours.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 16, 2008 |title=Tesla clears up some of Clarkson's claims during Tesla Roadster test drive |url=http://www.egmcartech.com/2008/12/16/tesla-clears-up-some-of-clarksons-calims-during-tesla-roadster-test-drive/ |access-date=May 5, 2009 |publisher=egmCarTech}}</ref><ref name="Squatriglia 2008" />
After numerous blogs and several large news organizations began following the controversy,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chang |first=Richard S. |date=December 30, 2008 |title=Was 'Top Gear' Test of the Tesla Misleading? |work=The New York Times |url=http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/30/was-top-gears-test-of-tesla-roadster-misleading/ |access-date=August 30, 2009}}</ref> the BBC issued a statement saying "the tested Tesla was filmed being pushed into the shed in order to show what would happen if the Roadster had run out of charge. ''Top Gear'' stands by the findings in this film and is content that it offers a fair representation of the Tesla's performance on the day it was tested", without addressing the other alleged misrepresentations that Tesla highlighted to the media.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Alun |date=December 22, 2008 |title=BBC: Top Gear Tesla didn't run out of juice |url=http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/12/22/bbc_top_gear_tesla/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418025022/http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/12/22/bbc_top_gear_tesla/ |archive-date=April 18, 2009 |access-date=May 5, 2009 |publisher=Register Hardware}}</ref>
After several weeks of increasing pressure and inquiries from the BBC, Clarkson wrote a blog entry for ''[[The Times]]'', acknowledging that "Inevitably, the film we had shot was a bit of a mess. There was a handful of shots of a silver car. Some of a grey car". "But as a device for moving you and your things around, it is about as much use as a bag of muddy spinach".<ref name="Clarkson2009" /> In the months that followed Clarkson's acknowledgment, the original episode—including the misstatements—reran on BBC America and elsewhere without any editing.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}

On March 29, 2011, Tesla sued the programme over [[Defamation|libel]] and [[malicious falsehood]], while simultaneously launching the website TeslaVsTopGear.com. The current position of Tesla is found on its web page.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 11, 2013 |title=tesla vs Top Gear |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/teslavstopgear |access-date=February 11, 2013 |publisher=www.teslamotors.com}}</ref>
In a blogpost, producer [[Andy Wilman]] has referred to Tesla's allegations as a "crusade" and contested the truth value of Tesla's statements.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilman |first=Andy |date=April 2, 2011 |title=Transmission – BBC Top Gear Tesla vs Top Gear: Andy Wilman on our current legal action |url=http://transmission.blogs.topgear.com/2011/04/02/tesla-vs-top-gear-andy-wilman-on-our-current-legal-action/ |access-date=April 18, 2011 |publisher=Transmission.blogs.topgear.com}}</ref>
On October 19, 2011, the [[High Court]] in London rejected Tesla's libel claim.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 21, 2011 |title=Tesla losing Top Gear court challenge |work=The Independent |url=http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/industry-news/tesla-losing-top-gear-court-challenge-1.1162112 |access-date=October 21, 2011}}</ref>
Tesla appealed High Court's decision to the Court of Appeal, where a three-judge panel of Lords Justice upheld the lower court's decision, and ordered Tesla to pay the BBC's legal costs of £100,000.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 5, 2013 |title=Top Gear row: Tesla loses appeal over Jeremy Clarkson review |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/mar/05/top-gear-tesla-jeremy-clarkson |access-date=November 4, 2013}}</ref>

== Sales ==
Tesla delivered approximately 2,450 Roadsters worldwide between February 2008 and December 2012.<ref name="Roadster2450" /><ref name="SalesJune2012" /><ref name="Tesla3Q2012" /> Featuring new options and enhanced features, the 2012 Tesla Roadster was sold in limited numbers only in mainland Europe, Asia and Australia, and as of July 2012, less than 140 units were available for sale in Europe and Asia before the remaining inventory would be sold out.<ref name="SalesJune2012" /> Tesla's US exemption for not having special two-stage passenger airbags expired for cars made after the end of 2011 so the last Roadsters were not sold in the American market for [[government regulation|regulatory]] reasons.<ref name="SalesJune2012" /><ref name="TRSalesDec11" /><ref name="LastSales" /> The U.S. was the leading market with about 1,800 Roadsters sold.<ref name="Top6Global2013">{{Cite web |last=Cobb |first=Jeff |date=January 16, 2014 |title=Top 6 Plug-In Vehicle Adopting Countries |url=http://www.hybridcars.com/top-6-plug-in-car-adopting-countries/7/ |access-date=August 29, 2016 |publisher=HybridCars.com}} ''Around 1,800 Tesla Roadsters and 1,600 Fisker Karmas had been sold in the U.S. by the end of 2013.''</ref> There were fewer than 50 right-hand-drive models of the Tesla Roadster produced and hand built in the UK.{{Citation needed|date=April 2021}}

=== United States ===
[[File:TSLA S1 zoom in.jpg|thumb|Roadster with California's Clean Air Vehicle stickers (at the extremes of the bumper) that allows access to [[HOV lanes]] with solo driver]]

The Roadster had a three-year, {{convert|36000|mi|adj=on}} warranty. Tesla also offered an extended powertrain warranty and a battery replacement warranty.{{Citation needed|date=April 2021}}

In July 2009, Tesla announced that US consumers could finance the Roadster through [[Bank of America]]. Financing was available for up to 75% of the total vehicle purchase price.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Press Releases |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=1568 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090718112150/http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=1568 |archive-date=July 18, 2009 |access-date=August 30, 2009 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=April 2021}}

Tesla sold Roadsters directly to customers. It sold them online, in 13 showrooms and over the phone in North America and Europe. Tesla does not operate through franchise dealerships but operates company-owned stores. The company said that it took its retail cues from Apple, Starbucks and other non-automotive retailers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Seven new Tesla stores will open soon; one Roadster makes it to Yosemite |url=http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/seven-new-tesla-stores-will-open-soon-one-roadster-makes-it-to |website=Autoblog.com}}</ref>

=== Outside the United States ===
[[File:Tesla Roadster Japanese display.jpg|thumb|Roadster charging in a Japanese showroom]]

The company has been shipping cars to European customers since mid-2009. Tesla sold out of its EU special-edition vehicle, which had a 2010 model-year production run of 250 cars.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 2, 2008 |title=Tesla to sell electric cars in Europe |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/721ce1de-0059-11dd-825a-000077b07658.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221211231206/https://www.ft.com/content/721ce1de-0059-11dd-825a-000077b07658 |archive-date=December 11, 2022 |access-date=June 9, 2009 |website=Financial Times }}</ref> A total of 575 units have been sold in Europe through October 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aschard |first=Justin |date=November 30, 2012 |title=Inmatriculations VP et VUL Europe 18 à fin Oct. (2010–2012) 2012 |trans-title=Registrations of passenger cars and utility vehicles in Europe 18 through October 2012 (2010–2012) |url=http://www.france-mobilite-electrique.org/IMG/pdf/12_EUROPE_18.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020041611/http://www.france-mobilite-electrique.org/IMG/pdf/12_EUROPE_18.pdf |archive-date=October 20, 2013 |access-date=December 5, 2012 |publisher=France Mobilité Électrique |language=fr}}</ref>

Tesla first overseas showroom opened in London in 2009, with right-hand-drive models promised for early 2010.<ref name="righthand" /> Showrooms in Munich and Monaco were also added in 2009, followed by Zurich and Copenhagen in 2010 and Milan in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 15, 2003 |title=Tesla apre a Milano |url=http://www.omniauto.it/magazine/14826/tesla-roadster-apre-a-milano-showroom |access-date=June 21, 2011 |publisher=Omniauto.it}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=A tu per tu con Elon Musk, l'uomo-Tesla |url=http://www.alvolante.it/news/elon_musk_tesla-407946 |access-date=June 21, 2011 |publisher=Alvolante.it}}</ref> Reservations for the 2010 Roadster were available for a €3,000 refundable reservation fee.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Prigg |first=Mark |date=August 21, 2008 |title=The Green Mean Machine |work=The Evening Standard |location=London |url=http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=101846&topicId=104970025&docId=l:840211257 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 22, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207181849/http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=101846&topicId=104970025&docId=l:840211257 |archive-date=February 7, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 6, 2007 |title=Tesla Motors |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/buy/resyourcar.php |access-date=June 9, 2009 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref>

From 2009 to 2014, Hansjoerg von Gemmingen of Karlsruhe, Germany drove his Tesla Roadster {{convert|400000|km|abbr=on|adj=on}}, this being the mileage world record for an all-electric vehicle<ref>{{Cite news |last=Grünweg |first=Tom |date=May 8, 2012 |title=200,000 Kilometer im Tesla Roadster |language=de |trans-title=200,000 km in the Tesla Roadster |work=Der Spiegel |url=http://www.spiegel.de/auto/aktuell/200-000-kilometer-mit-dem-elektroauto-tesla-roadster-a-831761.html |access-date=June 30, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Nils Victor |first=Sorge |date=October 16, 2014 |title=Manager Magazin |url=http://www.manager-magazin.de/lifestyle/auto/interview-mit-tesla-roadster-vielfahrer-hansjoerg-von-gemmingen-a-996916.html |access-date=December 28, 2017}}</ref> and reached {{convert|520000|km|abbr=on|adj=on}} in 2017. He also drove another {{convert|200000|km|abbr=on|adj=on}} in a Tesla Model S and voiced his plan to become the first man to travel a million kilometres in an electric vehicle.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 10, 2017 |title=Der Marathon-Kilometer-Mann |language=de |trans-title=The Marathon Kilometer Man |work=Unterwegs auf der Autobahn |location=Germany |url=http://unterwegs-auf-der-autobahn.de/der-marathon-kilometer-mann |access-date=January 28, 2018}}</ref>

Kevin Yu, the director of Tesla Motors Asia Pacific, said Roadsters in Japan had additional yearly taxes for exceeding the width limit of [[Vehicle size class#Japan|normal sized]] cars.{{Citation needed|date=April 2021}}

=== Pricing complaints ===

In 2009, Roadster reservation holders who had already placed deposits up to US$50,000 (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=50000|start_year=2009}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) to lock in their orders were informed that their orders had been unlocked and that they had to re-option their ordered vehicles on the threat of losing their spot on the orders list. Tesla then raised the prices of several options, and a new Tesla Roadster with the same set of features that had previously been standard became US$6,700 more expensive than before.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Korzeniewski |first=Jeremy |date=January 20, 2009 |title=Tesla raises prices on Roadster options, sparks controversy, anger among early adopters |work=Autoblog |url=http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/20/tesla-raises-prices-on-roadster-options-sparks-controversy-ang/ |access-date=April 18, 2017}}</ref> For example, the high performance charger that was previously claimed to be standard on all vehicles was changed to be an optional feature costing US$3,000, and the previously claimed standard forged alloy wheels became a US$2,300 upgrade.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Saxton |first=Tom |date=January 15, 2009 |title=Tesla Increases Prices on Locked-In Orders |url=http://www.saxton.org/tom_saxton/2009/01/tesla-price-increase.html |access-date=April 18, 2017}}</ref> One person who pre-ordered a Tesla Roadster complained:

{{blockquote|I am [pre-ordered owner] number 395. I am not a rich person dabbling in a plaything. I thought I was actually doing some good by supporting a company that was moving us to a more sustainable future. I put $50,000 of my own money down on this car in May of 2007. I withstood the delays. I held in there when it almost seemed the company was going bankrupt. Now, after locking in my options, they pull this on me.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-01-17 |title=Bad PR: Tesla Forces Pre-Ordered Roadster Owners to Pay More |url=https://forcechange.com/1881/bad-pr-tesla-forces-pre-ordered-roadster-owners-to-pay-more/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419191912/https://forcechange.com/1881/bad-pr-tesla-forces-pre-ordered-roadster-owners-to-pay-more/ |archive-date=2017-04-19 |access-date=2021-01-10 |website=Force Change}}</ref>}}

== Awards ==
The world distance record of {{convert|501|km|abbr=on}} for a production electric car on a single charge was set by a Roadster on October 27, 2009, during the Global Green Challenge in outback Australia, in which it averaged a speed of {{convert|25|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite news |last=tsport100 |date=January 5, 2011 |title=New World Record: Tesla Roadster Goes 347.2 Miles On One Charge |work=Electric Vehicle News |url=http://electric-vehicles-cars-bikes.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-world-record-tesla-roadster-goes.html |access-date=April 18, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Internode Electric Tesla sets world distance record in 2009 Global Green Challenge |url=http://www.globalgreenchallenge.com.au/assets/media/event/TESLA%20WORLD%20RECORD%20IN%20GLOBAL%20GREEN%20CHALLENGE.doc |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827075230/http://www.globalgreenchallenge.com.au/assets/media/event/TESLA%20WORLD%20RECORD%20IN%20GLOBAL%20GREEN%20CHALLENGE.doc |archive-date=August 27, 2018 |access-date=November 3, 2009 |publisher=Global Green Challenge}}</ref> In March 2010, a Tesla Roadster became the first electric vehicle to win the Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally and the first to win any Federation Internationale de l'Automobile-sanctioned championship when a Roadster driven by former Formula One driver [[Érik Comas]] beat 96 competitors for range, efficiency and performance in the three-day, nearly {{convert|1,000|km|mi|adj=on}} challenge.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Tesla Sweeps Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally |date=March 29, 2010 |publisher=Tesla Motors |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/about/press/releases/tesla-sweeps-monte-carlo-alternative-energy-rally |access-date=October 9, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911065827/http://www.teslamotors.com/about/press/releases/tesla-sweeps-monte-carlo-alternative-energy-rally |archive-date=September 11, 2012}}</ref>

* [[INDEX: Award]] 2007<ref name="INDEX Awared">{{Cite web|url=http://www.indexaward.dk/2007/default.asp?id=709&Article=847&Folder=847|title=INDEX Award 2007}}</ref>
* ''[[BusinessWeek]]'': Best Product Design of 2007, Ecodesign<ref name="BusinessWeek">{{Cite web |title=Best Product Design of 2007, Ecodesign |url=http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_31/b4044401.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070826210947/http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_31/b4044401.htm |archive-date=August 26, 2007}}</ref>
* ''[[Forbes]]'': Best Cars 2006: New car that best lived up to the Hype<ref>{{Cite web |title=Forbes honors Tesla for remaining true to its promise |url=http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/14/forbes-honors-tesla-for-remaining-true-to-its-promise |website=Autoblog.com}}</ref>
* ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'': Best Inventions 2008 – Transportation Invention<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=October 29, 2008 |title=TIME Best Inventions 2008 |url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1852747_1854195_1854114,00.html |url-status=dead |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081102044425/http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1852747_1854195_1854114,00.html |archive-date=November 2, 2008 |access-date=June 9, 2009}}</ref>
* ''Time'': Best Inventions 2006 – Transportation Invention<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=TIME Best Inventions 2006 |url=http://www.time.com/time/2006/techguide/bestinventions/ |url-status=dead |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091210194005/http://www.time.com/time/2006/techguide/bestinventions/ |archive-date=December 10, 2009 |access-date=June 9, 2009}}</ref>
* ''[[Popular Mechanics]]'': Breakthrough Awards 2006<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Ward |first=Logan |date=November 2006 |title=BREAKTHROUGH AWARDS 2006: Innovators Martin Eberhard and Team |url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/research/4212847.html |magazine=[[Popular Mechanics]] |access-date=January 23, 2008}}</ref>
* [[Global Green USA]]: Product/Industrial Design<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Tesla Motors Receives 'Environmental Leadership' Award from Global Green USA |date=October 17, 2006 |publisher=Tesla Motors |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=190 |access-date=January 23, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Awards |url=http://www.globalgreen.org/awards/secure_sustainable.html |access-date=January 23, 2008 |publisher=[[Global Green USA]]}}</ref>
* ''[[CarDomain]]'': People's Choice: Most Exciting 2007 Car Launch<ref>{{Cite web |title=CarDomain Car Blog: People's Choice! |url=http://blog.cardomain.com/blog/2006/11/peoples_choice.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080518185946/http://blog.cardomain.com/blog/2006/11/peoples_choice.html |archive-date=May 18, 2008 |access-date=June 9, 2009 |publisher=Blog.cardomain.com}}</ref>
*2009 Best Green Exotic, ''[[duPont]] REGISTRY''<ref name="DuPontAward">{{Cite web |last=Ramsey |first=Jonathon |date=October 9, 2008 |title=duPont Registry's 11 "Best of" cars set horsepower, price records |url=http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/dupont-registrys-11-best-of-cars-set-horsepower-price-record/ |access-date=March 20, 2008 |website=[[Autoblog.com|Autoblog]] |publisher=[[Weblogs, Inc.]]}}</ref>

== Space launch ==
{{Main|Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster}}
[[File:Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster (40143096241).jpg|thumb|Roadster in space, prior to departing Earth orbit, with "Starman" mannequin sitting at the wheel|alt=Large circular disc of a fully illuminated planet Earth floating in the blackness of space. In front of Earth is a red convertible sports-car seen from the side. A humanoid figure wearing a white-and-black spacesuit is seated in the driving seat with the right-arm holding the steering wheel, and the left-arm resting on the top of the car door.]]

In December 2017, Elon Musk announced that his personal Tesla Roadster, sn:686, would be launched into space, serving as [[dummy payload]] on [[Falcon Heavy Test Flight|the maiden flight of]] the [[SpaceX]] [[Falcon Heavy]] rocket.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Berger |first=Eric |title=SpaceX will attempt to launch a red Tesla to the red planet [Updated] |work=Ars Technica |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/12/with-bowie-playing-on-the-radio-elon-musk-plans-to-launch-his-tesla-to-mars/ |access-date=December 7, 2017}}</ref><ref name="CNBC-20220327">{{Cite news |date=27 March 2022 |title=What Happened To Tesla's First Car — The Roadster? |publisher=CNBC |url=https://www.cnbcafrica.com/2022/what-happened-to-teslas-first-car-the-roadster/}}</ref> The launch on February 6, 2018, was successful; the vehicle was placed into a [[heliocentric orbit]] that took it beyond [[Mars]]'s orbital path around the Sun.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Plait |first=Phil |date=December 2, 2017 |title=Elon Musk: On the Roadster to Mars |url=http://www.syfy.com/syfywire/elon-musk-on-the-roadster-to-mars |access-date=December 8, 2017 |website=Syfy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mike Wall |date=August 20, 2019 |title=SpaceX's Starman and Elon Musk's Tesla Have Made a Lap Around the Sun |url=https://www.space.com/spacex-starman-tesla-falcon-heavy-first-orbit-sun.html |access-date=August 20, 2019 |website=space.com}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[List of electric cars currently available]]
* [[List of modern production plug-in electric vehicles]]
* [[List of production battery electric vehicles]]
* [[Detroit Electric SP.01]]
* ''[[Revenge of the Electric Car]]''
<!--List of similar cars, like in aircraft articles?-->

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em|refs=

<ref name="TeslaSpecs">{{Cite web |title=Performance Specs |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/performance/perf_specs.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024192721/http://www.teslamotors.com/performance/perf_specs.php |archive-date=October 24, 2007 |access-date=July 20, 2010 |publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref>

<ref name="Tesla Motors 47">{{Cite web |last=Eberhard |first=Martin |author-link=Martin Eberhard |date=January 24, 2007 |title=Vintage Oil and Other Hare-Brained Ideas |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/blog/vintage-oil-and-other-hare-brained-ideas |access-date=August 21, 2011 |publisher=[[Tesla Motors]]}}</ref>

<ref name="Fueleconomy2011List">{{Citation |title=SmartWay Vehicle List for MY 2011.xlsx |url=https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/EPAGreenGuide/Smartway/xls/SmartWay%20Vehicle%20List%20for%20MY%202011.xlsx |work=FuelEconomy.gov |year=2011 |publisher=[[U.S. Department of Energy]] [[Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy]] |format=[[Microsoft Excel]]}}</ref>

<ref name="SETIS">{{Citation |last1=Thiel |first1=Christian |title=Electric vehicles in the EU from 2010 to 2014 – is full scale commercialisation near? |url=https://setis.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/reports/Electric_vehicles_in_the_EU.pdf |work=Strategic Energy Technology Information System (SETIS) |page=32 |publisher=[[European Commission]] |last2=Krause |first2=Jette |last3=Dilara |first3=Panagiota |access-date=June 18, 2017 |archive-date=December 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230070142/https://setis.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/reports/Electric_vehicles_in_the_EU.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/ Tesla Motors Club]
* {{Cite web |title=The Tesla Roadster Battery System |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/display_data/TeslaRoadsterBatterySystem.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224085231/http://www.teslamotors.com/display_data/TeslaRoadsterBatterySystem.pdf |archive-date=February 24, 2011}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070323125628/http://www.teslamotors.com/learn_more/white_papers.php White Papers] and [https://web.archive.org/web/20070927222545/http://www.teslamotors.com/display_data/bconverted.swf Presentation] at Tesla Motors
* [https://service.tesla.com/roadster Official service information, owner's manuals, and open-sourced R&D documents]

{{Tesla Motors}}
{{Tesla timeline}}

[[Category:2010s cars]]
[[Category:Production electric cars]]
[[Category:Electric sports cars]]
[[Category:First car made by manufacturer]]
[[Category:Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Roadsters]]
[[Category:Tesla vehicles|Roadster]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 2007]]
[[Category:Electric vehicles introduced in the 21st century]]