Tesla all-electric Roadster
Posted By RichC on August 3, 2006
There have been several reports over the last few days talking about the Tesla Motors all-electric Roadster. (see Autoblog.com) From its unveiling in California with Governor Schwarzenegger present at the Santa Monica airport hanger to the youtube video included below, this is an impressive electric vehicle. According to Tesla chairman Elon Musk, the $80-$100,000 hand-built car is capable of a 250 mile range and has all the creature comforts of other vehicles. The silent power is not only ‘clean,’ but can deliver outstanding performance. (130mph and 0-60 in 4 seconds) If the design looks somewhat similar to what is produced by Lotus, it may be no surprise then that this vehicle may be built at Lotus in the UK. (Hethel) This is one EV that I’d like to see in my garage!
Motor:
* 3-phase, 4-pole AC induction motor
* 13,500 rpm maximum
* Max Net Power: 185 kW
* Max Torque: 180 lb-ft
* Top speed: over 130 mphPerformance
* 0-60 mph: around four seconds
* 0-100 mph: under 11 seconds
* Range: 200-250 miles per charge (estimated)
* Home-based charging system (EVSE) with integral safety featuresTransmission:
* 2 forward speeds + reverse (by reversing the motor)
* 1st gear: 4.20:1
* 2nd gear: 2.17:1
* Reverse by reversing the motor (speed electronically limited)
* Final drive: 3.41:1Exterior:
* Body: Carbon fiber
* Unique headlamp assemblies using proprietary HID low-beam and halogen high-beam lamp units
* LED taillights, marker lights and direction indicator lights
* Length: 155.4 / 3946 (in/mm)
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