Tesla Roadster

Apparently they are actually going to build it

http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?&vid=c860df3ccf66c83fb61bb2ffd934330b.889183&cache=1

 

They had been planning to build it for a while. In fact the first 100 cars have already been sold (though not built). The first models should be delivered sometime during the summer of next year. I was fortunate enough to have seen a couple of their prototypes at Pebble (I have higher res images if anyone wants, PM me):
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Until electric cars become a mandatory possession, I will always drive a gas powered car. Until then...

 

Electric sports cars are truly a novelty.
I would love to see a luxury electric car, I think it would be more suited.

 

So uhh... they seem to be bragging about how it's a zero emission vehicle.

How do they think the electricity is being generated at the power plants?

 

my uncle wants to get one. I hope he doesn't...

 

If I heard correctly the 1st 100 people who already ordered theres put $100,000 USD down. Someone correct me if I am wrong please. It was either they put that figure down or it was the actual price.

 

I still don't understand why anyone thinks that putting an electric motor and heavy battery pack in a Lotus Elise and adding $50,000 to the price is a breakthough.

 

I drove an EV1 for a while and I loved the instant torque. I can't wait to drive one of these things. The Google guys have put a nice pile of money in so I bet we see at least 1000+ cars produced. No doubt they will sell all they can make for $100,000. Remember folks, it's all about showing up at the cocktail party with your electric car so you can justify taking a weekend trip to Europe and consuming 25,000 gallons of fuel in your private jet!.

 

fifth gear did an interview with al gore recently and the tesla came up-he's pretty fond of it.

 

I have huge doubts about them selling that many of this totally ridiculous and overpriced non-breakthough vehicle.

 

You'd be surprised bro

 

Is there anything new with life expectancy of batteries ? I have to replace battery in my cars every 4 years. Will this thing need a complete overhaul every 4-5 years as well ?

 

Wow, the inventor of the internet lends his stamp of approval.

 

In government speak it is. By their legal definition if it has no tail pipe it has no emissions.

Pretty smart huh!


Thats our government.

 

Yes. The price is estimated to be $100,000 and the first 100 have been sold. They are going to start offering more after the first 100 are delievered.

 

The Tesla has an optional solar charger that can also return any excess power to your home/grid. That pretty much covers the emissions in my mind.

 

There will be no excess power. You'd need a solar panel the size of a basketball court (at least!) to power a car, even a tiny one like this.

 

I think it looks like the new Miata MX-5 and an Elise had a kid.

 

There will be one on every corner in So-Cal.

 

It'd be a very unique driving experience - lots of power/weight with very little engine noise. Just imagine how in tune you would become to the tiniest squeaking of the inside tire being overpowered through your favorite apex, or how brilliant this thing would be in an isolated canyon - top down - on a warm summer night.

I mean I love to hear the intake howl and exhaust pop echoing off the mountainside as much as the next guy, but sometimes it would be nice to just slip by at ridiculous speeds without the locals taking notice.

What some of you seem to be missing is the idea for this car is obviously not just for those looking to grow a beard and petition to end IC engines for good. It's a toy for the enthusiast - one with different advantages and disadvantages to IC. I can't understand why anyone would be grumpy about the introduction of this vehicle.

By the way, drivable IC engines are far less efficient and dirtier per joule than anything that is used to power the grid that this car will recharge on. So even without the dubious advantage provided by any solar panels you are still ahead of even the most efficient automotive engines both in terms of consumption and pollution.

 

Uh, why do you hope he doesn't?

 

cause then I'd lose my commission

 

You'd be way off. The Tesla crew was easily the top non-P4/5 conversation at Pebble. They were so popular that they were giving away *autographs* to newly found fans.

They pre-sold their first 100, have a waiting list for the next batch, and are being backed by some savvy, deep-pocketed investors.

Plus, if you live within 100 miles of LAX, the state of California provides you with free electric charging stations (free juice) on numerous city streets...not that people will use them, but people will rationalize spending the extra $30k for the Tesla rather than on some hybrid SUV due to gimmicks like that (i.e. people lie to themselves to justify buying things).

 

Saw one parked outside Starbucks on North First Street in San Jose. It was eerily Quiet when it pulled away. Reminded me of the new Lotus Europa in the flesh.