Fed up with high gas prices? Soon you could buy a serious performance car that doesn't use a drop of it. AutoWeek reports, "Production of the first battery-powered Tesla Roadsters began on Monday at a Lotus plant in England." The Tesla Roadster is "will run from 0 to 60 mph in less than four seconds and has a top speed of 125 mph," entirely on electric power. A 3.5 hour charge "gives the car a range of 220 miles, according to EPA cycle tests."
In its DealBook blog, the New York Times notes, "So far, more than 900 people, including a good swath of the Hollywood A-list, have put reservations in for the car, which carries a price-tag of $98,000." Jalopnik adds, "The 2008 model of the Tesla...has already been sold out, but Tesla is taking reservations for the 2009 model."
CNet reports, "The company helped revive interest in electric cars. Rather than try to come out with an economy car like some other outfits that have tried to sell electric cars, Tesla decided to start at the top-end and first release a sports car." EcoGeek says the strategy is "something the major automotive companies have had to take notice of. And it's certainly proved that green can be cool."
Having generated interest with the Roadster, the next step in Tesla's strategy is a more mainstream car. AutoWeek explains, "Tesla's next project is expected to be a sedan, named White Star, which could be built in New Mexico. Plans for the project are expected to be announced by June, though a Tesla spokesman declined to comment on the car."
The Tesla will also have competition soon.
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