Tesla · Roadster

Roadster (2008)

Released February 2008

Tesla’s first two-seat electric sports car, including its original interim transmission and the single-speed powertrain introduced during 2008.

Body: Convertible
Powertrain: Electric
Power: 248 bhp
Range: –
Boot: –

Electric

What reviewers say

Car and Driver and Wired praise the single-speed Roadster’s immediate acceleration, traction and build quality, but criticise awkward entry and heavy parking effort. They disagree on the seats: Wired found them supportive, while Car and Driver found long journeys uncomfortable. Wired also criticises the sparse cabin and controls; Car and Driver considers the price the main obstacle.

From caranddriver.com and wired.com

Specifications

Report a wrong or missing spec

Performance

Powertrain: Electric
Power: 248 bhp
Engine or motors: The 2008 owner manual, revised in January 2009, specifies an air-cooled AC induction motor rated at 375 V, 14,000 rpm and 248 HP (185 kW) at 5,500–6,800 rpm for the single-speed car. Later Roadster 2 and 2.5 generations are separate entries.
Torque: Tesla’s September 2008 powertrain announcement lists 286 Nm (211 lb-ft) for the earlier drivetrain and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) for the new single-speed drivetrain. The revised 2008 manual instead lists 277 lb-ft (376 Nm); these documentary differences are retained explicitly.
Gearbox: The first production cars used an interim transmission. During 2008 Tesla introduced a BorgWarner single-speed gearbox and offered earlier owners a free powertrain upgrade. The revised 2008 manual gives an overall ratio of 8.27:1.
Drive: Rear-wheel drive.

Practicality

Body: Convertible
Seats: 2
Length: 3,946 mm
Weight: From 1,235 kg
Towing: Trailer towing is not permitted.
Size: The revised 2008 manual gives width 1,851 mm including mirrors, height 1,126.5 mm at mid-laden weight and wheelbase 2,351 mm. Its 1,235 kg kerb weight excludes occupants and cargo; mid-laden dimensions include two 75 kg occupants.
Release and generation details: Tesla’s 2010 S-1 filing explicitly says its first Roadster was physically delivered in February 2008. Regular production followed in March; the single-speed powertrain update was announced in September 2008. The reviews concern that updated car, before the Roadster 2 cabin and Sport launch in 2009.

Range and charging

Range detail: Tesla’s September 2008 announcement gives 244 miles on the US EPA combined cycle for the new single-speed drivetrain, versus the previously announced 221 miles. The original interim-transmission claim was 0–60 mph in 5.7 seconds; the September announcement gives 3.9 seconds for the new drivetrain. Neither EPA range nor 0–60 mph is entered as WLTP or 0–62 mph.
Charging: The revised 2008 owner manual describes proprietary AC charging and a lithium-ion battery with 6,831 cells.
CO2 emissions: No tailpipe emissions.

Tech and safety

Driver assistance: Anti-lock braking and traction control. Unassisted steering, as described in both period single-speed road tests.

Pros and cons

Pros

Carbon-fibre bodywork and a rear-mounted electric motor.
Single-speed 2008 powertrain update improved acceleration and EPA range.
Regenerative braking and home AC charging.

Cons

Two seats, unassisted steering and no permitted trailer towing.
Proprietary AC charging; the available supply determines charging time.

Closest rivals

Model	Body	Powertrain	Power	Range	Boot	Released
TeslaRoadster 2	Convertible	Electric	–	–	–	Jul 2009
TeslaRoadster 2.5	Convertible	Electric	288 bhp	–	–	Jul 2010
MazdaMX-5	Convertible	Petrol	130–181 bhp	–	130 l	Aug 2015

Newer model: Roadster 2.

Sources

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