This is one ride that will make you go… green. I’m sure we’ve all noticed how different hybrid and electric cars can look. The Toyota Prius is definitely unconventional, as are the Honda Insight and the rims on the Honda Civic Hybrid. If you think environmentally friendly cars can’t be or look cool, then you haven’t seen the latest car from Tesla Motors. The 2008 Tesla Roadster just entered into production, and all the hype it’s created does not disappoint. It’s 100% electric, goes 0 – 60 in 3.9 seconds, has a 13,000 RPM redline, and can go 220 miles in between charges. That means one charge can last me two weeks based on my current commute. I’m pretty sure if I owned a Tesla Roadster, I would be driving it way more than just for my commute though. How can you resist its incredible performance or its sleek, sexy design?
The Tesla is powered by a 3-phase electric motor that puts out a peak 248 horsepower, redlines at 13,000 RPM, and utilizes regenerative engine braking for increased efficiency. The Tesla Roadster has a top speed of 125 miles per hour, and the car fully charges in only 3.5 hours. With an electric motor the Tesla Roadster always has 100% of the torque, which means incredible acceleration and power through all speeds and RPMs. Complete with cross-drilled Brembo disc brakes, this car puts $300,000 supercars to shame both from a price perspective and a performance perspective. Tesla estimates it costs about 2 cents per mile to run the car.
What’s even better about the Tesla Roadster is that the car’s batteries and tires are designed to be recycled. In fact, Tesla has already pre-arranged to have the cars batteries recycled and has even factored the cost of recycling into each car. The Tesla Roadster is out to revolution and change the world of transportation as we know it. My hope is that other car manufacturers will follow Tesla’s lead and build cars that are both desired by consumers and friendly for the environment. Tesla is all about the “and” – you can have incredible performance, a sleek design, AND an environmentally friendly car.
Although the Tesla Roadster is in production, it’s still not quite for everyone at this point (although I’m sure everyone wants one). The car is about $100,000 for the base model, which only comes in red or green. Premium paint colors will run another $500 to $1,000. Floor mats are $125, Bluetooth mobile phone integration is $300, and a matching carbon fiber hardtop will set you back an additional $3,200. Even if you have money burning a hole in your pocket, rumor has is there’s a huge waitlist for the Tesla Roadster. However, stay tuned for some good news. Rumor also has it Tesla will be building more economical vehicles using their same great technology. I can’t wait to see what other goodies Tesla has coming for us – GM and Toyota better watch out for Tesla!
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