When you see that automakers have named a car the Tesla Roadster, you might be inclined to believe that manufacturers have run out of names and resorted to ‘80s hair bands for inspiration. It can only be a matter of time before we see the Cinderella Sedan, the Winger Wagon and the Motley Crue Cab Pickup.
But, before you get your mullet out of joint, the Tesla Roadster is named after the inventor, physicist and engineer Nikola Tesla. And as you may deduce from this enlightenment, the Roadster is a pure electric car -- not a hybrid, but one that runs solely on current. Oh, and it just happens to dash from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.0 seconds, which is quicker than the Lotus Elise on which the Tesla is based. Its top speed of greater than 130 mph and the 200-plus mile range represents a huge leap in the field.
So on paper, the Tesla Roadster has superior looks, speed and range compared to other electric vehicles (EV). Does this hold up in reality? It’s time for a closer look. I’m going to rate the Tesla relative to competitors based on two main categories: luxury, which encompasses design, performance and accessories; and practicality, and how the car stands up in day-to-day operation. Just how easy is it to be this green? Read on to find out.
the luxury ride
You won’t be disappointed by the Tesla Roadster -- as long as you’re not anticipating the spaciousness and long list of power accessories found in a Maybach. You’ll be more at home if you think of the Tesla in relation to the Elise.Outside and in, not much has been visually changed from the Elise, though modifications have been made for a beefier curb weight (about 2,690 pounds versus 1,984) and, blessedly, a bit more interior room. You only begin to really see the changes when you peek at the go-bits and discover the Energy Storage System (ESS), Power Electronics Module (PEM) and the electric motor where the mid-mounted internal combustion engine would usually reside. Along with a two-speed transmission, these systems seamlessly work together for amazing levels of efficiency and performance.
As I mentioned, it only takes about 4.0 seat-pinning seconds to hit 60 mph from a standstill, with a top speed north of 130 mph. That little three-phase, four-pole motor quietly sparks 248 horsepower
Unlike other EVs, Tesla’s range per charge handily exceeds the ‘round-the-block distances previously accepted as the norm for the field. The Tesla is claimed to be good for up to 250 miles or so. Cross-country pilgrimages to Walley World in this are out, but it’s feasible for commuting, cruising, day trips, and generally surprising the hell out of most stoplight challengers.
and redlines at 13,500 rpm. Peak torque is a little over 200 lb-ft at zero, yes, 0 rpm and continues past 13,000 rpm. Point-and-shoot handling is courtesy of Yokohamas on 16-inch light-alloy rims in the front and 17s to the rear. Cross-drilled discs, AP Racing front calipers and Brembo rear calipers work with anti-lock brakes to bring the party to a halt in a hurry too.
The verdict
Tesla had the right idea when they selected the Lotus Elise as the basis for their electric Roadster. The platform’s inherent light weight was a key factor for development. It looks good to “gasaholics” and tree huggers alike. Plus it’s already had thorough testing and refinement; first as a production car, then as a Tesla. With great design, performance and integrity, buyers can look forward to a long-lasting relationship as they achieve the equivalent of 135 miles per gallon.Luxury score: 49/50
the practical ride
If your first reaction is to balk at the Tesla’s relative practicality, you have to realize this represents a big step forward in the segment. You won’t be able to haul home stockpile purchases from the local Costco, but it will serve nicely for your everyday running around. And don’t even mention return on the $92,000 investment against the less than $0.02-per-mile operating costs. You have to remember that the benefits extend to the facets of zero emissions and the fact that you’re supporting an emerging technology rather than oil companies. Uninformed or misguided critics grumble that the electricity required to power EVs results in more pollution than an internal combustion vehicle. Tesla flatly denies this and backs it up with extensive documentation on their website. Suffice it to say, that argument is put to bed. If you can afford the admission, it’s hard to hang a dollar figure on the Tesla’s collective benefits.How’s the collective cargo room? Let’s just say you can fit your golf clubs or a carry-on bag in the bonnet, and that’s about the extent of it. A more impressive number is the 250-odd miles you’ll get from a full charge on the lithium-ion battery system, designed with a 100,000-mile lifespan. For regular use, Tesla includes a 220-volt charger designed to be hard wired into your home’s electrical system, charging the car from dead to fed in less than four hours. While away from home, an optional portable unit works with any 120-volt system, though pit stops will be considerably longer. Plan accordingly.
Should the unplanned rain on your parade, you’d be wise not to entrust repairs to Bob’s Corner Garage. Owners are advised to ship the dysfunctional ride to the nearest Telsa Motors Customer Care Center, be it northern or southern California, Chicago, New York or Florida. On the upside, there’s far less maintenance required by the Roadster -- recommended maintenance visits only come once a year or about every 25,000 miles.
The verdict
Yes, you have to pack light and limit your purchases, but the Tesla won’t really cramp your style. It’s surprisingly easy to live with and doesn’t ask a lot in return. The current Tesla dealer network also reminds us of Lotus’ U.S. reach in the not-too-distant past, but we envision this to improve in time.Practicality score: 45/50
and the total is…
OK, so we settled the whole car naming thing and you should understand this doesn’t open the door to the Slayer SUV (though in another context, it could be a rare instance of truth in advertising). Still, you may wonder why such a tiny electric sports car gets such high marks. Knee-jerk criticism points to a car like Toyota’s Prius, one that may not be sporty but makes up for it with greater room and cruising range. It’s important to remember that scores are relative to competitive vehicles -- in this case, other EVs. Mind you, there aren’t many out there, but among them, the Tesla takes the cake. With a base price of $92,000, it’s undeniably spendy. But the benefits of such an investment are worth it, and they extend beyond the individual owner’s savings and pave the way for even more versatile cars in the future. Tesla reports hundreds have already seen the light and are in line for the privilege of ownership. Thanks to the Tesla Roadster, “green” really can mean “go” after all.94/100
Resources:http://www.teslamotors.com/
http://www.lotuscars.com/Elise.aspx
http://www.caranddriver.com/carnews/11543/2008-tesla-roadster.html
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