Tesla Roadster 5760445 225914870 2008-07-16T00:12:00Z Mwarren us 1796459 /* Sales */ Further clarify confusion about driver and traffic positions by replacing "drives on" with "traffic stays". Move pricing and volume paragraphs into chronological order. {{Infobox Automobile | image = [[Image:TeslaRoadster-front.jpg|250px|Tesla Roadster]] | name = Tesla Roadster | manufacturer = [[Tesla Motors]] | production = 2008&ndash;present | class = [[Roadster]] | platform = Unique, developed from [[Lotus Elise]] | body_style = [[Roadster]] | engine = 3-phase, 4-pole [[AC motor#Three-phase AC induction motors|AC induction motor]] | length = {{convert|3946|mm|in|abbr=on}} | width = {{convert|1873|mm|in|abbr=on}} | height = {{convert|1127|mm|in|abbr=on}} | related = [[Lotus Elise]] | similar = [[Wrightspeed X1]]<br>[[AC Propulsion tzero]]<br>[[Venturi Fétish]] | designer = Tesla Motors, with help from [[Lotus Cars|Lotus]] Engineering and others | transmission = Two-speed computer-controlled dual clutch electro-hydraulic manual gearbox (under revision) | fuel_capacity = 53 kW·h (Li-ion battery) | electric_range = {{convert|220|mi|abbr=on}} | wheelbase = {{convert|2352|mm|in|abbr=on}} | front_track = {{convert|1464|mm|in|abbr=on}} | rear_track = {{convert|1499|mm|in|abbr=on}} | top_speed = {{convert|125|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, electronically limited | layout = [[RMR layout|Rear Mid-engine, Rear-wheel drive]] | parent_company = | assembly = Lotus factory in Hethel, England | predecessor = | successor = | ground_clearance = | designer = | aka = [[Code name]]: DarkStar <ref name="Tesla Motors 47">{{cite web |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/blog1/?p=47 |title=Vintage Oil and Other Hare-Brained Ideas |publisher=[[Tesla Motors]] |author=Martin Eberhard, Tesla Motors CEO |authorlink=Martin Eberhard |date=2007-01-24 |accessdate=2007-05-21 }}</ref> }} The '''Tesla Roadster''' is a [[electric car|fully electric]] [[sports car]], and is the first car produced by electric car firm [[Tesla Motors]]. The car can travel {{convert|220|mi|km|abbr=on}} on a single charge of its [[lithium-ion battery]] pack and accelerate from 0-{{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in 3.9 seconds with the [[Tesla_Roadster#Transmission|development transmission]]. The Roadster's efficiency, as of February 2008, is reported as 199&nbsp;W·h/km (3.12 mi/kW·h), equivalent to {{mpg|105}}.<ref name="Associated Press Newsbrief">{{cite news |last = Rogers |first = John |title = Tesla rolls out its long-awaited electric sports car |publisher = Associated Press |date =2008-05-02 |language = English |url=http://green.yahoo.com/news/ap/20080502/ap_on_hi_te/electric_car.html |accessdate = 2008-05-02 }}</ref><ref name="Tesla Motors 55">{{cite web | url=http://www.teslamotors.com/blog2/?p=55 | title=A Letter to Customers from Ze’ev Drori | author=Ze’ev Drori, Tesla Motors President and CEO | date=2007-12-27 | accessdate=2007-12-31| publisher=[[Tesla Motors]]}}</ref><ref name="Tesla home page" /> ==History== The car was officially unveiled to the public on [[July 19]] [[2006]] in [[Santa Monica, California]], at a 350-person invitation-only event held in Barker Hangar at [[Santa Monica Airport]].<ref name="Tesla Press 42">{{cite press release |publisher=[[Tesla Motors]] |title="Tesla Motors Hosts World Debut Of Tesla Roadster Offering Performance, Style & Efficiency — With A Conscience" |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=42 |date=2006-07-20 |accessdate=2007-04-24 }}</ref> The San Francisco International Auto Show, held on November 18&ndash;26, 2006, was the Tesla Roadster's first auto show. ==Development== The Roadster was developed with help from [[Lotus Cars]]. Lotus supplied the basic chassis development technology from its [[Lotus Elise]], with which the Tesla engineers designed a new chassis. Barney Hatt at Lotus' design studio developed the styling with input from Tesla. Tesla's designers chose to construct the body panels using resin transfer molded [[Composite_material#Resin_transfer_molding_.28RTM.29|carbon fiber composite]] to minimize weight; this choice makes the Roadster one of the least expensive cars with an entirely carbon fiber skin. The car will be assembled at the Lotus factory in [[Hethel]], England, with drivetrain components and body components supplied to the factory by Tesla.<ref name="Quiet Thunder"/><ref name="Tesla FAQs" /><ref name="Tesla Motors 50">{{cite web|url=http://www.teslamotors.com/blog4/?p=50|title=Cut From a Different Cloth|date=2007-02-15|accessdate=2008-02-15|author=Barrie Dickinson, Tesla Motors Director of Body Engineering|publisher=Tesla Motors}}</ref> The Roadster shares less than 10% of its components with the Lotus Elise; shared components are confined to the windshield, air bags, tires, some dashboard parts, and suspension components. The parts supply chain extends around the world; Tesla Motor's plant in [[Taiwan]] manufactures the motors and the Energy Storage Systems (ESS) was initially manufactured in Thailand during development and then moved to San Carlos, California after production started. Chassis are manufactured in [[Norway]]. SOTIRA, in St. Meloir & Pouancé [[France]], create the RTM carbon fiber body panels. The Roadster's brakes and airbags are made by [[Siemens AG|Siemens]] in [[Germany]] and crash testing was conducted at Siemens as well.<ref name="Tesla Motors 55" /><ref name="Quiet Thunder">{{cite news | publisher=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] | url=http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2007/05/tesla200705?currentPage=1 | title=Quiet Thunder | author=Michael Shnayerson |date=2007-05 | accessdate=2007-04-24 }}</ref><ref name="Interview with Eberhard"> {{cite web |url = http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/03/12/autobloggreen-qanda-tesla-motors-ceo-martin-eberhard-pt-1/ |title="AutoblogGreen Q&A: Tesla Motors CEO Martin Eberhard pt.1" |accessdate= 2007-03-15 |author=[http://www.autobloggreen.com/bloggers/sam-abuelsamid Sam Abuelsamid] |format=html }}</ref><ref name="Forbes">{{ cite news | url=http://www.forbes.com/technology/2007/03/18/tesla-electric-car-tech-cz_ec_0319valleyletter.html?partner=rss | title=Can Silicon Valley Reinvent The Car? | publisher=Forbes | author=[http://www.forbes.com/fdc/bios/new/elizabethcorcoran.html Elizabeth Corcoran] |date=2007-03-17 | accessdate=2007-03-26 }}</ref><ref name="SOTIRA"> {{cite web |url=http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/video_player.shtml?vid=229378 |title=Jay Leno's Garage 2008 Tesla Roadster |date=March 2008 |accessdate=2008-05-11 |note=At 6:45 remaining in the video, Elon Musk's states that "it's [the body] made by SOTIRA in France"}}</ref><ref name="WSJ Detroit"> {{cite news |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120761191252596525.html?mod=hps_us_whats_news |title=Detroit Sets Bold Goal: Exporting U.S. Cars |date=2008-04-08 |author=JOHN D. STOLL, NORIHIKO SHIROUZU and NEAL E. BOUDETTE |accessdate=2008-06-10 |publisher=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |quote="Tesla Motors, a Northern California start-up developing an electric car, recently decided to scrap plans to build its $20,000-plus batteries in Thailand. Instead, it will assemble the components in the U.S. because of currency values." }}</ref> The [[AC motor]] and [[drivetrain]] technology are more advanced than versions used in the [[GM EV1]] and [[AC Propulsion tzero]]. Tesla Motors licensed [[AC Propulsion]]'s EV Power System design and Reductive Charging patent which covers integration of the charging electronics with the [[Inverter (electrical)#Electric vehicle drives|inverter]], thus reducing mass, complexity and cost. [[Tesla Motors]] then designed and built its own power electronics, motor, and other drivetrain components that incorporate this licensed technology from [[AC Propulsion]].<ref name="Reductive">{{ cite web|url=http://www.acpropulsion.com/technology/reductivecharging.htm|publisher=[[AC Propulsion]]|accessdate=2007-03-07|title="Reductive Charging, AC Propulsion's Reductive Charger Integrated Charging for the Electric Vehicle"}}</ref><ref name="Interview with Musk, pt 2."> {{cite web |url = http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/03/12/autobloggreen-qanda-tesla-motors-ceo-martin-eberhard-pt-1/ |title="AutoblogGreen Q&A: Tesla Motors Chairman Elon Musk Part 2 - Transmission shifts" |date=2008-06-24 |accessdate= 2008-06-24 |author=[http://www.autobloggreen.com/bloggers/sam-abuelsamid Sam Abuelsamid] |format=html }}</ref> Several prototypes of the Tesla Roadster were produced from 2004 through 2007. Initial studies were done in two "mule" vehicles. Ten Engineering Prototypes (EP1 thru EP10) were then built and tested in late 2006 and early 2007 which lead to many minor changes. Tesla then produced seventeen Validation Prototypes (VP1 thru [http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=349510&id=18790602800 VP17]) which were delivered beginning in March 2007. These final revisions were endurance and crash tested in preparation for series production.<ref name="Motor Press Guild Speech" /> In January 2008 the [[NHTSA]] announced that it would grant a waiver of the [http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/rulings/index_airbag.html ''advanced'' air bag rule] noting that the Tesla Roadster already includes standard [[air bag]]s; similar waivers have been granted to many other small volume manufacturers as well including Lotus, Ferrari and Bugatti.<ref name="Federal Register Vol. 73 No. 18"> {{cite paper |author= [[NHTSA]] |url=http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-1359.pdf |title=Docket No. NHTSA–2008–0013. Tesla Motors, Inc.; Grant of Application for a Temporary Exemption From Advanced Air Bag Requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 |vol=73 |no=18 |date=2008-01-28 |publisher = [[United States Government Printing Office|U.S. GPO]] |format=[[PDF]] }} </ref><ref name="Associated Press Air Bag">{{cite web |url=http://www.wtopnews.com/?nid=111&sid=1334524 |title=Tesla Sports Car Gets Air Bag Waiver |author=Ken Thomas |date=2008-01-28 |accessdate=2008-02-10 |publisher=Associated Press }}</ref> ==Production== [[Image:TeslaRoadster-interior.jpg|thumb|Interior]] Production delivery was originally planned for October 2007 and then delayed, in September 2007, until the first calendar quarter of 2008. Series production of the car began on [[March 17]], [[2008]]<ref name="reg prod">{{cite web |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/blog2/?p=57 |title=We have begun regular production of the Tesla Roadster |publisher=Tesla Motors |date=[[March 17]], [[2008]] |accessdate=2008-03-20 }}</ref> after over two years of prototyping and testing. However, the first production Roadster, referred to as "P1", was delivered to Tesla Motors' Chairman Elon Musk on February 1, 2008. <ref name="All Amped Up">{{ cite news | publisher = [[New York Times]] | title=All Amped Up |date=2007-04-20 | url = http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/04/20/all-amped-up/ | author = [http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/author/lulrich/ Lawrence Ulrich] | accessdate = 2007-04-24 }}</ref><ref name="Tesla Production Delay Letter">{{cite web | url=http://www.teslamotors.com/display_data/customerletter_092407.pdf | title=Tesla Roadster Club Member Letter September 25, 2007 | author=Michael E. Marks, CEO, Tesla Motors |date=2007-09-25 | accessdate=2007-09-28 | publisher=Tesla Motors }}</ref><ref name="Tesla Press 012308"> {{cite web |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=803 |title=Tesla Motors Completes all Regulatory Approvals and Sets Schedule to Begin Production |date=2008-01-23 |publisher=[[Tesla Motors]] }}</ref><ref name="Tesla Motors 72">{{cite web |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/blog3/?p=72 |title="Re: P1 Arriving Now! :)" |author=Zak Edson, Tesla Motors Sr. Manager Member Services |date=2008-02-06 }}</ref> Subsequent to completion of production car number one at Hethel, the company announced problems with [[Transmission (mechanics)|transmission]] reliability. The development transmission, with first gear enabled to accelerate {{nowrap|0&ndash;60 mph}} in 4 seconds, was reported to have a life expectancy of as low as only a few thousand miles. Tesla Motors' first two transmission suppliers were unable to produce transmissions, in quantity, that could withstand the continuous torque requirements of the electric motor. In December 2007, Tesla Motors announced plans to ship the initial Roadsters with the transmissions locked into second gear to provide {{nowrap|0&ndash;60 mph}} acceleration in 5.7 seconds. The first production car was not delivered with this interim solution; P1 has both transmission gears enabled. According to the plan, the initial transmissions will be swapped out under warranty when the finalized transmission, power electronics module (PEM) and cooling system becomes available. The [[EPA#Fuel_economy_testing_and_results|EPA range]] of the car was also restated from {{convert|245|mi|km}} down to {{convert|221|mi|km}}. The downward revision was attributed to an error in equipment calibration at the laboratory that conducted the original test.<ref name="Scoble QIK"> {{cite web |url=http://qik.com/video/22264 |title=Ride in first production Tesla with Elon Musk |author=Robert Scoble |date=2008-02-19 |accessdate=2008-02-26 |quote=2:58 into video Elon Musk says "This particular car [P1] actually has two speeds" }}</ref><ref name="Tesla Motors 55" /><ref name="Telsa Motors Club Forum 4465-11"> {{cite web |url=http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/4465-post11.html |date=2007-12-12 |accessdate=2008-02-12 |author=Daryl Siry, Tesla Motors Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Service |title=Re: My Town Hall Notes }} </ref> During the first two months of production, Tesla produced a total of three Roadsters (P3/VINF002, P4/VINF004, and P5/VINF005). Production car # 1 (P1) and P2 were built prior to the start of regular series production, which began March 17th, 2008. <ref>[http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/tesla-production-slower-than-expected-908.html Tesla Production Slower Than Expected], Greentech Media, May 16, 2008</ref> Subsequently, six more cars have been produced, for a total of nine as of [[as of July 2008|July 2008]].<ref> {{cite news |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/blog2/?p=62 |title=Update on Production and Delivery of Cars to Customers |publisher=Tesla Motors |date=[[2008-07-12]] |accessdate=2008-07-13 }} </ref> ==Sales== Tesla's "Signature One Hundred" initial set of fully equipped cars sold out by late August 2006. Tesla Motors then began accepting reservation orders by September 2006 for their 2008 models with several payment options available to determine the 2008 delivery date of the vehicle. The second hundred had been reserved by October. As of [[January 15]], [[2008]], all 650 Tesla Roadsters planned for model year 2008 had been reserved. As it was initially only available in the USA, where [[Driving_on_the_left_or_right#Terminology|traffic stays to the right-hand side of the road (RHT)]], Roadsters are only available [[left-hand drive#Terminology|with the steering-wheel on the left-hand side (LHD)]]. Final pricing for the 2008 Tesla Roadster base model was [[United States dollar|US$]]98,000, plus a destination charge of $950. The majority of the first 200 Roadsters ordered by October 2006 came fully loaded with all optional equipment at a cost of about US$100,000.<ref name="Telsa Roadster Buy tab"> {{cite web |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/buy/buyPage1.php |title=Join Our Wait List |author=[[Tesla Motors]] |accessdate=2008-02-12 }}</ref> The company plans to begin sales in Europe during the third quarter of 2008, initially limited to 250 cars, at just under €100,000 each.<ref>[http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/721ce1de-0059-11dd-825a-000077b07658.html Tesla to sell electric cars in Europe]</ref> The cars will not initially go on sale in the [[United Kingdom]], where [[Driving_on_the_left_or_right#Terminology|traffic stays to the left-hand side of the road (LHT)]], as there are no plans to build a Roadsters with the [[Driving_on_the_left_or_right#Terminology|steering-wheel on the right-hand side (RHD)]]. For 2009 Tesla plans to deliver 1500 cars.<ref>[http://www.physorg.com/news128963669.html Tesla rolls out its long-awaited electric sports car]</ref> The price for the 2009 models has been increased to US$109,000; options ranging from colors to audio to heavy duty cables can add another $10,000<ref name="Telsa Roadster Buy tab"> {{cite web |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/buy/buyPage1.php |title=Join Our Wait List |author=[[Tesla Motors]] |accessdate=2008-05-10 }}</ref> === Service === [[Image:TeslaRoadster-rear.jpg|thumb|250px|A Tesla Roadster (rear view)]] The first Tesla Motors [[Los Angeles, CA]] service center was opened on May 1, 2008 at [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11163+Santa+Monica+Blvd,+Los+Angeles,+CA+90025,+USA 11163 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA].<ref name="AutoblogGreen 2008-05-02"> {{cite web |url=http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/05/02/first-tesla-store-opens-in-santa-monica-now-we-just-need-some-c/ |title=First Tesla store opens in Santa Monica, now we just need some cars |date=2008-05-02 |author=[http://www.autobloggreen.com/bloggers/sam-abuelsamid Sam Abuelsamid] }}</ref> Additional service centers for the Tesla Roadster are planned for the following United States metropolitan areas: <div class="references" style="-moz-column-count:3; column-count:3;"> *[[Menlo Park, CA]] *[[New York, NY]] *[[Miami, FL]] *[[Chicago, IL]] </div> [[Tesla Motors]] has stated that it will build additional service centers over the next few years to support sales of its next vehicle, the sports sedan currently codenamed the [[Tesla WhiteStar]]. "To do 10,000 units for WhiteStar, we need to be in a lot more places," said Darryl Siry, vice president of Marketing. Planning is underway for an additional 15 service centers in United States major metropolitan locations.<ref name="Pogue2007">{{cite news |url=http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/04/05/solving-the-car-propulsion-problem/ |title=Solving the Car Propulsion Problem |publisher=[[New York Times]] |author=[[David Pogue]] |date=2007-04-05 }}</ref> Possible locations for sales and service locations in Europe were announced in a [http://www.teslamotors.com/blog2/?p=59 letter to customers] in May, 2008. A Roadster purchased in the United States but more than 100 mi. from the nearest service center was originally announced as requiring an additional US$8,000 out-of-service-area fee; this fee was removed at the start of production and replaced with a policy that customers will be responsible for transporting their Roadster to a service center.<ref name="Tesla Blog 59">{{cite web |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/blog2/?p=59 |title=Program Update |date=2008-05-15 |author=Tesla Motors |publisher=Tesla Motors }}</ref> No "independent" mechanics are authorized or certified to perform maintenance on the drive train or electrical systems of the Roadster.<ref name="Tesla FAQs">{{cite web | author = | title = Tesla Motors FAQs | version = | publisher = [[Tesla Motors]] |date=2006-12-20 | url = http://www.teslamotors.com/learn_more/faqs.php?flat=1#faq-q-item23 | format = [[HTML]] | accessdate = 2006-12-20 }}</ref> There is minimal maintenance required for an electric vehicle. There are no oil changes, and brake maintenance is minor due to [[regenerative braking]]. Transmission, brake and cooling system fluids will need to be changed in a manner similar to gasoline-powered cars. == Specifications == ==== Motor ==== *Type: 3-phase, 4-pole electric motor *Max net power: 248&nbsp;hp (185&nbsp;kW) *Max RPM: 13,000 *Max torque, {{convert|200|ft.lbf|N.m|abbr=on}} is made from 0-6,000 rpm *Efficiency: 90% average, 80% at peak power ==== Transmission ==== * [[Magna International|Magna]] two-speed electrically actuated (no clutch pedal) [[Sequential manual gearbox|sequential manual]] with final drive. * Constant mesh gears and inertia lock key type [[Manual transmission#Synchronized transmission|synchromesh]] Tesla is looking at two alternative transmission suppliers because of the failures with the Magna transmission. At the "Town Hall Meeting" with owners in December 2007, Tesla announced plans to ship the initial 2008 Roadsters with their transmissions locked into second gear limiting the performance of the car to less than what was originally stated (0-60mph in 5.7 seconds instead of the announced 4.0 seconds). Tesla will subsequently upgrade those transmissions under warranty when the final transmission is available.<ref name="Tesla Motors 55" /><ref name="Telsa Motors Club Forum 4465-11" /><ref name="AutoBlog 2007-12-19">{{ cite web | url = http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/19/tesla-clarifies-report-of-temporary-transmissions/ |date=2007-12-19 |title=Tesla clarifies report of "temporary transmissions" | first = John | last = Neff }}</ref> At the "Town Hall Meeting" with owners on January 30, 2008, Tesla Motors described the planned transmission upgrade as a single-speed gearbox with a drive ratio of 8.27:1 combined with improved electronics and motor cooling that retain the acceleration from {{nowrap|0&ndash;60 mph}} in under 4 seconds and an improved motor limit of 14,000 [[rpm]] to retain the {{convert|125|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} top speed.<ref>[http://www.teslamotors.com/display_data/town_hall_01312008.mp3 "Town Hall Meeting" with owners on January 30, 2008]</ref> ==== Performance ==== *Acceleration time: {{nowrap|0&ndash;60 mph}} {{nowrap|(0&ndash;97 km/h)}} in 3.9 seconds. Some prototypes and initial production 2008 Roadsters were limited to 5.7 second {{nowrap|0&ndash;60 mph}} acceleration.<ref name="Tesla Motors 55" /> *Top speed: electronically limited at 125 mph (201 km/h) *Range: 221 miles (356 km) on the [[Fuel economy#Measurement cycles|EPA]] combined cycle *Weight and distribution: about 2,700 lb (1,220 kg), centered in front of the rear axle *[[Rear wheel drive]] ==== Battery system ==== * Cell type: [[Lithium ion battery|lithium ion]], 18650 form-factor (18mm diameter by 65 mm length). Most laptop computer batteries already use this type of lithium-ion cell.<ref>{{Citation | last = Lerner | first = Preston | author-link = | title = Can 6,831 Laptop Batteries Change the World? | newspaper = [[Popular Science]] | pages = 68&ndash;73, 104, 107 | year = 2007 |date=April 2007 | url = http://www.time4.com/time4/microsites/popsci/futureofcars/tesla_p1.html}}</ref> <!-- source: The Tesla Roadster Battery System, page 1 and 4 (measurements) --> * Cell count: 6,831 cells arranged into 11 modules connected in series; each module contains 9 "bricks" connected in series; each "brick" contains 69 cells connected in parallel (11S 9S 69P).<ref name="Motor Press Guild Speech">{{cite web |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/display_data/pressguild.swf |title=The Future of Cars is Electric |author=Martin Eberhard, Tesla Motors CEO |authorlink=Martin Eberhard |publisher=Tesla Motors |date=2007-08-07 |quote=Video available from [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6124789175148491596 Google Video]. Slide 90 shows that "The ESS consists of 6831 individual cells that are electrically connected into parallel groups of 69 cells." (11S 9S 69P) }}</ref><ref name="Tesla Rebuttal to ZEV Amendment"> {{cite web |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/display_data/Tesla_rebuttal_ZEV_expert_panel.pdf |title=Response to the CARB ZEV Expert Panel Position on Lithium-Ion Full-Performance Battery Electric Vehicles |author=Andrew Simpson, Telsa Motors |date=March 23, 2008 |publisher=[[Tesla Motors]] |format=[[PDF]] |language=EN }}</ref><ref name="Electronic Design">{{cite web | url=http://www.elecdesign.com/Articles/Index.cfm?AD=1&AD=1&AD=1&ArticleID=14108 | title=Roadster Gets 250 Miles Per Charge | author=[http://www.elecdesign.com/Authors/AuthorID/1585/1585.html Sam Davis] | magazine=Electronic Design | issue=Best Electronic Design 2006 | month=12 | year=2006 | quote="Battery packs consist of 11 identical groups of 621 lithium-ion cells (called sheets) connected in series and parallel. Each cell is 18 mm in diameter and 650 mm long with a nominal 3.6 V and a 2.2 [[ampere hour|A·h]] rating." }}</ref> * Full-charge time: 3½ hours.<ref name="Tesla FAQs" /> * Estimated life: over 100,000 miles (160,000 km). <ref name="Tesla FAQs" /> * Electric energy: about 53 kW·h <!-- source: http://www.teslamotors.com/blog4/?p=59 --> * Total mass: between 900 and 1000 lb (400-450 kg) <!-- sources: http://www.teslamotors.com/blog4/?p=59 , The Tesla Roadster Battery System, page 2 --> * The pack is designed to prevent catastrophic cell failures from propagating to adjacent cells, even when the cooling system is off.<!-- source: The Tesla Roadster Battery System, page 5, first paragraph in the "testing" section--> * Tesla Motors had planned to sell the battery system to ''[[Think Nordic|TH!NK]]'' and possibly others through its Tesla Energy Group division. That plan was put on hold by interim CEO Michael Marks in September 2007.<ref name="SJ Mercury 05-22-2007"> {{cite news | author = [mailto:mnauman@mercurynews.com?subject=San%20Jose%20Mercury%20News:%20Tesla%20Motors%20to%20sell%20batteries%20in%20%26#36;43%20million%20deal%20with%20Think Matt Nauman] | title = Tesla Motors to sell batteries in $43 million deal with Think | url = http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_5956932 | format = html | publisher = San Jose Mecury News |date=2007-05-22 | accessdate = 2007-06-19 | language = EN | quote = }} </ref><ref name="Autoblog EDTA"> {{cite web |url=http://www.autobloggreen.com/2006/11/29/tesla-motors-ready-to-license-batter-tech-to-other-companies/ |title="EDTA Conference: Tesla Motors ready to license battery tech to other companies" |accessdate=2007-03-11 |author=[http://www.autoblog.com/bloggers/sebastian-blanco/ Sebastian Blanco] |format=html }} </ref><ref name="CNET News"> {{cite web |url=http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9798162-7.html |title=Tesla delays its battery business, but test drives begin |date=2007-10-16 |accessdate=2008-02-09 |author=[http://www.news.com/8300-10784_3-7.html?authorId=129&tag=author Michael Kanellos] |publisher=News.com }} </ref> === Electrical "Fuel" Efficiency === In June 2006, Telsa Motors reported the Roadster's battery-to-wheel efficiency as 110&nbsp;W·h/km (5.65 mi/kW·h) on an unspecified driving cycle (either a constant 60 mph (97 km/h) or SAE J1634 test) and stated a charging efficiency of 86% for an overall plug-to-wheel efficiency of 128&nbsp;W·h/km (4.85 mi/kW·h).<ref name="Idaho National Laboratory">{{ cite web | url = http://ev.inel.gov/pdf/fsev/eva/genmot.pdf |title="EVAmerica Baseline Performance Testing for 1997 General Motors EV1 with PbA Batteries" |accessdate=2007-03-05 |author=Idaho National Laboratory |authorlink=Idaho National Laboratory | format = pdf | quote = Footnote 8 in Tesla Motor's white paper refers to this INL study for the equivalent efficiency number from GM EV1 testing but does not specify the driving cycle. }}</ref><ref name="The 21st century Electric Car">{{ cite paper | author = Martin Eberhard, Marc Tarpenning | title = The 21st century Electric Car | publisher = Tesla Motors | date = 2006-10-06 | url = http://www.teslamotors.com/display_data.php?data_name=21stCentElectricCar | format = [[PDF]] | accessdate = 2007-02-23 }}</ref> In March 2007, Tesla Motors reported the Roadster's efficiency on the [[EPA]] highway cycle as "135 mpg [U.S.] equivalent, per the conversion rate used by the EPA" or 133&nbsp;W·h/km (4.66 mi/kW·h) battery-to-wheel and 155&nbsp;W·h/km (4.00 mi/kW·h) plug-to-wheel.<ref name="US Senate Hearing">{{ cite paper | title = Musk Testimony | author = [[Elon Musk]] | publisher = United States Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources |date=2007-03-07 | url = http://energy.senate.gov/public/_files/MuskTestimony.doc | format = [[Microsoft Word]] | accessdate = 2007-03-14}}</ref><ref name="Tesla Motors Press Room">{{cite press release |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=53&js_enabled=0 |title=Tesla Motors Corporate Backgrounder |accessdate=2006-12-05 |publisher=[[Tesla Motors]] |format=html |quote=...the Tesla Roadster is capable of 135 mpg equivalent...}}</ref><ref name="Edmunds Inside Line">{{cite web |url=http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=116204 |title=Tesla Roadster: Lotus Helps Create Sporty 135 MPG Electric Car |accessdate=2006-12-05 |author=Edmunds.com Inside Line |authorlink=Edmunds.com |date=2006-07-21 |format=html |language=English |quote=...achieves the equivalent of 135 mpg.}}</ref><ref name="Marketplace Public Radio">{{cite news |last = Neil |first = Dan |title = A roadster that's electric |publisher = Marketplace Public Radio |date =2006-07-20 |language = English | url = http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2006/07/20/PM200607208.html |accessdate = 2006-09-18 }}</ref> In August 2007, Tesla Motors' dynamometer testing of a Validation Prototype on the EPA combined cycle yielded a range of {{convert|221|mi|km|abbr=on}} using 149&nbsp;W·h/km (4.17&nbsp;mi/kW·h) battery-to-wheel and 209&nbsp;Wh/km (2.98&nbsp;mi/kW·h) plug-to-wheel.<ref name="Tesla FAQs" /><ref name="Tesla Motors 60"> {{cite web |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/blog4/?p=60 |title="Where the Rubber Meets the Road" |author=Andrew Simpson, Tesla Motors Vehicle Systems Engineer |date=2007-09-24 |accessdate=2008-02-22 |quote=Mr. Simpson confirmed via email that "We do not quote station-to-wheel efficiency, but we do quote plug-to-wheel efficiency which includes all energy use downstream of the charging plug. For the most-recent {{convert|221|mi|km|abbr=on}} range test, our plug-to-wheel efficiency was 336 Wh/mi." }}</ref> In February 2008, Tesla Motors reported improved plug-to-wheel efficiency after testing a Validation Prototype car at an EPA-certified location. Those tests yielded a range of 220 mi (354 km) and a plug-to-wheel efficiency of 256 mpg equivalent or 199&nbsp;W·h/km (3.12 mi/kW·h).<ref name="Tesla home page">{{cite web |url=http://www.teslamotors.com |title=Tesla Motors |accessdate=2008-06-25 |quote=256 mpg equivalent*, 220 miles per charge*, less than 2¢ per mile*...* Range is based on our most recent testing with a Validation Prototype car at an EPA-certified location in February 2008. EPA range is subject to change pending future testing. Actual range will vary with driving style and conditions. Conversion from electric consumption to gallons of gasoline equivalent is calculated using the Department of Energy equivalence factor documented in the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 10, Part 474. }}</ref> The Roadster's motor efficiency, [[life cycle analysis|battery-to-wheel]], is 90% on average and 80% at peak power (this does not include the efficiency of the electrical generating source, only how efficiently the Roadster uses the energy).<ref name="Tesla FAQs item 15">{{cite web |url=http://www.teslamotors.com/learn_more/faqs.php?flat=1#faq-q-item13 |title="Electric Vehicle (EV) Questions" |accessdate=2008-07-14 }}</ref> For comparison, [[internal combustion engine]]s have a tank-to-wheel efficiency of about 20%.<ref name="EPA FuelEconomy">{{ cite web | url = http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/atv.shtml | title = Advanced Technologies and Energy Efficiency | accessdate = 2008-02-10 | author = US EPA }}</ref> ==== Petroleum-Equivalent Efficiency ==== {{seealso|electric car#Comparison to internal combustion vehicles}} Because the Roadster does not actually use gasoline, petroleum-equivalent efficiency (mpg, l/100&nbsp;km) can be calculated in several ways: * A number comparable to the typical [[Monroney sticker]]'s "pump-to-wheel" fuel efficiency can be calculated based on the [[Department of energy|DOE]]'s energy content for a U.S. gallon of gasoline of 33705 Wh/gal (also called the [[Lower heating value|Lower Heating Value (LHV)]] of gasoline):<ref name="petroleum-equivalency"/> *: <math>\frac{33705 \begin{matrix}\frac{\mathrm{Wh}}{\mathrm{gal}}\end{matrix}}{ 149 \begin{matrix}\frac {\mathrm{Wh}}{\mathrm{km}}\end{matrix} \times \begin{matrix}\frac {1.6 \mathrm{km}}{\mathrm{mi}}\end{matrix}} \times 75.2% = \mathbf{ 105 \mathrm{mpg}\; = 2.24 \begin{matrix}\frac{l}{100 \mathrm{km}}\end{matrix}}</math> * For [[Corporate Average Fuel Economy|CAFE]] regulatory purposes, the [[Department of energy|DOE]]'s full petroleum-equivalency equation combines the primary energy efficiencies of the USA [[Electric power transmission|electric grid]] and the well-to-pump path with a "fuel content factor" that quantifies conservation and scarcity of fuels in the USA.<ref name="petroleum-equivalency">{{ cite paper | author = [[United States Department of Energy|U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)]] | title = Federal Register Vol. 64 No. 113 | publisher = [[United States Government Printing Office|U.S. GPO]] | date=2000-07-12 | url = http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2000_register&docid=00-14446-filed.pdf | format = [[PDF]] | accessdate = 2006-09-22 }}</ref> This combination yields a factor of 82,049 Wh/gal in the above equation and a regulatory fuel efficiency of {{mpg|256}}. * Recharging with electricity from the USA grid, the factor changes to 12,307&nbsp;W·h/ U.S. gal<ref name="petroleum-equivalency"/> to remove the "fuel content factor" = <sup>1</sup>/<sub>0.15</sub> and the above equation yields a [[Life cycle energy analysis|full-cycle energy-equivalency]] of {{mpg|38.4}}. For full-cycle comparisons, the sticker or "pump-to-wheel" value from a gasoline-fueled vehicle must be multiplied by the fuel's "well-to-pump" efficiency; the DOE regulation specifies a "well-to-pump" efficiency of 83% for gasoline.<ref name="petroleum-equivalency"/> The [[Prius]]' sticker [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/compx2008f.jsp?year=2008&make=Toyota&model=Prius&hiddenField=Findacar {{mpg|46}}], for example, converts to a full-cycle energy-equivalent of {{mpg|38.2}}.<ref name="petroleum-equivalency"/> * Recharging with electricity generated by newer, 58% efficiency [[CCGT]] power plants,<ref name="DOE Top Power Project">{{cite news |url=http://www.fossil.energy.gov/news/techlines/2003/tl_baglanbay.html |title = Advanced Natural Gas Turbine Hailed as Top Power Project of 2003 |publisher = [[United States Department of Energy|DOE]] |date=2003-12-30 |language = English |accessdate = 2007-03-14 }}</ref> changes the factor to 21,763&nbsp;Wh/gal<ref name="petroleum-equivalency"/> in the above equation and yields a fuel efficiency of {{mpg|68}}. * Recharging with non-fossil fuel electricity sources such as [[hydroelectricity|hydroelectric]], [[solar power]], [[wind power|wind]] or [[nuclear power|nuclear]], the equivalent efficiency can be remarkably higher as fossil fuel is not used in refueling.<ref name="fueleconomy.gov evtech">{{cite web |url=http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/evtech.shtml |title=http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/evtech.shtml |accessdate=May 28, 2008 }}</ref> * Monetary cost offers another way to find an equivalent fuel efficiency. Tesla Motors reports an energy cost of approximately US$0.01/mile using [[Pacific Gas and Electric Company|PG&E's]] [http://www.pge.com/mybusiness/environment/pge/cleanair/electricdrivevehicles/charging/index.shtml E-9 night-time incentive charging], or about US$0.03/mile using the retail price of US$0.12/kW·h. Comparison with a gasoline price of US$3.50/ U.S. gallon, for instance, results in an equivalent of {{mpg|350}} using E-9 or {{mpg|117}} using retail pricing. ==Reviews== In a [[November 27]] [[2006]] review of the Tesla Roadster in ''[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]'', Paul Boutin wrote, "A week ago, I went for a spin in the fastest, most fun car I've ever ridden in—and that includes the Aston Martin I tried to buy once. I was so excited, in fact, that I decided to take a few days to calm down before writing about it. Well, my waiting period is over, I'm thinking rationally, and I'm still unbelievably stoked about the Tesla." <ref name="Slate"> {{cite web |url=http://www.slate.com/id/2154425/ |title="It's Electric!The Tesla Roadster—a hotshot sports car that runs on batteries." |author=Paul Boutin |publisher=www.Slate.com |date=2006-11-27 }} </ref> In a [[July 8]], [[2007]] review of the Tesla Roadster, [[Jay Leno]] wrote, "If you like sports cars and you want to be green, this is the only way to go. The Tesla is a car that you can live with, drive and enjoy as a sports car. I had a brief drive in the car and it was quite impressive. This is an electric car that is fun to drive." <ref name="Times Online UK"> {{citation |url=http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/new_car_reviews/article2036260.ece?OTC-HPtoppuff&ATTR=tesla |title=Tesla Roadster - The most fun you can have without fuel |author=Jay Leno |publisher=The Sunday Times |date=2007-07-08 }} </ref> In a [[March]], [[2008]] article ''[[Car and Driver]]'' had this to say about the Tesla Roadster: "Highs: Intoxicating midrange powertrain response, user-friendly operation, realistic range, Lows: expensive for performance, iffy shifter, unknown reliability and life cycle, The Verdict: if we wanted an electric car, we’d be happy to live with this one". <ref name="Car and Driver"> {{cite news |url=http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/green_machines/2008_tesla_roadster_road_test |title=2008 Tesla Roadster - Road Test |publisher=Car and Driver |date=2008-06-17 }} </ref> ''[[Motor Trend]]'' gave a generally favorable review, stating that, it was "undeniably, unbelievably efficient" and would be "profoundly humbling to just about any rumbling Ferrari or Porsche that makes the mistake of pulling up next to a silent, 105-mpg Tesla Roadster at a stoplight."; however, they detected a "nasty drivetrain buck" during the test drive.<ref name="mt"> {{cite news |url=http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/alternative/112_0803_2008_tesla_roadster/index.html |title=First Drive: 2008 Tesla Roadster |publisher=Motor Trend |accessdate=2008-03-21 }} </ref> ''[[AutoWeek]]'' reported that while "the roadster has had a few transmission troubles [...] Tesla Roadster buyers will enjoy their energy-efficient mounts. We know we did."<ref name="autoweek"> {{cite news |url=http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080124/FREE/398811820/1024/FREE |title=Tesla Roadster: Don't worry about the future of transportation being fun |publisher=AutoWeek |date=[[2008-01-24]] |accessdate=2008-03-21 }}</ref> ''[[Road and Track]]'' said "The Tesla feels composed and competent at speed with great turn-in and transitioning response", though they recommended against it as a "primary grocery-getter".<ref name="rt"> {{cite news |url=http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=2&article_id=6393 |title=First Drive: 2008 Tesla Roadster |publisher=Road and Track |date=March 2008 |accessdate=2008-03-21 }}</ref> ==Awards== * [[INDEX]] - INDEX Award 2007<ref name="INDEX Awared">{{cite web | url=http://www.indexaward.dk/2007/default.asp?id=709&Article=847&Folder=847 | title=INDEX Award 2007 }}</ref> * [[BusinessWeek]] - Best Product Design of 2007, Ecodesign<ref name="BusinessWeek">{{cite web | url=http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_31/b4044401.htm | title=Best Product Design of 2007, Ecodesign }}</ref> * [[Forbes]] - Best Cars 2006: New car that best lived up to the Hype<ref name="Forbes Best Cars">{{cite web | url=http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/2006/12/08/best-cars-2006-forbeslife-cx_dl_1211bestcars.html | title=Best Cars 2006: New car that best lived up to the Hype }}</ref> * [[Time Magazine]] - Best Inventions 2006 - Transportation Invention<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/2006/techguide/bestinventions/ TIME Best Inventions 2006<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> * [[Popular Mechanics]] - Breakthrough Awards 2006<ref>{{cite web | last = Ward | first = Logan | title = BREAKTHROUGH AWARDS 2006: Innovators Martin Eberhard and Team | publisher = [[Popular Mechanics]] | date = November 2006 | url = http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/research/4212847.html | accessdate = 2008-01-23}}</ref> * [[Global Green USA]] - Product/Industrial Design<ref>{{cite press release | title = Tesla Motors Receives 'Environmental Leadership' Award from Global Green USA | publisher = [[Tesla Motors]] | date = [[2006-10-17]] | url = http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=190 | accessdate = 2008-01-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Awards | publisher = [[Global Green USA]] | url = http://www.globalgreen.org/awards/secure_sustainable.html | accessdate = 2008-01-23}}</ref> * [[CarDomain]] - People's Choice: Most Exciting 2007 Car Launch <ref>[http://blog.cardomain.com/blog/2006/11/peoples_choice.html CarDomain Car Blog: People's Choice!<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> == See also == * [[List of production battery electric vehicles]] == Footnotes == {{refs|3}} == References == {{refbegin}} * {{ cite web | title = Performance Specs - 2008 Model Year | url = http://www.teslamotors.com/performance/perf_specs.php }} * {{ cite web | title = The Tesla Roadster Battery System | url = http://www.teslamotors.com/display_data/TeslaRoadsterBatterySystem.pdf }} * [http://www.teslamotors.com/learn_more/white_papers.php white papers] and [http://www.teslamotors.com/display_data/bconverted.swf presentation] {{refend}} ==External links== {{commonscat}} * [http://teslamotors.com/ Tesla Motors home page] * [http://www.teslamotors.com/media/media_coverage.php?js_enabled=1 Tesla Motors' list of media articles written about their product] * [http://www.wired.com/news/wiredmag/0,71414-0.html Wired News: "Battery-Fueled Car Will Smoke You"] - First public review of the car. * [http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/alternative/112_0803_2008_tesla_roadster/index.html Motor Trend- First Drive of 2008 Tesla Roadster] * [http://www.futurecars.com/reviews/tesla-roadster.html Tesla Review] [[Category:Electric sports cars]] [[Category:Production electric vehicles]] [[Category:Sports cars]] [[Category:Alternative propulsion]] [[Category:Vehicles introduced in 2007]] [[Category:Roadsters]] [[Category:Mid-engined vehicles]] [[ca:Tesla Roadster]] [[de:Tesla Roadster]] [[es:Tesla Roadster]] [[eo:Tesla Roadster]] [[fa:تسلا رودستر]] [[hr:Tesla Roadster]] [[it:Tesla Roadster]] [[lt:Tesla Roadster]] [[hu:Tesla Roadster]] [[nl:Tesla Roadster]] [[no:Tesla Roadster]] [[nn:Tesla Roadster]] [[pl:Tesla Roadster]] [[pt:Tesla Roadster]] [[ru:Tesla Roadster]] [[sk:Tesla Roadster]] [[sr:Tesla rodster]] [[sh:Tesla rodster]] [[fi:Tesla Roadster]] [[uk:Tesla Roadster]]