The Tesla Roadster is one of the most high-profile electric cars, pointing to a future when lithium-ion battery technology and incredible acceleration make electric automotive technology more desirable than petrol cars.
Up till now, sightings of the Tesla Roadster have been rare in Australia. Internode CEO Simon Hackett claimed to have imported the first of the Roadsters to the country earlier this year, but the left-hand drive model needs special permission to be driven on public roads. [UPDATE: our use of the word "claimed" was a poor choice and wasn't intended to imply any skepticism about the existence of Simon Hackett's Tesla. In fact, Simon has contacted us to let us know that his Tesla is very real. He also helpfully provided us a link to a Channel Ten News Adelaide video showing the car in action.]
Now a new version of the Tesla - the Roadster Sport version has been clocked accelerating from 0-60mph faster than a Ferrari F40 - is being built with a right-hand drive configuration, meaning new prospects for the car to be seen gliding somewhat quietly on roads outside the United States.
While the plan is for Europe sales, rather than Australia, this is nevertheless intriguing news for those who have been following the evolution of the Tesla, which boasts a heritage that incorporates elements of the Lotus Elise.
The Telsa is at the forefront of the push to take cars beyond the hybrid stage to full-electric. Unlike hybrid petrol-electric engines such as the Toyota Prius, the air-cooled Tesla is fully electrically powered.
The full-electric Tesla, which doesn't have a tailpipe and has a single fixed gear, boasts high torque over a large RPM range and an electronically limited top speed of 125MPH.
While the car is fast, its Achilles heel is power.
Key to Telsa's future will be the evolution of lithium-ion battery technology. The 450Kg battery in the Roadster will reportedly last for around 400km, but the battery has a finite life, and it has been reported that it could cost more than US$30,000 to replace. [UPDATE: The US$30,000 figure is based on quotes from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, though since then the company has announced customers can pre-pay US$12,000]
 |
| The full-electric Tesla: single fixed gear, boasting high torque over a large RPM range and an electronically limited top speed of 125MPH. |
 |
| Interior detail: the Roadster Sport version has been clocked faster than a Ferrari F40 at 0-60mph |
Batteries that last for 289,000 km have been demonstrated, as well as the ability to "quick charge" batteries to 80% in less than 10 minutes.
The other issue complicating the Tesla vision is where to charge electric cars.
Interestingly, despite these complications, it hasn't stopped other car makers testing the waters, including a Mini E prototype, an electric version of the Mini Cooper S.
Tesla is also readying a new car called the Model S, which will reportedly seat seven people, and includes a 17inch touchscreen dash control.