Everything you need to know about the Tesla Roadster

The Tesla Roadster was the first car ever made by the EV maker, launching back in 2008. 

At the time of its launch, the Roadster was a groundbreaking vehicle, being the first highway-legal production EV to use lithium-ion battery cells. 

Production of the Roadster ended in 2012, with around 2,500 sold across the world. 

Tesla has announced the Roadster will get a second-generation, but the production date has been pushed back several times.

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Let’s take a closer look at the Tesla Roadster’s exterior

The original Tesla Roadster EV was responsible for numerous ‘firsts’ – it was the first vehicle from Tesla, the first production all-electric car to travel more than 244 miles (393km) per charge, and the first production vehicle to be launched into space.

The EV was built on the Lotus Elise chassis and featured a two-door, two-seater design. 

In 2012, four years after production began, the Roadster was retired. 

But shortly after this, Tesla boss Elon Musk announced that the vehicle would be returning for a second generation.

Musk said that the new version, which wouldn’t use the Lotus Elise chassis, could return to production by 2014.

Of course, this didn’t happen, but it’s certainly not the last we’ve heard about the new model. 

A prototype of the second-gen EV was unveiled in 2017 at the Tesla Semi event. 

Tesla suggested the second-gen Roadster would be a 2+2 coupé with a removable glass roof.

It was designed by Tesla’s chief designer, Franz von Holzhausen. 

Although we’re yet to see how a production version might look, the prototypes show that the new generation Roadster features the sleek, futuristic looks we’ve all come to expect from Tesla. 

What’s the interior of the Roadster like?

Like most Teslas, the Roadster has a pretty minimalist feel to it. 

In 2010, the original Roadster was upgraded with an ‘executive interior’ that included carbon fiber, premium leather, and clear-coat carbon fiber elements. 

It was also fitted with a centrally mounted display screen that shared real-time data, like the estimated range. 

For now, the second-generation is still a concept, so it’s likely to change, but it seems as though the newer model will gain a couple of extra seats in the rear but will more than likely stick with the carmaker’s tried and tested minimalist look. 

What is likely to get a major overhaul is the EV’s infotainment – given that the last Roadster rolled off the production line more than a decade ago, it stands to reason that tech-loving Tesla will be kitting out the new model with some cool new features.

How does the Tesla Roadster perform?

The original Roadster was a groundbreaking vehicle back when it was launched more than 15 years ago. 

Its all-electric powertrain could produce up to 288 horsepower, depending on the model, and it had an EPA range rating of around 244 miles (393km) on a single charge. 

It was able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97km/h) in 3.7 or 3.9 seconds – again, depending on the model – and had a top speed of 125mph (201km/h).

Tesla claims its upcoming Roadster will outperform its predecessor. 

The carmaker says it will offer up to 620 miles (997km) of range – more than twice that of the original. 

The marque says it will be capable of hitting 0 to 60 (0 to 97 km/h) in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it 1.9 seconds and have a top speed of more than 250mph (402km/h). 

Of course, we’ll have to wait and see if those stats bear out when the production second-generation Roadster is released – but if it’s as exciting as the brand claims, it could be a game-changer for Tesla.

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