An Elise Jim, but not as we know it
Production has begun of the Tesla Roadster, an electric car that uses Lotus Elise chassis technology.
The car was first unveiled as a prototype on Jul;y 16, 2006, and the car has endured a rocky road towards production.
However, the company says a ‘historical milestone’ has now been reached two year later, and production commenced yesterday.
The company hopes to be producing 100 roadsters a month by early next year.
The 2008 model year is now sold out and Tesla is now taking orders for 2009 cars.
The car has a 0-60mph time of 3.9 second and a 13,000rpm redline, all with an economy equivalent to 135mpg.
Ze'ev Drori, president of Tesla, said on his blog: ‘With this milestone, the Tesla Roadster is the only zero emission electric vehicle in production today – this is in stark contrast to the others who only talk about their future plans.
‘Tesla’s remarkable achievement validates the vision, ingenuity, hard work and commitment of Tesla’s employees.’
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