In February 2010, our motorsport media AUTOhebdo tested the enigmatic Tesla Roadster. Thirteen years later, verdict?

Tesla Roadster Sport, alternating current

Are electric cars the transportation of the future or heretical prophecy? Far from moralizing speeches polluting our environment, Tesla proves that you can drive fast, well, and long in a 100% electric car.

Let’s be upfront from the start to avoid prolonged hypocrisy: anyone with €100,000 to invest in a Tesla Roadster doesn’t care that for the same price, they could drive a Porsche or an Aston Martin. This is a statistical fact, not journalistic speculation. Driving “electric” remains, today, a personal approach far removed from all rational contingencies. This independence of spirit is refreshing in a society where everything must be thought out, calculated, justified. The era we live in is a true blessing because we will witness endless changes in the coming years. We have the choice to embrace them now or to reproduce a pattern similar to those who, 120 years ago, never believed that the Automobile could one day be more practical, economical, and high-performing than the Horse.

This is no coincidence that the Californian company today bears the name of Nikola Tesla, a Serbian-born brilliant scientist (1856-1943), whose discoveries in energy and its conversion are legendary. The symbol is especially strong because Tesla sought, late in life, to develop a car powered by zero-point energy (!), necessarily inexhaustible and free, ensuring freedom of movement for all humans on this planet. The cessation of his work remains unknown; some propose that Nikola Tesla’s project was utopian, others that the political and economic interests of the oil industry remain unchallenged. Both theories are equally valid…

What remains legitimate to ask is what engineers have dedicated their time to since the appearance of the first electric vehicles a hundred years ago. Progress has been minimal, and we will still endure the yoke of oil for a long time. Energy storage remains the fundamental challenge of this technical scheme, so much so that the few city cars available on the market barely reach 100 km/h and 100 km of autonomy. The billions of dollars spent each year by industry will push progress forward, and experts agree that technology improves at around 8% annually in terms of weight reduction and efficiency.

However, Tesla seems to have a lead over rivals; its small roadster already boasts a reasonable range and plenty of pep. But the real issue with electric cars lies in their overall design. They must be conceived from A to Z as such, including battery integration, thermal constraints, etc., rather than being mere hacks on an existing thermal vehicle. Tesla is aware of this and is working on a family sedan, the Model S, which will have a range of 300 miles (480 km) and is expected to be marketed in 2011. An even sportier GT 2+2 will finally follow around 2013-2014.

Meanwhile, anticipation builds as we happily revisit the adorable Tesla Roadster. From test drives to encounters, it’s astounding to see how the American car keeps evolving and improving. The Sport model tested in these pages introduces many updates, including a single-speed transmission, a manually adjustable chassis (springs and anti-roll bars), stickier Yokohama tires, and instant power increased by 30 kW, now at 215 kW (292 hp). The “Signature 250” finish adds luxury features (7-speaker sound system, Alcantara seats, metallic paint), some carbon accents, and forged wheels. The customer benefit exceeds €16,000, but unfortunately, the 250 units allocated for the European market are already sold out.

The Tesla Roadster is a charming convertible whose kinship with Lotus Elise is obvious to any eye. Yet, as you approach it, you realize the proportions differ between the beauties of California and Norfolk. Tesla is longer (+161 mm), wider (+153 mm), and slightly taller (+7 mm) than the Lotus, but only an expert would notice the difference. The American company emphasizes that only 7% of components are shared with the Elise. Inside the Tesla, it reveals a personality of its own: the traditional gear lever has vanished in favor of four buttons embedded in an aluminum console. A small control screen allows you to monitor the health of the 6,831 Lithium-Ion cells housed in your back. Carbon inserts are optional (€6,900 excl. VAT), but they give the car an unmistakable sporty look.

The ignition is turned on, and the Roadster Sport moves silently and effortlessly. What a pleasure to drive through the busy streets of Monaco without unnecessary stress. From the very first moments, it’s clear that this driving experience is relaxing in a place where supercars average just 15 km per day. The appeal of Tesla makes perfect sense here. Sure, its range suffers in comparison to a coupe with a 90-liter 98 octane tank, but so what? Who can genuinely boast of traveling over 300 km daily in a GT? Probably no Monaco resident. At worst, rediscovering travel in stages, like in the days of stagecoaches, can be very romantic. Paris to Nice in three days, along country roads—what a beautiful journey.

We leave Monaco for the heights and the Col de la Madone in particular. The vigorous responses of the 375-volt electric motor, producing 215 kW, awaken your senses and convince you that few GTs can boast such ease. A quick toggle on the control screen allows switching from “Range” (favoring autonomy) to “Performance” mode. Instantly, the microprocessors managing the battery activity allow for maximum power output. The 400 Nm available from 0 to 5100 rpm catapult you to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. The demonstration is even more spectacular because the discreet hum of the electric motor suggests that the exercise is painless. Driving pleasure is unexpectedly high but requires adapting your driving style. The engine brake is so powerful, it almost makes braking unnecessary. In corners or during rare hard decelerations, the 450 kg of batteries remind you of their presence, and flirting with the extreme is not an instinctive exercise. Luckily, the Tesla’s road behavior remains very safe, with understeer kicking in when tire mismatches (16″ front, 17″ rear) push the limits. The Sport chassis aids this easy driving—body movements are better controlled than with the standard suspension.

Inside, the instrument cluster provides real-time info on energy consumption in kW, while the engine rpm display shows speed: 4,000 rpm at 55 km/h, 8,000 rpm at 110 km/h, 14,000 rpm at 200 km/h, and so forth. Child’s play.

Hours pass, and the initial worries about losing autonomy fade away. Already 150 km in mountain driving, and the onboard computer shows a reserve of 200 km. Clearly, a romantic trip from Paris to Deauville would not be an intimidating challenge. The only requirement for such a lovely range is strict recharge timing. Recharging can take from 3.5 to 12 hours depending on the power outlet. The downside: operational costs are negligible—around €7, compared to dozens of euros for a typical GT doing the same distance. A finally significant argument for investing €100,000 in a Tesla.

Conclusion

Bright Tomorrows

The little Tesla Roadster proves that, aside from the issue of long recharging times, an electric vehicle can be a true sports machine. We are only at the outset of a technology that offers fabulous distraction and performance.

Technical Sheet

Asynchronous electric motor (rear position).

Power: 214 kW / 288 hp at 5133 rpm

Torque: 400 Nm from 1 to 5100 rpm

Gearbox: Single-speed reduction gear

Chassis: Aluminum monocoque extruded

Tires: 175/55R16 front, 225/45R17 rear

Battery: Lithium-Ion, 375 Volts, 53 kWh

Range: approx. 380 km

Transmission: Rear-wheel drive

Dimensions: 3946 x 1873 x 1127 mm

Weight: 1238 kg