Edgy and Electric
The Maryland Science Center was lucky enough to have the opportunity to borrow an electric Tesla Roadster as part of our going green (and electric) effort. A far cry from the bright green Alt-Car available for test drive, this carbon fiber-clad performance machine still retains the same basic principles. Tesla wanted to make an environmentally-friendly car that was still appealing to high-end car enthusiasts or those with deep pockets who want to do their part to ensure the success of the green movement.
Two times more efficient than a Prius, the Tesla Roadster can go 0-60 mph in a blinding 3.9 seconds! It has a 244-mile range and oozes torque, torque, torque from 0-14,000 RPMs. You’ll never see that kind of torque in a gasoline engine; they have low torque at low RPMs and torque peaks at a very limited RPM range. This two-seater, open-roof RWD sportscar boasts a 375 volt AC induction air-cooled electric motor with variable frequency drive. It outputs 248 peak horsepower (185kW) and 276 ft/lbs (375 nm) of torque. Redline is 14,000 rpm.
The Tesla Roadster is a single speed fixed gear with electrically actuated parking lock mechanism and mechanical lubrication pumptops. It tops out at 125 mph and only take about 3.5 hours to fully charge!
You too can have your very own Tesla Roadster starting at $101,500. It might seem like a lot, but can you really put a price on our environment? Might as well have fun while you’re here.
For more information on the Tesla Roadster, visit www.teslamotors.com.
