As the world moves toward more eco-friendly ways of doing just about everything, the automotive industry isn’t far behind. Electric cars are the wave of the future, but some worry about compromising style for efficiency. Tesla is doing both. Founded in 2003 by a group of engineers, Tesla has proven that electric vehicles can be quicker, safer and more fun to drive than their gas powered counterparts. But what about style?
The Tesla Roadster claims title as one of the fastest cars in the world, topping out at speeds over 250mph and reaching 0-60 in just under two seconds. And if those stats aren’t impressive enough, the Roadster does it all using battery technology and an electric powertrain.
The Roadster is a powerhouse of technology, style and ability. There are some little-known facts about this innovative sports car that might peek your interest even more. Let’s take a look.
1. Aerodynamic Design
The Roadster’s stats are impressive, no matter how you look at it. The supercar is one of the fastest on the market (or will be when it’s released in 2020). Going from 0-60 in 1.9 seconds and 0-100 in just 4.2 seconds, the electric-powered machine will top out at 250mph. How is it done? Aside from what’s under the hood, the Roadster’s speed is attributed to it’s aerodynamic design. Aerodynamics plays a huge part in a vehicle’s efficiency. The more air the car needs to move in order to reach and maintain to speed, the more energy it uses. In order to create an energy efficient, smooth ride, the Roadster’s design is aerodynamic genius. Additional design features include a carbon fiber diffuser and active rear wing.
2. Glass Roof
The Tesla Roadster takes the idea of a sunroof to an entirely different level. The Roadster is designed with a light weight glass roof that can be easily removed and stored in the vehicle’s trunk, offering drivers a convertible, open-air experience. Even when the glass roof is in place, the driving experience is one of a kind. Drivers, and passengers have an unobstructed view of the world around and above them. Some compare the feeling to being inside of a space ship. And why not? The Roadster’s sleek design both inside and out are most certainly out of this world.
3. Impressive Mile Range
We already know that one of the biggest draws to the Tesla Roadster is it’s unbelievable efficiency. But the electric car’s mile range is worth noting. Drivers can travel an impressive 620 miles between charges. To give you a comparison, most gasoline vehicles average 400 miles per tank. The Roadster’s longevity is thanks in part to the 200 kWh battery. If you’re worried about charging time, don’t be. A completely dead battery is fully-charged and ready to use in just 3.5 hours. If you’re traveling these distances in inclement weather, the Tesla Roadster is equipped with three motors and all-wheel drive, adding to its safety and overall appeal.
4. Roomy Interior
Most sports cars sacrifice comfort and room for style. That’s why the Tesla Roadster is not most sports cars. The sleek exterior houses an equally sleek and efficient interior. The Roadster is a 2 + 2 car which means you can comfortably seat two people in the front and two additional passengers in the back. Like most coupe models, the rear passengers will have less legroom than those riding shotgun, but the journey is well-worth it. Other interior details include a futuristic steering wheel, bucket seats, and chrome accents.
5. Energy Storage System
The Roadster is equipped with an Energy Storage System (ESS) made up of over 6,500 rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. With 11 sectors housing 621 batteries each, the total weight of the batteries tops out at 1,000 pounds. Not only is the Roadster’s battery configuration impressive and efficient, but it’s also been tested and equipped with top safety features. If there’s an issue with one of the cells, the adjacent cells are protected. This is thanks to the car’s isolated-cell design. The Roadster also has a number of sensors that monitor acceleration, temperature, and tilt. These sensors will automatically disconnect the power system in the event of an emergency or crash.
Reserve One Now
The Tesla Roadster is a breakthrough in both automotive innovation and performance. Never before has an electric powered car claimed the top spot for speed and acceleration. If you want to get your hands on one of these amazing machines (and we don’t blame you), you’ll need $200,000 for the base model.
The new Roadster won’t be released until 2020 but auto enthusiasts are already reserving theirs for $50,000. But you can’t put a price tag on being one of the first people to own an electric powered dream that is revolutionizing the way luxury sports cars are made.
