TeslaMotors Electric Roadster can go from zero to 60 mph in about 4 seconds with a top speed of over 130 mph. It has no clutch and a very wide, flat torque curve. If you don’t feel like shifting, you can drive entirely in second gear. Acceleration, even in second gear is remarkably fast.

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The Tesla Roadster has a two-speed transmission to maximize acceleration, while also allowing a reasonably high top speed. First gear gets you from zero to sixty in about 4 seconds, while second gear takes you to above 130 mph. 

The gearing of the Tesla Roadster works together with the shifter and the Power Electronics Module to provide familiar driving behavior. First gear has strong “regenerative braking” that recharges the battery during deceleration and feels like engine braking in low gear on other sports cars. Second gear has less regenerative braking, and feels like third or fourth gear on other sports cars. The Tesla Roadster needs only two gears because the motor delivers high torque over a much wider range of rpm’s than any gasoline engine. No reverse gear is needed; the motor runs backwards for reversing.

Range depends on driving style and conditions of course but on the EPA highway driving cycle, TeslaMotors expect 250 miles on a charge.

The trunk has been designed to accommodate a carry-on wheeled bag or a bag of golf clubs.

Tesla Motors has sold out of all of its 2007 model year Tesla Roadsters. Tesla Motors will begin taking deposits very soon for its 2008 Tesla Roadster.