Coming Soon

Tesla Roadster 1st Gen

2008–2012 · convertible

Tesla's first car and one of the most important EVs in history. Built on a Lotus Elise-derived chassis (Tesla manufactured at Lotus's Hethel plant in the UK). Single-speed transmission, RWD, ~245 miles of EPA-cycle range, the first highway-legal serial-production all-electric car to use lithium-ion cells, and the first all-electric production car to clear 200 miles per charge. Produced from 2008 to early 2012 (Tesla ran out of Lotus chassis), with ~2,450 cars sold across 30+ countries. Variants: Roadster, Sport, and the final-year Roadster 2.5. First delivery was to Elon Musk in February 2008.

Watch out: Battery degradation and replacement cost is the dominant ownership variable, the original Roadster pack is unique (not shared with later Tesla models), parts and refurbishment are specialized, and a full pack replacement is a five-figure event handled by Tesla or one of a few third-party specialists. Also: the Lotus-derived chassis means the cabin is cramped and the ergonomics are pre-Tesla-modern. Maintain for the historical significance, not as a daily driver.