Roadster
Click on a heading below to find out more about this vehicle:
THE DRIVETRAIN
The Roadster is powered by a 3-Phase Alternating Current Induction Motor. 375 volts push up to 900 Amps of current into the motor to create magnetic fields. It delivers 288 peak horsepower and 295 lbs-ft of torque at the driver's command. At top speed, the motor is spinning at 14,000 revolutions per minute.
The motor is directly coupled to a single speed gearbox, above the rear axle. The simplicity of a single gear ratio reduces weight and eliminates the need for complicated shifting and clutch work. The elegant motor does not need a complicated reverse gear - the motor simply spins in the opposite direction.
The unique design maximizes both range and acceleration.
THE BATTERY
The battery pack in the Tesla Roadster is the result of innovative systems engineering and 20 years of advances in Lithium-ion battery technology. The ingenious pack architecture enables world-class acceleration, safety, range, and reliability.
The pack contains 6,831 lithium ion cells and is the most energy dense pack in the industry, storing 56 kWh of energy. Roadsters are engineered to charge from nearly any 120-volt or 240-volt outlet. Charging each night means their car is ready to drive 245 miles each morning.
The Roadster battery charger is located on-board the car. This means the Roadster can be plugged into any outlet, anywhere in the world. Charge times vary based on the outlet voltage and Amperage. With the Tesla Home Connector, a Roadster charges in as little as 4 hours from empty.
POWER CONTROL
The Power Electronics Module functions as a bridge between the charge port, battery, and motor. It manages and converts current during driving and charging. As Alternating Current flows into the car from the wall, the Power Electronics Module converts it to Direct Current for storage in the battery. When driving, the Power Electronics Module converts DC back to AC that the motor uses to generate torque. Every electron ever used in a Roadster, from the motor drive to the dome light, flows through the Power Electronics Module. At many operating points, it is 97-98% efficient; less than 2% of converted energy is lost.
The regenerative braking system is completely independent of the brake pedal and brakes and is controlled by the Power Electronics Module. The drive experience is similar to engine braking or downshifting in a gas-powered car. The electric drivetrain instantaneously switches from “drive mode” (forward torque) to “generating mode” (reverse torque) based on the throttle position.
CARBON FIBER BODY
The advantageous strength to weight ratio of carbon fiber means using about 30% less material (by mass) than steel to build a light, strong, and safe body.
MOTOR
375 volt AC induction air-cooled electric motor with variable frequency drive.
Roadster
- Torque 273 lb-ft at 0-5,400 rpm
- Horsepower 288 hp (215 kW) at 5,000-6,000 rpm
- Max rpm 14,000 rpm
Roadster Sport
- Torque 295 lb-ft at 0-5,100 rpm
- Horsepower 288 hp (215 kW) at 4,400-6,000 rpm
- Max rpm 14,000 rpm
ACCELERATION
Roadster
- Top Speed 125 mph
- 0 to 60 mph 3.9 seconds
Roadster Sport
- Top Speed 125 mph
- 0 to 60 mph 3.7 seconds
TRANSMISSION
Single speed fixed gear. Reverse drive uses reverse direction of motor, limited to 15 mph.
Overall Final Drive 8.28:1
Final Drive Ratio 3.12:1
BATTERY
Custom microprocessor-controlled lithium-ion battery with 6,831 individual cells.
3.5 hour charge time from empty to full using the Tesla Home Connector at 240 Volts and 70 Amps.
245 mile range.
Expected battery life of seven-years or 100,000 miles.
SAFETY FEATURES
Our fully independent, double-wishbone suspension ensures that each wheel works independently to hold optimal tire-to-ground contact for active safety through driver control.
4-channel ABS anti-lock brake system results in shorter stopping distances and helps maintain vehicle control even under emergency braking conditions. The extruded and resin bonded aluminum monocoque chassis envelops the driver and passenger in a protective cocoon of safety. The Roadster features driver and passenger airbags, as well as front and rear energy absorbing zones.
The ABS system detects the wheels locking up on the slippery, icy side and automatically reduces the braking pressure on that side.
For starters, the plug on the Home Connector unit only becomes “live” when it is properly connected to the car and both the Home Connector unit and the car have “talked” and agreed the connection is safe to allow the electricity to flow through it.Whenever any fault is detected, charging is stopped and the cable is deactivated.
Our battery design ensures that should any cell fail, adjacent cells do not.
Model S
Click on a heading below to find out more about this vehicle:
300 mile range
45 minute QuickCharge
0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds
Seats 7 people
17 inch infotainment touchscreen.
Unique hatch for oversized items
60/40 flat-folding rear seat
2nd trunk under hood