In 2009 Elon Musk purchased the space to start the Tesla production line facility. It is ironic that the space he purchased was once an assembly plant for Toyota and General Motors in Fremont, California. Prior to this point, Tesla vehicles were assembled in a small facility located behind the first dealership in North America. Tesla engineers worked through the learning curve of how to effectively produce a cost-effective and profitable vehicle.

During this learning curve Tesla engineers worked out several challenges associated with electric vehicles including how to cool Lithium-ion batteries while maintaining driver and passenger safety. As Tesla completed development of their battery technology, the large automakers were entering the market with hybrid and all electric vehicles. However, few of the mass production vehicles can boast the performance of the Tesla Roadster.

The first thing you ask when you see a Tesla Roadster in motion is, “Where is the engine noise?” The roadster is completely electric, the only noise emitted is from the tires contacting the pavement. The car boasts a monocoque chassis with reinforced aluminum while the body and all other panels are constructed from carbon fiber.

The lithium-ion battery tips the scale at 992 pounds and contains a peak charge of 53 kWh (kilo-watt hours). That is enough power to run the average household for 5 days or a cell phone for 606 years. A byproduct of Electrical Energy is heat, so the Tesla Roadster has a dedicated water and antifreeze cooking system circulating throughout the cell configuration to remove heat from the battery.

From a standing start the electric motor and battery pack will do 0-60 in 3.7 seconds. Unlike an internal combustion engine that needs to build RPMs, the power is instant on. The electric motor produces 288 horsepower that reaches the road through a single speed gearbox.

Driving range is estimated at 245 mile between recharges, but varies with speed and aggressive use of the accelerator. Regenerative braking is employed to recharge the battery while slowing the vehicle. The cabin features such amenities as air conditioning, leather seats, 6 speaker stereo and traction control for areas that receive snow and harsh winter weather.

Charging is done through a 220-volt service that usually is hooked up in the owner’s garage. An attachment on board allows recharging anywhere you find a suitable outlet. The larger the current flow, the faster the recharge goes.

What does this cutting edge electric power cost? The Roadster is $101,500.00 while the Roadster Sport version is priced at $121,000.00. If you do the math and project the cost per gallon equivalent for a fuel powered vehicle, the long term results shift in favor of the roadster. Similar to solar power technology, there is a high startup cost that pays for itself over time. At this time, many states offer a rebate since it is green technology of around $10,000.00.

Different individuals have varying opinions of electric vehicles, but the bottom line is zero emissions with a limited amount of operating parts. Electric technology is continuing to develop and is ready should you decide to use it.