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Electric Roadster Ready to Roll

Tesla's battery-powered vehicle meets federal safety standards

By Laila Weir, Newser User

Posted Jan 25, 2008 2:00 PM CST

(Newser) – The long-awaited, all-electric Tesla Roadster has passed federal safety tests with flying colors and will finally go into production March 17—albeit with temporary transmissions on the first models, reports DailyTech. The interim transmissions mean the $100,000 Roadster will do zero to 60 in 5.7 seconds, instead of the promised 4, until Tesla replaces them.

A Tesla Motors VP called the Roadster’s road test success a “great achievement” and said it demonstrates “that EVs are as real as any other vehicle." In terms of safety, he added, “I’d rather carry a load of relatively inert battery cells than 10 gallons of highly volatile, flammable liquid." The car will have a range of approximately 200 miles.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, right, and Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Downer, center, talk about alternative fuel policy after test riding the Tesla Roadster electric... (Associated Press)

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, right, gets a demonstration on how to charge the 2007 Tesla Roadster electric sports car by Tesla sales manager Tom O'Leary, center, during a demonstration by... (Associated Press)

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, left, gives a thumbs up as she prepares to take a test ride on the 2007 Tesla Roadster electric car along with Tesla sales manager Tom O'Leary, right, during... (Associated Press)

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GM Gives Volt Owners Loaners as It Investigates

Says fires may be caused by electronic problem

Mercedes, Toyota Use Laptop Batteries in Electric Cars

Automakers adopting once-derided Tesla technology

Orders Roll in for Tesla Model S

Fans plunk down big money for place on wait list

Tesla IPO Roars Out of the Gate

Private sector gives electric cars a vote of confidence

Tesla's CEO Is Broke

And the company hasn't disclosed that to investors

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Tesla's battery-powered vehicle meets federal safety standards

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

environment • electric cars • car safety • Tesla Motors • Tesla Roadster

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

GM Gives Volt Owners Loaners as It Investigates

Says fires may be caused by electronic problem

Mercedes, Toyota Use Laptop Batteries in Electric Cars

Automakers adopting once-derided Tesla technology

Orders Roll in for Tesla Model S

Fans plunk down big money for place on wait list

Tesla IPO Roars Out of the Gate

Private sector gives electric cars a vote of confidence

Tesla's CEO Is Broke

And the company hasn't disclosed that to investors

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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What is Newser?