Photos: Tesla Roadster

Jan 17, 2011

The first zero-emissions vehicle went on show for visitors to Sydney's Circular Quay on January 15, 2011. US carmaker Tesla has sold a score of the $223,000 Roadster electric super-vehicles to Australians including the owner of ISP Internode, Simon Hackett. The company named after the inventor of AC power and radio hopes to sway Australian governments to grant Tesla owners access to choice parking spots and car-sharing lanes. High tariffs are a disincentive (it sells for $109,000 in the US).

The Tesla Roadster 2.5 is the ultimate zero-emissions vehicle, accelerating form 0-96kph in 3.7 seconds. It tops out at 212 kph and 14,000 rpm, hitting the 288 hp sweet spot at 4400-6000 rpm.  
 

The Tesla Roadster 2.5 is the ultimate zero-emissions vehicle, accelerating form 0-96kph in 3.7 seconds. It tops out at 212 kph and 14,000 rpm, hitting the 288 hp sweet spot at 4400-6000 rpm.

Photo: Nate Cochrane

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