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Tesla Offers Performance Upgrade for Roadster EV Owners

Tesla Motors Inc. is developing a next-generation battery upgrade for its Lotus Elise-based Roadster electric car.
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Tesla Motors Inc. is developing a next-generation battery upgrade for its Lotus Elise-based Roadster electric car.

The new unit uses cells that are 31% more powerful than those in the original battery, according to the company. Tesla sold about 2,500 of the now-discontinued $109,000 two-seaters between 2008 and 2012.

The advanced battery will be packaged with an aerodynamics kit, lower-rolling-resistance tires and low-drag brakes. Tesla says the combination will boost the Roadster's range as much as 50% to about 400 miles per charge.

The company hasn't announced when the upgrade dubbed Roadster 3.0 will become available or how much it will cost.

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