Published

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.
#hybrid

Share

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.

RELATED CONTENT

  • When Automated Production Turning is the Low-Cost Option

    For the right parts, or families of parts, an automated CNC turning cell is simply the least expensive way to produce high-quality parts. Here’s why.

  • Ford Copies Nature

    As Nature (yes, capital N Nature) has done a pretty good job of designing things, it is somewhat surprising that Man (ditto) doesn’t follow Nature’s lead more often when it comes to designing objects.

  • GM Is Down with Diesels

    General Motors is one company that is clearly embracing the diesel engine.

Gardner Business Media - Strategic Business Solutions