2008
Tesla
Roadster
The Roadster is the single most consequential automobile of the 21st century, it demonstrated conclusively that electric vehicles could be desirable, fast, and long-range, single-handedly transforming public and industr...
2008–2012
In Uncommon
47
Public vehicles
0
Owners
$67K
Typical value
$58K–$70K
Value range
The story
The original Tesla Roadster was the first highway-legal all-electric production car to use lithium-ion battery cells, and the first electric vehicle to achieve a range exceeding 200 miles on a charge. Based on the Lotus Elise platform with extensive modifications, it produced 248 hp and could reach 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, performance that made every assumption about electric vehicle capability obsolete. It proved a viable pathway for high-performance electric vehicles and launched Tesla as a serious automotive company.
Without the Roadster, the electric automobile revolution would have arrived a decade later.
History
Development began in 2004 using the Lotus Elise as a donor platform, with Tesla engineering the electric drivetrain, battery system, and power electronics entirely in-house. The Roadster debuted at the San Francisco Film Festival in 2006 and began deliveries in 2008. Approximately 2,450 units were produced across Roadster Sport and standard variants during its four-year production run. Early Roadster owners included Elon Musk himself, Sergey Brin, and a significant portion of Silicon Valley's tech community who became Tesla evangelists.
On track
The Tesla Roadster participated in various electric vehicle rallies and events, showcasing its performance capabilities. It set several records for electric vehicles, including a time of 12.7 seconds in the quarter-mile drag race.
How they show up
Years in the garage
- 201118
- 200814
- 201013
- 20121
- 20091
Colors people run
- Mostly Unmodified1
- Fusion Red1
- Warm Climate-Owned1
- Reviewed by Doug DeMuro1
- Mostly California- and Texas-Owned1
Popular trims
Sport
13
2.5 Sport
3
Generations
Common questions
01
What is Tesla Roadster on Uncommon?
The original Tesla Roadster was the first highway-legal all-electric production car to use lithium-ion battery cells, and the first electric vehicle to achie...
02
How do I find Tesla Roadster owners on Uncommon?
Owners, listings, and clubs for Tesla Roadster live in Uncommon. Open the app to meet them.
Values
Want the live value on this car?
The range here is a snapshot. Sign in for comps and a live read.
History
Track this model's history
Keep mileage, notes, and the record with the car in Uncommon.
Garage
Owners, listings, and groups
Open Uncommon for owners, listings, and groups around Tesla Roadster.
Marketplace
Buy or sell
Watch a model. Offer on a car. The history stays on the vehicle.
Community
Join a club
Groups, forums, and meets for the marque you just read about.
Driving
Start a drive
Routes, convoys, and track times. Continue where the story left off.
See Tesla Roadster in Uncommon
Uncommon is the garage, the listings, and the people who already live with one.