Images: Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.
The 2008 Tesla Roadster Base was a convertible produced from 2008 to 2012. It features a single motor (ac induction) RWD powertrain. EPA-rated range is 244 miles with 120 MPGe. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Top speed is 125 mph. Manufactured at Hethel, UK (chassis by Lotus); battery + final assembly Menlo Park, CA.
The car that started it all. Tesla's first production vehicle debuted in 2008, built on a modified Lotus Elise chassis with a battery pack that proved electric cars didn't have to be boring appliances. It could hit 60 in under 4 seconds at a time when most people thought EVs topped out at golf-cart speeds.
About 2,450 Roadsters were built through 2012 across 30+ countries. Early adopters included Silicon Valley execs and celebrities, but the car's real legacy was proving the market existed. Revenue from Roadster sales funded development of the Model S. Every Tesla since traces its DNA back to this two-seater.
| AC Onboard Charger | 16.8 kW |
| Home L2 (full charge) | ~3.2 hrs |
| Connector | Proprietary (J1772 retrofit) |
| Model Years | 2008–2012 |
| Model | Tesla Roadster |
| Variant | Base |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Generation | Roadster (First Generation) |
| Body Type | Convertible |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Motor(s) | Single Motor (AC Induction) |
| Battery Capacity | 53 kWh |
| EPA Range | 244 miles |
| MPGe | 120 |
| Efficiency | 28 kWh/100mi |
| 0-60 mph | 3.9 sec |
| Top Speed | 125 mph |
| Horsepower (est.) | 248 HP |
| Curb Weight | 2,723 lbs |
| Cargo Volume | 6.8 cu ft |
| Length | 155.4" |
| Width | 73.7" |
| Height | 44.4" |
| Wheelbase | 92.6" |
| Launch Base Price | $98,950 |
| Production Start | 2008-03 |
| Production End | 2012-01 |
| Autopilot | None |
| Factory | Hethel, UK (chassis by Lotus); battery + final assembly Menlo Park, CA |
| Basic Vehicle Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Federal EV Tax Credit | Not available for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025 |
- First production Tesla
- Lotus Elise platform
- AC induction motor