Background Information
The first-generation Tesla Roadster was an electric two-door sports car based on the Lotus Elise chassis. The Roadster was produced from 2008 to 2012 and was the first highway-legal, serial-production, all-electric car to use lithium-ion-based battery cells and was the first production all-electric car to travel more than 233 miles (393 km) per charge.
First Car in Space
The first Generation Roadster holds the distinction of being the inaugural production car to embark on a journey into deep space, propelled by a Falcon Heavy rocket on February 6, 2018, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center. The car itself was Elon Musk's personal 2010 midnight cherry Tesla Roadster and is currently in a heliocentric orbit that crosses the orbit of Mars and reaches a distance of 1.66 au from the Sun; however, the trajectory of the vehicle will never intercept Mars.
As of January of 2025, their are four upcoming close approaches...
- 2035: Close approach to Mars
- 2047: Close approach to Earth
- 2050: Close approach to Earth
- 2091: First close encounter with Earth
Technical Specifications
Powertrain
- Electric Motors: 3-Phase 4-Pole AC induction motor
- 1.5: 248 hp (185 kW), 200 lb⋅ft (270 N⋅m)
- 2.0, 2.5: 288 hp (215 kW), 280 lb⋅ft (380 N⋅m)
- 2.5 Sport: 288 hp (215 kW), 295 lb⋅ft (400 N⋅m)
- Transmission: 1-Speed BorgWarner (8.27:1 ratio)
- Battery Capacity: 53 kWh
- Battery Type: Lithium-ion
- Electric Range: 244 mi (393 km)
- Plug-in Charging: 16.8 kW 110–240 V onboard charger for 1Φ 70 A
- Charging Connector: Proprietary Connector
Body & Chassis
- Class: Two-Seater sports car
- Body Style: 2-door roadster
- Layout: Rear mid-motor, rear-wheel drive
Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 92.6 in (2,352 mm)
- Length: 155.4 in (3,946 mm)
- Width: 73.7 in (1,873 mm)
- Height: 44.4 in (1,127 mm)
- Curb Weight: 2,877 lb (1,305 kg)