After several months of delays, changes to the high management staff and engineering problems with the transmission,
Tesla Motors has just announced that everything was now in place to begin production of the famous 100-percent electric roadster. Rather than using a 2-speed transmission, this high-performance car will rely on a single gear. Accelerations will therefore be slower from 0 to 100 kph: 5.7 seconds instead of just 4.
The stakes are high, especially at a time when electric vehicles are growing more and more legitimate. The folks at Tesla Motors have their work cut out for them. The plan is to start by building about 4-5 units a week; then, in early 2009, production capacity will increase to 100 units a month. What's more, the company wants to offer every buyer a one-of-a-kind driving and ownership experience. To date, over 900 Tesla Roadsters have been reserved. So, if you plan to order yours now, expect to see it arrive no sooner than next year.
photo: Tesla Motors