A 2006 Tesla Roadster Ride Left a Lasting Impression

In September 2006, a car enthusiast got his first ride in a Tesla Roadster at an All British Car Meet in Palo Alto, California. He had invited Tesla to the event, figuring the Lotus-built car qualified as British. Despite initial skepticism from Tesla's marketing chief, the company showed up with one of only three Roadsters in existence.

During the meet, a buyer wrote a $90,000 check for the car. The enthusiast then got a promised ride, which included a single full-throttle acceleration run. The car had just 14 percent battery charge, so the driver limited it to one burst. The passenger described a smooth, explosive surge of torque, hitting 75 mph in about five seconds, followed by strong regenerative braking.

The ride was not silent, there was motor whine, wind noise, and creaks and rattles from the British-built body.

The experience stayed with him. Within a year, he was covering hybrid cars as a reporter, and later moved on to electric vehicles as they hit the market in late 2010. He notes that fifteen years later, EVs are offered by every automaker, and while they remain a political and consumer challenge, progress in range, software, and charging has been staggering.

He says that first Roadster proved a practical, long-distance battery-electric car was possible. He still wonders where that red Roadster is today.