Tesla surprised all at the launch of its new all-electric truck overnight, with a new Roadster unveiled at the same time.
The new model is set to cost 200,000 US Dollars, with Tesla boss Elon Musk promising that it will be the fastest production car ever.
Convertible, able to seat four, and travel 620 miles on a single charge, the new Tesla Roadster will be able to complete the 0-60mph sprint in just 1.9 seconds, with a top speed of more than 250mph.
Musk is relying on the same kind of enthusiasm seen when the Model 3 was launched, with the initial 1,000 units – due in 2020 – costing 250,000 US Dollars, paid up front and in full. This would give Tesla the sort of capital to boost development and production, areas where the company has often seen delays in the past.
At the launch, Musk said: “You’ll be able to travel from LA to San Francisco, and back, at highway speed without recharging. The point of doing this is to just give a hardcore smackdown to gasoline cars. Driving a gasoline sports car is going to feel like a steam engine with a side of quiche.”
The Roadster rolled out of the back of a trailer pulled by the new truck, just as the launch was wrapping up. Though the unveiling of the Tesla Semi was planned, the Roadster was not expected by on-lookers. A replacement for Tesla’s first model has been on the cards for a while now – though the original Roadster name was used on a two-seat open top sports car – just not so soon.
The new truck launched before the Roadster will be able to travel up to 500 miles on a single charge at maximum weight and at motorway speeds according to Musk – though the weight ratings weren’t given out at the time.
Charging will provide 400 miles of range in 30 minutes, with Tesla set to build a global network of ‘Megachargers’, which will use solar power and charge at the ultra-rapid speeds required for large batteries such as those required for heavy goods vehicles.
Find where to charge Tesla’s by using the model or network filters on Zap-Map
