Electric cars have evolved from being slow and unappealing to high-performance vehicles, exemplified by Tesla's all-wheel drive cars that can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 2.5 seconds. Tesla, led by the charismatic CEO Elon Musk, was actually founded by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning. They were inspired by the AC Propulsion T-zero and saw potential in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. Tesla's lineup includes the Roadster, Model S, Model X, and Model 3, each contributing to Tesla's mission of sustainable energy and transportation. The company has faced production challenges but continues to innovate with new models and technologies like the upcoming Roadster, which promises even more impressive performance.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Tesla was founded in 2003 by Mark Eberhard and Martin Eberhard (not Elon Musk).
2. Tesla was named after Nikola Tesla, the inventor of the alternating current (AC) motor.
3. The company's first car was the Tesla Roadster, which was launched in 2008 and had a 0-60mph time of under 4 seconds.
4. The Tesla Roadster had a range of around 245 miles and a top speed of 125mph.
5. The Roadster was powered by a 3-phase, 4-pole induction electric motor with a maximum output of 248 horsepower.
6. The motor produced 200 pound-feet of torque, which was later boosted to 295 pound-feet.
7. The Roadster was able to accelerate from 0-60mph in under 4 seconds and had a quarter-mile time of just over 12.5 seconds.
8. The Tesla Model S was launched in 2012 and had a range of up to 300 miles.
9. The Model S had a top speed of 130mph and was available with a range of powertrain options, including a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup.
10. The Model S was the first car to feature Tesla's "falcon wing" doors, which were introduced on the Model X SUV in 2015.
11. The Model X was a full-size SUV with a range of up to 295 miles and a top speed of 155mph.
12. The Model X was available with a range of powertrain options, including a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup and a "Ludicrous Mode" that enabled the car to accelerate from 0-60mph in 2.9 seconds.
13. The Tesla Model 3 was launched in 2017 and was the company's first mass-market car.
14. The Model 3 had a range of up to 326 miles and was available with a range of powertrain options, including a single-motor rear-wheel-drive setup and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup.
15. The Model 3 was a huge success, with over 325,000 reservations placed in the first week after its announcement.
16. Tesla has since become one of the leading electric vehicle manufacturers in the world, with a range of models available, including the Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y.
17. The company has also become known for its innovative technology, including its Autopilot driver-assistance system and its Supercharger network of fast-charging stations.
18. In 2020, Tesla launched a new version of the Roadster, which features a range of innovative technologies, including a "SpaceX" option package that adds cold gas thrusters to improve maneuverability.