The first car produced by Tesla Motors, the Roadster was built on a Lotus Elise chassis, upon which Tesla installed their lithium-ion batteries, three-phase alternating current electric motor, and a carbon fiber reinforced plastic body. The car was revealed to the public in 2006, and the first cars were delivered to their buyers in 2008.
The first model produced about 250 HP, and the 2009 Tesla Roadster Sport produced over 280 HP. The "S" or sport version features a more sporty body kit and a carbon fiber hood. The right-hand drive version arrived in January 2010.