2008 Tesla Roadster dimensions & size guide

At 3947 mm long, 1851 mm wide and just 1127 mm tall the 2008 Tesla Roadster is compact and low-slung, perfectly proportioned for a performance-focused sports car. Its 2351 mm wheelbase keeps the handling sharp and responsive, while the 130 mm ground clearance reinforces its track-ready stance. The design closely mirrors that of the Lotus Elise but introduces smoother surfaces and subtle aerodynamic tweaks that mark it out as something different. Lightweight carbon fibre panels keep the curb weight down to just 1235 kg, helping deliver the agility and immediacy you’d expect from a pure driver’s car.

Underneath, though, the engineering was revolutionary. Instead of a petrol engine, the Roadster used a lithium-ion battery pack which was the first in a production car, and it was paired with an electric motor driving the rear wheels. This setup produced instant torque and a linear surge of power that felt unlike anything else at the time. The 2008 Tesla Roadster could sprint from 0–100 km/h in under four seconds, proving that electric performance wasn’t just possible, it could be thrilling.

The chassis has excellent balance, with precise steering and a communicative ride. The extra weight of the battery pack is offset by its low mounting position, which improves the centre of gravity and makes the car feel planted through corners. The regenerative braking system added a new dimension to driving dynamics, allowing the Roadster to recover energy on the move while also subtly adjusting its behaviour in bends.

Inside, the Tesla Roadster was minimal but purposeful. The compact cabin seated two, with straightforward controls and a small digital display showing essential information such as range and power use. It wasn’t luxurious because the focus was entirely on driving, but it introduced the clean, tech-focused simplicity that would become a Tesla hallmark. The removable roof panel added some flexibility, turning it into a lightweight open-top experience when the weather cooperated.

Unsurprisingly, practicality wasn’t the priority here. The Roadster offers 113 litres of cargo space behind the seats, which is enough for a couple of weekend bags but little more. Yet for many, that was part of the appeal: this was an uncompromising sports car first and an electric vehicle second. The Tesla Roadster (2008) showed that EVs could exist outside the realm of city cars and experimental prototypes, making a strong case for electric power in performance motoring.

On the road, it feels raw, direct and genuinely engaging. The lack of noise amplifies every sensation, from the whir of the motor to the feedback through the steering. Driving it you quickly discover that the Roadster isn’t just fast in a straight line; it can corner with precision and hold its own against traditional petrol rivals.

The Tesla Roadster (2008) was more than a debut model, it was a statement of intent. It took a small Silicon Valley start-up and placed it firmly on the global stage, proving that electric cars could be both innovative and emotional. Every Tesla since owes something to this pioneering roadster, the car that electrified performance driving for the first time, take a look in our full 2025 Tesla Size Guide.