- A YouTube evaluation of a 2008 Tesla Roadster exhibits how a lot the carmaker has advanced in 14 years.
- Tesla’s first mannequin was a tiny sports activities automobile that was constructed off a Lotus Elise.
- Since Tesla went public in 2010, the automobile firm’s worth has soared over 26,000%.
A latest evaluation of Tesla’s first automobile mannequin from YouTuber Marques Keith Brownlee, also referred to as MKBHD, highlights how Elon Musk has helped remodel the automobile model from a fledgling startup to the highest electric-car maker within the US.
“That is probably the most analog electrical automobile I’ve ever sat in,” MKBHD mentioned. “It is mainly a peek behind the scenes into what made electrical automobiles fascinating over gasoline automobiles.”
Musk turned Tesla’s CEO in 2008. The identical yr, the automaker launched the Tesla Roadster which was constructed on the chassis of a Lotus Elise — a tiny British sports activities automobile that Tesla remade into an electrical automobile with a lithium-ion battery.
The automobile had simply over a 240-mile vary and bought for round $100,000. Tesla produced fewer than 2,500 Roadsters between 2008 and 2012. At the moment, the automobiles have turn into prime collectors gadgets and have bought individually for over $200,000.
For the reason that electric-car maker went public in 2010, Tesla’s worth has soared greater than 26,000%. In the meantime, Teslas have turn into sleeker, sooner, and even cheaper. The primary Tesla was a bit tough across the edges, as MKBHD factors out. It did not have Tesla’s signature door handles, key fob, or large display.
“It isn’t designed to be comfy,” MKBHD mentioned within the video, as he struggled to get into the tiny automobile. “It is a enjoyable piece to drive for a short time.”