Toy car ? no real sport car

Gordon Brown’s budget may not have hit the motorist as hard as some had predicted, but it won’t slow the momentum for green motoring in Norwich, Britain’s greenest city and host of The Green Wheels Motorshow – an event which is showcasing current green technologies.

Green Wheels has announced an important exclusive UK first for the show. Tesla Motors Ltd is to exhibit its all-electric sports car, designed and developed in conjunction with its parent company in California.

The revolutionary Tesla Roadster was born out of the wish of the company’s founder to have a road going electric sports car that would not cost the earth. The parent company, founded in California three years ago, then designed and developed the innovative electric drive system. The majority of the development and testing work is taking place in the UK, using some of the world’s best automotive expertise and facilities. The car will be manufactured in Hethel, Norfolk by Lotus, then shipped to the US for sale.

Now if you think electric power equals the pedestrian performance of a milk float, think again. The wonderful thing about battery power is it delivers maximum torque from the off. The Tesla reaches 60mph in around 4 seconds and has a top speed of over 130mph. You won’t spend your days worrying about being stranded like the ‘non Duracell bunnies’ either, with a range of 200 miles and a charge time under four hours you can really enjoy the open road.

for a greener tomorrow.