Otherwise the controls are similar to those in a conventional car. A stubby gearlever helps select forward and reverse (although there is no gear lever). Like any automatic, there are only two pedals - a brake and accelerator. The speedo reads to 150mph (242km/h) while the tachometer shows the motor can rev to 15,000rpm – double that of an average petrol engine.
Being based on the Lotus Elise it’s a cosy cabin, with head and leg room at a premium. There’s also the occasional hint of other cars, such as the washer/indicator stalks that are borrowed from Opel (Europe’s Holden).
Manoeuvring at low speeds you notice the heavy steering, but it lightens quickly once on the move.
Squeezing the accelerator for the first time is an eerie experience, with instant response and a mild whir as the motor builds speed.
Being an electric car I was expecting near silence – one of the concerns raised by some enthusiasts is that electric cars lack sound of a petrol engine – but was surprised to hear so much.
As speed rises so does the pitch and volume of the whirring, resulting in a muted turbine-like yowling that’s in keeping with the Tesla’s image.
My brief test drive was on public roads, so not enough to put the Tesla through its paces around corners. But the steering felt accurate and responsive.
When you lift off the accelerator there’s noticeable deceleration, similar to that of a petrol car that’s revving hard in a low gear. As the electric motor starts to wind down it’s also recovering some of the energy lost in accelerating. There’s also regenerative braking, which helps recover energy normally lost in heat through the brakes by transferring kinetic energy into electricity.
One of the weirdest sensations is when you come to a stop at a set of lights or intersection. There’s almost complete silence, as though the engine has stalled, with only the clicking of the indicator interrupting the hush.
Another thing you do notice, though, are the looks from interested onlookers. Some are just admiring what is a small, sexy sports car. But others recognise it an electric car.
This is that Tesla electric car, isn’t it?” asked one passer-by.
Others are happy just to take photos. Needless to say, it’s a car that garners interest.
Perhaps most interesting is that the Tesla can be driven similar distances to a petrol car, with a claimed range of nearly 400km.
A screen near the driver’s knee displays how much energy is left in the batteries and how long till the next recharge.
That’s as simple as plugging an extension cord into a power point, although charging times can be extensive. Depending on the voltage and amps of the power outlet, you’re looking at between 3.5 and 16 hours.
It’s hardly conducive to a drive around Australia. Then again, that’s not what the Tesla is about. And for most people’s driving, it would be just fine.
First Drive: Tesla Roadster
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