Tesla at the London motor show 2008

Tesla Roadster is at the London motor show, but not on a Tesla stand. Wander over to the Greener Driving Pavilion to see the electric sports car

By Tim Pollard

Motor Shows

24 July 2008 16:32

Green sports car maker Tesla made a guest appearance at the London motor show 2008 with one of its electric Elises in the Greener Driving Pavilion.

What's new on Tesla's London motor show stand?

Nothing really. They don't even have a stand at Excel... But make sure you check out the Tesla Roadster in the green vehicle area – it's a rare chance to see the battery-powered Roadster that's being developed in conjunction with Lotus just up the road from the Docklands show in Norfolk.

CAR's Tesla highlight

Zero emissions – and 0-60mph in less than 4.0sec? That'll be the Tesla Roadster. Impressive stuff, even if the Silicone Valley company has been struggling with its gearbox technology in the US.

What were they thinking?

Ah yes. High performance, saintly eco credentials... it's not all perfect, however. The price is the Tesla's big stumbling block: this thing costs a not-so-much-steep-as-near-vertical £79,000 in the UK. Yikes.

By Tim Pollard