After a 174km test loop mixed between freeways and country roads, 77% of the battery charge are gone, which places total range at 226km (Tesla claims 340km). A range which is theoretical since there is no practical way to tap it tall and plan for a hypothetical charging station near the location where the batteries will run empty. The prospect of waiting a full 3 hours to fully recharge if said charging station is capable of dispending the 70 Amps necessary to a fast refill. As it is always the case, we land far from normalized figures, our effective power consumption netting out to 247.8 Wh/km vs a theoretical 164.7 (56 kWh/340km) and an indicated 203 Wh/km on the trip computer. At the average cost of electricity in Switzerland (0.22 CHF) or France (0.13€ without VAT), energy cost remains very low: 5.45 CHF/100km under the assumption of a 100% charging efficiency. Transposing the energy figures with the energy content of gasoline (9.7 kWH per liter) yields an equivalent gas consumption of 2.55 L/100km. A figure which does not take into account any loss in the charging process, but which provides a good indication of the range of figures in play.

A caveat though: if the figures look attractive, practical reality is otherwise. Battery gauge anxiety is a real concern. The car can be charged on any 220-240V outlet, but a high power 380V utility connection is highly desirable. With 70A, a full charge only takes 3 hours, but with a conventional 10A 220V socket, you are looking at a full 22 hours. It is nearly impossible to plan a 300km dash through alpine passes unless you schedule a lengthy lunch break in a suitable charging location. Electrical range is totally viable in a daily commute scheme, but commuting is not what an open air roadster should be primarily used for.

Other issue, the price list. The Tesla Roadster Sport lists for 142’200 CHF, and a trip down the options list may have a dizzying effect. With a handsome spec like our test car, list price fetches well over 170’000 CHF. A niche product for well healed early adopters looking to drive something distinctive, a pretty unique automotive experience and the image of an environmentally responsible sports car.

In the U.S., the whole contingent of Tesla Roasters is sold out as the focus shifts to the spring 2012 of the Model S Sedan. European countries still have cars on allocation and the Roadster is still on sale on our shores. The swiss market has responded positively, with more than 100 cars registered since the 2009 launch. Petrolheads now have a new alternative open to them: to become Electronheads.