Tesla Roadster Ends Production in 2011

[ZachBowman]

Now here?s one we didn?t see coming. Buried deep within the paperwork of Tesla?s IPO were a few details on the company?s plans for its current products. The most exciting news? The poster child of the EV world ? the Tesla Roadster ? is set to end production in 2011. By all accounts, the battery-powered sports car is an all out success ? winning over critics and proving electric cars have half a chance in this world, so why would Tesla decide to bail on its wonder child? Turns out the answer is simple: growing pains.

The Roadster?s body comes to Tesla courtesy of Lotus, and that company is planning on massive retooling work at its factory. As a result, there won?t be anyone to build bodies for the roadster for close to two years. Instead of trying to find a replacement body, the company is scrapping production all together until the next generation Roadster hits the streets in 2013. So far, Tesla?s keeping its secrets to itself about what that model will offer drivers.

In the mean time, Tesla says it?s going to focus its efforts on producing the new Model S sedan. That?s all fine and good so long as the seven-seater hits the streets without any hitches, but if anything gums up the works, the company could find itself without any revenue in a hurry.

Source Autopia