Tesla Roadster Powertrain 1.5
A sports car packed with 6,831 laptop-style lithium-ion cells proved an electric car could be quick and travel far between charges.
2008 Tesla Roadster · Rutger van der Maar · CC BY 2.0
Research pending
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More than a set of wheels.
Tesla began Roadster series production in March 2008, but the first few cars used an interim transmission while engineers finished the durable high-torque solution. In September, Tesla announced the permanent Powertrain 1.5: a BorgWarner single-speed gearbox, stronger inverter and enhanced motor. Existing owners were offered the upgrade without charge, making exact powertrain identification essential for an honest 2008 profile.
Look a little closer.
Reverse does not need its own cog: the controller simply commands the motor to turn the other way, and the owner's manual limits reverse speed to 15 mph.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
Why Powertrain 1.5 matters
Tesla's planned two-speed gearbox could not meet durability, efficiency and cost goals. Early production used a temporary setup that slowed acceleration. Powertrain 1.5 combined a purpose-built single-speed BorgWarner gearbox with a more powerful inverter and redesigned motor, increasing the announced peak torque from 286 to 380 N·m and raising EPA combined range from 221 to 244 miles.
Source: Tesla investor relations · BorgWarner gearbox and new Roadster powertrain ↗Thousands of cells, one carefully managed pack
Tesla's service documentation lists 6,831 lithium-ion cells in a sealed pack weighing about 900 lb. The pack can produce roughly 400 volts, while cooling and monitoring keep cells within a safe operating range. Those many small cells were a radical contrast to the large-format packs used by several earlier electric prototypes.
Source: Tesla Roadster service manual · Technical data ↗Where these facts come from
- Tesla investor relations · Powertrain 1.5/BorgWarner announcement
- Tesla investor relations · 2008 production approvals
- Tesla Roadster service manual · Technical data
- Tesla · 2008 Roadster owner's manual
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed September 30, 2026.