Latest newcomer to join the fold of American automakers is Tesla Motors, Inc., a California-based company that builds a pure electric-powered sports car aimed straight toward future transportation. No engine, no exhaust, no emissions and no trips to the gas station--ever.

The Tesla Roadster is not a hybrid, but a plug-in electric car with energy gathered from common household 120- or 240-volt current. With 240-volt access, the compact car is completely recharged in 3.5-hours.

An overnight charge is required with 120-volt use for a "full tank." Travel range is 244-miles.

Tesla's energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery pack consisting of 11 battery modules, housed in the trunk behind the two-seat cockpit, that generate 375 volts for an output of 248 horsepower capable of eclipsing 0-60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds.

By comparison, the 638-hp 2009 Corvette ZR1 makes the trip from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds.

The rear-wheel drive Tesla Roadster starts life at the Lotus plant in Hethel, England, where the car's carbon fiber body panels are painted and installed along with chassis and wiring system assembly.

Next, the components are shipped to Tesla Motors, headquartered in Menlo Park, California, for the final installation of the battery, motor, transmission and electric modules.

Each car is rigorously tested at the Menlo Park facility before being shipped to retail destinations.

Tesla Motors has sales locations in key markets across the country. A Chicago store will be added late November.

Recently, I visited Seneca Giese, sales advisor at the Tesla Motors store under construction at 1053 W. Grand Ave. There, I had the opportunity to drive into the future--behind the wheel of the 2009 Tesla Roadster for a brisk romp across streets in Chicago's West Loop.

With the exception of the wind wash entering the open targa-style cabin and the slight whine of the electric motor, the car performs in total silence with immediate seat-pinning acceleration, a taut suspension and racecar-like handling.

"Tesla's presence has triggered a massive reaction in the automotive arena," says Giese. "Previous electric vehicles were unattractive, range-limited and slow. The Tesla Roadster has made 'driving electric' desirable."

According to Giese, the Roadster's design, performance, efficiency and range separates Tesla from the electric vehicle competition. Some 22 concept and production electric vehicles were displayed at Germany's Frankfurt Auto Show this year.

"Electric vehicles are the wave of the future. Tesla's future vehicles will continue to perform well and look great while at the same time become more affordable for the masses."

Tesla plans to bring an electric four door Model S sedan to market in 2011 for a base price of $49,900 with applied $7,500 tax credit. Deep-pocket consumers desirous of the 2009 Tesla Roadster are charged $109,000 before tax credit.