For the fifth time the Tesla Roadster has won the Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally, crushing Top Gears claims about its electric batteries, supposed, short range.

The Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally includes some of the same roads as the original Monte Carlo Rally and involves a 1,230 meter pass that puts electric cars and other alternative fuel vehicles to the test. The Tesla Roadster has an average range of 212 miles but the Roadster managed to put out another 68 miles to dominate the race.

The range of the Tesla Roadster has been a point of contention in the past months. The popular British automobile show Top Gear took some liberties in their review of the Roadster and made it look as if the car had run out of juice after a mere 55 miles. Since the airing of the show Top Gear has admitted that the car did not actually run out of battery after 55 miles—but that has not stopped the California based car company from suing the British Broadcasting Company. Tesla is suing for liable and malicious falsehood and after the Roadsters performance at the Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally the odds are likely in Tesla’s favor.

Tesla Motors was founded by Elon Musk, of Pay Pal fame, in 2003 and is based in California. In 2008 Tesla released The Tesla Roadster; a two seat fully electric sports car with a $100,000 price tag. Within two years over 1,500 Roadsters were on the streets and the company was winning awards for their engineering. With its proven success Tesla Motors continues to grow. Tesla’s stock went public in 2010 and although the stock has been shaky it is impossible to count Tesla’s value out just yet.

In 2012 Tesla Motors plans to release the Tesla Model S, a fully electric four door sedan with up to a 300 mile range that can go from 0-60 miles per hour (mph) in 5.6 seconds. Not bad, especially with a price tag of $49,500 after a $7,500 federal tax credit.  Analysts suggest that the Model S will boost the stumbling Tesla stock as the company moves into the more mainstream consumer car market.

With great speed, 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, a sporty look and a battery range that can get upward of 280 miles with zero emissions, the 2011 Tesla Roadster is a winner on and off the race track.

Source: Tesla Motors

Andrew Meggison was born in the state of Maine and educated in Massachusetts. Andrew earned a Bachelors Degree in Government and International Relations from Clark University and a Masters Degree in Political Science from Northeastern University. Being and Eagle Scout, Andrew has a passion for all things environmental. In his free time Andrew enjoys writing, exploring the great outdoors, a good film, and a creative cocktail.



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