The 1st Gen of the Tesla Roadster was an electric sports car that was introduced in 2008 by Tesla as their first production electric car, featuring a mid-mounted electric motor in a two seat roadster body. These rear wheel drive sports cars helped turn the world's attention to the performance capabilities of electric motors. The Roadster was powered by a 53kWh induction motor that sent drive to the rear wheels. Production of the 1st Gen Tesla Roadster lasted until 2012, when the model was discontinued. The 2nd Gen is expected to start production in 2024.