Porsche buys a Tesla Roadstar for R&D purposes

[Plex]

Although electric vehicles are generally regarded as the future of four-wheel motoring, very few automakers actually have a viable EV platform. The problem in lies with the complexity of an electric vehicle � from the software to the general packaging. That being said, Tesla has become one of the first to produce a proper EV, which has some of the world�s elite automakers taking notice.

Porsche has reportedly placed an order for Tesla� Roadster EV, which will undoubtedly be used for R&D purposes � a practice not uncommon in the auto industry. The Roadster represents everything a Porsche EV would stand for � excellent acceleration, handling and braking � so it makes sense that the German automaker is so interested in the electric two-seater.

The other reason for Porsche�s interest in the Roadster likely stems from its failure with its own E-RUF electric 911. The E-RUF is an all-electric concept Porsche launched earlier this year, but its performance is more in line with a Toyota Prius than Porsche 911. Zero to 60 in the E-RUF takes a lethargic 7 seconds, with the car�s 4,200 lbs. curb weight taking a serious toll on cornering a braking.

Because of the disappointment with the E-RUF and the news of the Roadster purchase, it appears as though Porsche is going back to the drawing board with its electric plans. That means the first all-electric Porsche is likely several years away, but at least the automakers first production EV will be worthy of the Porsche nameplate.

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