Running on pure electricity doesn't necessarily mean low speeds and short ranges. Pack enough batteries into a vehicle and you can travel up to 244 miles with a top speed of 125 mph in the Tesla Roadster.

With DNA traceable to the Lotus Elise, the Roadster puts some sizzle into plug-in EVs, using its 366-volt, lithium-ion battery array to hum to 60 mph from a standing stop in a company-measured 3.9 seconds. Charging requires less than four hours using a household 240-volt outlet. Cruise control, air conditioning and heated seats are all standard in addition to a long list of available, extra-cost options.

The ultimate look-at-me automobile, only 250 Roadsters have been sold to date.