Because the car recharges its batteries when the throttle is released — slowing sharply as energy is recaptured — it can be driven hard using only the accelerator pedal. Also, if the car detects a turn with more than half a G-force, it eases the rear-wheel regenerative braking to prevent slides.
The version debuted by AC Propulsion in August 2003 is powered by 6,800 lightweight lithium-ion laptop computer batteries, giving it a 300-mile range. Lighter than the original version by 700 pounds, the 2003 edition goes from 0-60 in 3.7 seconds. The single gear ratio limits the car's maximum velocity to just over 100 mph at 13,000 RPM. The base price of the car is USD $220,000.
The original version of the roadster runs on 28 Optima Yellow Top Lead Acid batteries which produce 200 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque at 336 volts which rockets the 1040 kg car from 0-60 in 4.07 seconds. The single gear ratio limits the car's maximum velocity to 90 MPH at 12,000 RPM, although it is said that early prototypes fitted with multiple gear ratios could hit 155 MPH. Even still, it is capable of completing a quarter mile drag race in 13.24 seconds. The expected range per charge of the TZero with the batteries it comes with is 80-100 miles as a result of consuming only 180 watt hours per mile (DC) on the highway and due to regenerative braking. Within a single hour, the car can be charged from 0-95%. The base price of the car due to low volume production is USD $80,000.
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