Tesla partnered with Lotus to produce the original Roadster’s glider chassis.
The first-generation Tesla Roadster used a modified version of the Lotus Elise’s bonded aluminum chassis. Lotus supplied the glider vehicles, meaning the rolling chassis and related components were delivered before Tesla installed its electric powertrain, battery system, electronics, and other Tesla-specific parts.
Tesla’s Roadster was not simply an electric Elise. Tesla heavily modified the structure and body, added thousands of lithium-ion battery cells, and developed the electric drivetrain that made the car distinctive. Lotus’s manufacturing expertise nevertheless provided an established lightweight platform for Tesla’s first production vehicle.
The Roadster entered production in 2008 and helped demonstrate that a battery-electric sports car could offer strong acceleration. It also gave Tesla practical experience that informed later vehicles such as the Model S. Lotus is therefore the relevant chassis partner, while Tesla remained responsible for the electric conversion and final product.