Lotus Cars supplied the chassis used by the original Tesla Roadster.
The first-generation Tesla Roadster was based on the Lotus Elise, a lightweight sports car. Tesla acquired gliders, or largely complete vehicle structures, from Lotus and modified them for electric propulsion, battery storage, and Tesla-specific bodywork and systems.
Tesla’s engineering work included integrating a lithium-ion battery pack, an electric motor, power electronics, and software. The Roadster’s design showed how a lightweight sports-car platform could help offset the mass of early battery technology.
The relationship does not mean the Roadster was simply a rebadged Elise. Tesla changed the body, powertrain, battery system, and many other components. Lotus assembled the vehicles under contract, while Tesla developed the electric technology that defined the car.