Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

AC Propulsion Tzero: The Car that Elon Musk Opened His Eyes

AC Propulsion Tzero

The history of the automobile is full of insane studies that first inspired and then disappeared. This time: the AC Propulsion Tzero. Without the almost forgotten electric car prototype, Tesla might not even exist.

It is well known that Elon Musk likes to be the center of attention. But he obviously also has a feeling for when truthfulness is appropriate. In a tweet on December 9, 2018, he announced that the Tzero electric sports car was “the inspiration for the Tesla Roadster”. “Without this prototype, Tesla wouldn’t exist, or at least it would have taken a lot longer,” tweeted Musk.

Tzero? Even if hardly anyone knows the bold vehicle, of which only three prototypes were built – it is actually the nucleus of all modern electric cars.

The handcrafted car first rolled onto the stage of the auto world in January 1997 at the Los Angeles auto show. The main purpose of the two-seater was to publicize a new electric drive from the Californian company AC Propulsion. The company from San Dimas, founded in 1992, was already developing electronic components for the automotive industry.

6 Most Curious Guinness Records in Motor World

However, the electric two-seater did not attract attention until three years later. The Tzero competed in quarter-mile sprint duels (approx. 400 meters) against a Ferrari F355, a Corvette C5 and a Porsche Carrera 4 – and each won a superior one. A measly electric car disgraces three supercars! An e-machine with 160 kW made brute six- and eight-cylinder combustion engines look old! There had to be something to this new electric drive technology. The Tzero combined lightweight construction, high-tech, driving fun and dynamism – and it did so almost silently and without exhaust fumes. Was that much more than just a technology demonstrator from a small company on the outskirts of Los Angeles?


Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Related Articles

Top Trending

Best Mobile Horror Games
The Best Mobile Horror Games That Will Keep You Up at Night
Evolution of Video Game Graphics
The Evolution of Video Game Graphics: 1980s to 2025
Healthy Gaming Routine
Build a Healthy Gaming Routine: Play Smarter, Avoid Burnout
Best Workouts Inspired by Video Games
Level Up Your Fitness: Best Video Game-Inspired Workouts
How many cups in a Quart
How Many Cups are in a Quart? Unlock the Secret

LIFESTYLE

summer birthday party ideas
Creative Summer Birthday Party Ideas for Kids in 2025
May 6 Zodiac
May 6 Zodiac: Positive Traits, Compatibility and More about Taurus
self storage solutions for life transitions
How Self Storage Can Help During Major Life Changes (Divorce, Moving, etc.)?
why is my poinsettia dying
Why Is My Poinsettia Dying? Tips To Revive Your Wilting Poinsettia Plant
crypto retirement plan strategies
7 Ways Crypto Can Reshape Your Retirement Plan for the Future

Entertainment

rocket league unblocked
Rocket League Unblocked: Soccer And Vehicular Mayhem Online Game
smokey robinson sexual assault allegations
Smokey Robinson Faces Sexual Assault Allegations by 4 Women
Disneyland Abu Dhabi
Disneyland Abu Dhabi: First Disney Theme Park in Middle East
Netflix OpenAI Partnership
Netflix Teams Up with OpenAI to Transform Streaming Experience
silvana prince
Silvana Prince's Bio, Height, Weight, Family, Net Worth, Career, and More in 2025

GAMING

Best Mobile Horror Games
The Best Mobile Horror Games That Will Keep You Up at Night
Evolution of Video Game Graphics
The Evolution of Video Game Graphics: 1980s to 2025
Best Workouts Inspired by Video Games
Level Up Your Fitness: Best Video Game-Inspired Workouts
rocket league unblocked
Rocket League Unblocked: Soccer And Vehicular Mayhem Online Game
Maksym Krippa GSC Game World
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Reimagined: How Maksym Krippa’s Entry Reshaped GSC Game World in 2023

BUSINESS

Business Behind Game Localization
The Business Behind Game Localization: How It Works
International Employment Agencies
How international employment agencies can help you find talent in hard-to-reach markets?
Transition Your Business to Web3
How to Transition Your Business to Web3 Successfully
How to Calculate Quarterly Tax Payments
How to Calculate Quarterly Tax Payments in 5 Easy Steps
credit suisse tax evasion
Credit Suisse Fined $511M for U.S. Offshore Tax Evasion Scheme

TECHNOLOGY

Maksym Krippa GSC Game World
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Reimagined: How Maksym Krippa’s Entry Reshaped GSC Game World in 2023
Strengthening Cybersecurity with Security Operations
Strengthening Cybersecurity with Security Operations, CWPP, and Product Security
pitch a game idea
How to Pitch a Game Idea to a Developer or Publisher?
Web3 impact on virtual reality experiences
How Web3 Is Redefining Virtual Reality and Immersive Experiences?
Smart Contracts in Web3
How Smart Contracts Are Shaping the Future of Web3?

HEALTH

Yimusanfendi
7 Incredible Benefits of Yimusanfendi Meditation and Possible Side Effects
Connection Between Hydration and Urinary Health
The Connection Between Hydration and Urinary Health
Neuralink Brain Implant Patient Regains Speech
Neuralink Brain Implant Helps ALS Patient Regain Speech with AI Support
Wegovy for Weight Loss
Wegovy for Weight Loss: Is It Worth Buying Online?
Role of Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing in IVF
The Role of Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing in IVF with ICSI Success