THE PHRASE ‘game-changing’ is used a lot in technology circles. Used to describe something new, it’s nearly always the description of choice of our friends from across the Atlantic.

How appropriate that Tesla’s Roadster has been described as something of a game-changer in automotive circles. It was only recently that the all-electric roadster exploded onto the scene, demonstrating supercar levels of performance and a range that could rival a hard-driven petrol-powered alternative.

Tesla itself was equally revolutionary; eschewing the usual automotive business plan, the company’s rise to fame had more in common with a well-funded Internet start up than a traditional bricks and mortar organisation. The firm’s American roots, specifically California’s Silicon Valley, have only served to add a layer of excitement to proceedings.

The car itself has its origins much closer to home - a Lotus facility in deepest Hethel. Tesla realised that it couldn’t do everything itself and sought the best in the business for help. Lotus is renowned the world over for its engineering skills, so now you know why the Roadster looks a little like a long wheelbase Elise. Lotus helped with initial development and builds the bare production car before the powertrain, battery and electrical systems are fitted.

By 2008 the first cars were finding customers, although this was very much a left-hand drive only project. Fast forward to today and you can buy a right-hand drive car.

What we have today is a two-seat, rear-wheel drive roadster clad in lightweight composite panels. Power comes from a Tesla designed 375 volt motor, which translates into 288 horsepower in the real world. And remember, being an electric motor, response is near-instant as is the torque delivery. In base trim the motor develops 273lb/ft and 295lb/ft in Roadster Sport trim tested here.

With these numbers it’s hardly surprising the car posts such eye-popping performance figures. The 62mph sprint comes up in a supercar-rivalling 3.9 for the base car and 3.7 for the Sport, with top speed limited to a respectable 125mph.

The arrival of the right-hand drive cars coincides with a thorough revamp of the Roadster. After some initial teething troubles with a two-speed transmission, the car now boasts a single-speed unit. Inside there’s a push-button control for Reverse, Neutral and Drive, while a small touchscreen display shows range, power consumption, status and allows the driver to switch between three driving programmes - economy, regular and sport.

The car’s liquid cooled lithium-ion battery back, which is the heaviest component by a country mile, is a perfect example of Tesla’s hi-tech approach. Designed, like the rest of the car, to operate in all weathers, it’s got a seven year or 100,000 mile life expectancy.

Drive the car sensibly and you can easily see 200 miles between charges. Select the economy mode and you’ll comfortably exceed that figure. Drive it like you stole it and you’ll likely halve that initial figure. Still, we’re taking about a car with Porsche 911 Turbo levels of acceleration. Drive that Porsche hard and you’ll be looking at a 150-mile range if you’re lucky.

Which brings us neatly onto running costs. The Roadster Sport will cost a whisker around the £100,000 mark. If it helps, so will that 911 Turbo. If charging the Tesla at home, you’ll be paying only a few pounds per session, while you’re looking at £70 or more to fill the Porsche. Charging can be completed in a few hours with the right mains outlet and charging cable, but with the average daily commute only a few miles, you won’t be doing it every day.

Granted the car is very much pitched at early adopters, but getting them onboard early should pave the way for great acceptance amongst the masses. And there’s no better way of grabbing attention than through performance. Simply put the Roadster is an addictive experience. Once you’ve turned the key, waited for the car to power up and thumbed ‘D’ everything else feels prehistoric by comparison.

Rapid acceleration is accompanied by the distant whine of the transmission. It’s a good job the speedo is big as you’ll need it often. The car’s Elise foundations do it no harm in the handling department, while the battery’s mass does much to cancel out the donor car’s slightly skittish behaviour over less than smooth roads.

Factor in the direct steering and you’re guaranteed a ball on the road. Even the brakes are special: the power regeneration effect renders them almost unnecessary at low speeds. The sensation is akin to engine braking from a high compression diesel motor - and then some.

It’s fast, exciting yet surprisingly docile at urban speeds. It’s also practical, what with its decent range and flexible charging options. Yes, it is expensive, but no more so than something petrol-powered with the same performance. The upside is that long term ownership (charging, servicing) is surprisingly affordable.

Imagine what a conventional saloon car would be like with the same technology stuffed inside it? That’s exactly what Tesla is doing right now. The future really is bright.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Model: Tesla Roadster Sport, from £86,950 for the base model plus £14,950 for the Sport upgrade.

Engine: electric motor developing 288bhp equivalent.

Transmission: single speed transmission as standard, driving the rear wheels.

Performance: Maximum speed 125mph (limited), 0-62mph 3.7 seconds.

Economy: approx 200 miles per full charge.

CO2 Rating: zero.