AC Propulsion
tzero (1997-2003)

Why it matters

The tzero was the electric sports car with which AC Propulsion of San Dimas, California, demonstrated its AC drive system. Its combination of acceleration and range with lithium-ion cells convinced the founders of Tesla Motors that an electric sports car was feasible, and it is described as the prototype of the Tesla Roadster. Only three were built.

How rare is it?

Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.

Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.

Production

Every figure says what it counts.

Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.

History

The tzero began life in the late 1990s as a showcase for AC Propulsion's AC 150 drive system. The original car used lead-acid batteries, produced 220 horsepower and was good for 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds, a top speed of 90 mph and a range of 80 to 90 miles.

In 2003 the company unveiled a version with 6,800 lithium-ion laptop-type cells, 700 pounds lighter and claimed to run up to 300 miles per charge, priced at $220,000 and sold only directly by the company. Two earlier lead-acid cars were sold for private use. In 2017 one of the three was reported destroyed in a workshop fire in Arizona.

Technical specifications

Engine

Transmission & drivetrain

Chassis, body & dimensions

Performance

“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.

Identification guide

How to tell an original from a replica or later conversion.

Only three tzero vehicles were built. The first examples used lead-acid batteries; the lithium-ion pack was a later change, so the battery type identifies the build stage. Electrek reports that one of the three was destroyed in a 2017 fire in Arizona. MotorTrend says two are held by the Petersen Automotive Museum, which does not match Electrek's count of one surviving car.

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

1. 1
   A piece of electric car history up in flames (Electrek, 11 May 2017) Level C

   • 3 tzero vehicles ever built (as reported in 2017)

   Accessed 2026-11-13
2. 2
   A piece of electric car history up in flames Level C Electrek

   • only one of 3 Tzero vehicles left in circulation

   Accessed 2026-11-13
3. 3
   DRIVING; Lots of Zoom, With Batteries Level C The New York Times

   • the rear-wheel-drive Tzero ... AC 150 drive system
   • A 220-horsepower street-legal racer
   • top speed of 90 m.p.h.
   • In 3.7 seconds ... reach 60 miles per hour

   Accessed 2026-11-13